Your selection of instructional technology degree programs should include a consideration of your career goals; the quality of an educational program, including its accreditation status; and whether completing the program is financially viable. As many schools offer several different concentrations within their instructional technology degree programs, be sure to locate those schools that offer concentrations in the area or areas that interest you. If you are currently employed or have responsibilities that prevent you from moving, look into local schools or online instructional technology degree programs that won’t require you to relocate. Another advantage of online degree programs is that you can more easily integrate your coursework with your professional and personal schedules.
Due to the specialized nature of some areas of instructional technology, you may want to place a significant priority on locating schools that offer concentrations that closely match your professional and academic interests. For example, if you hope to work with the disabled, you should look for instructional technology degree programs that offer training in adaptive technologies that can teach you how to use technology to assist those with disabilities in their educational pursuits. If your primary interest is in using Internet software to create online classrooms for adult students, find a program that offers training in adult education along with Internet-based learning technology.
Once you find one or more programs that offer instruction in the areas that interest you, take the time to review the schools and their instructors. Check to make sure that each school is accredited. Talk to other people in the instructional technology field and get their opinions about each school. You may also want to check out the credentials and reputation of the instructors in each of the instructional technology degree programs in which you consider enrolling. In some cases, you may find that a faculty member specializes in your area of interest, which can be a strong reason to select one school over another.
Make sure that you can afford both the time and money to attend the school of your choice. If you do work, online instructional technology degree programs may be the best option for you. Otherwise, find out whether a school offers night or weekend classes that will let you complete school during times when you don’t have to be at work. Contact the financial aid department at each school as well. Ask about what government aid programs they participate in and whether the school offers scholarships or grants to students in need.
