Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

In searching for employment opportunities within Instructional Design, I found the following three. With the first and last being the only two I feel currently qualified for.

Instructional Technology Director, Taylor ISD:

• Responsibilities: Direct and manage the instructional technology services for the district. Ensure efficient and effective access to instructional technology applications by all campuses and administrative departments. Assist in the development of short and long range plans for the integration of technology in the instructional program. Coordinate ongoing professional development withstaff to increase the effectiveness of technology being used in the classroom.
• Qualifications: Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications including computers, printers, and other equipment. Knowledge of technologies available for use in instructional setting. Knowledge of curriculum design and implementation Ability to develop and deliver technology training to adult learners. Ability to manage personnel. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree Valid Texas Teaching Certificate required Master’s degree preferred Experience: Two years teaching experience. Three years’ experience in integrating technology in the instructional setting. Experience providing professional development in the integration of technology in the classroom setting. This position reports directly to the Superintendent.

Sr. Learning & Development Facilitator, Walt Disney Company

• Responsibilities: assess needs, facilitate conversations (and classes), partner with business leaders and drive over all value to the organization
• Qualifications: Minimum8 years experience in an organization, including minimum 4 years in an influential Learning/Training/HR role. Robust experience with instructional design, content development, and program evaluation; must be able to effectively employ various facilitation techniques, utilize multiple delivery options; and leverage measurement and evaluation theory and methods. Demonstrated ability to facilitate sessions for large groups of employees at all levels of the organization on a variety of professional development content areas. Experience conducting organizational level, program level, and individual level needs analysis to identify learning and development needs and target program development. Must bring strategic perspective to training and development to effectively develop program curriculum, as well as individual programs. Experience in eLearning processes and technologies desirable. Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, as well as strong presentation skills with a variety of audiences. Exceptional project management skills, independent problem solving skills, attention to detail, flexibility, and ability to collaborate with others and to work in a fast-paced environment are all qualities necessary to be successful in this position. A self-starter with a Guest service mentality to client work

Instructional Systems Specialist, Department of Defen

se

• Responsibilities: assess the system-wide effectiveness in the defined program area(s) by monitoring the implementation of curriculum/performance standards. The incumbent develops goals and standards to include those that support the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan. The incumbent integrates data from system-wide testing programs, accreditation reports, and supervisory field observations into comprehensive needs statements for the assigned area of responsibility as a basis for the development of system-wide action plans to implement curriculum and program standards. In the program area(s), the educator directs the systematic review of curriculum/performance/program standards, and methodology for the program area. Identifies training needs in the area(s) of responsibility. The incumbent trains administrators, teachers, specialists and other educators, in the methods for implementing and maintaining effective instruction and assessment both in the existing curriculum and in initiatives for curriculum improvement. Provides information to the Deputy Superintendent for Instruction; the Area Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; and District Superintendents regarding program needs, status, and recommendations for improvement. Represents DoDEA in meetings at various agencies and departments of the Federal government relating to the areas of educational expertise. Monitors the quality of program services to ensure compliance with professional quality assurance standards.
• Qualifications: Three years of experience in teaching, educational research, development of educational materials and aids, educational testing, guidance counseling, educational administration, or comparable activities, which has clearly demonstrated success in the application of principles, methods, and techniques of education and familiarity with current developments in education and training. This experience must have been in a content area specific to the ISS, Educational Technologist. Your resume must reflect 3 years of work experience directly related to instructional technology. Professional Education Requirement: A Master's degree is required for all Instructional Systems Specialist (ISS) positions. Professional Licensure/Certification Requirement: This position requires the applicant to meet DoDEA course work/certification requirements in the subject areas: Teacher, Educational Technologist.

I reviewed several of the self assessment tools available, however I did not learn anymore of myself than before. Between my military career and transitioning through many positions in several industries, I have gained a keen sense of my professional abilities. The one that did provide a bit of information was the employability check, which stated that my current career, high school career and technology teacher, is growing faster than average. However there was no information for any prospective careers.

I found the following professional organizations which I believe would benefit my professional career:

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE):

• Mission: improve learning, teaching and education administration through appropriate uses of technology
• Cost of membership ranges from $39 to $212/year
• Publications: Learning and Leading with Technology, Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, and Journal of Research on Technology in Education
• Conferences and meetings: ISTE's Annual conference & expo: San Diego, June 24-27 2012
• Opportunities for professional development: Leadership Academy, Webinars, certification

Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT):

• Mission: oriented to professionals whose work requires knowledge and communication in the field of instructional technology. It is a professional society, designed for individual membership participation with classes of membership keyed to the interest and experience of the individual. The Society provides a means to enhance the knowledge and job performance of an individual by participating in Society sponsored meetings, and through receiving Society sponsored publications. It enables one to achieve knowledge for work in the field of applied learning technology by association with other professionals in conferences sponsored by the Society.
• Cost of membership: $100/year
• Publications: Journal of Educational Technology Systems, Journal of Interactive Instruction Development, and Journal of Instruction Delivery Systems
• Conferences and meetings: New Learnings Technology Conference, Orlando, February 15-17 2012
• Opportunities for professional development: none specifically listed

I found the following three scholarly publications written regarding the field of educational technology. Before my research, I was not aware of the existence of any of them. However, I believe all three will prove useful in expanding my knowledge of topics regarding the industry.

Computers in Human Behavior:

• Focus/Goals of the journal: Address human interactions with computers and the psychological impact of computer use on individuals, groups, and societies.
• Submission guidelines are listed, yet are too extensive to mention here
• This is a peer reviewed journal
• The current issue is available online for free. Previous editions and articles are available for purchase.

Educational Technology: Research & Development:

• Focus/Goals of the journal
• Submission guidelines are listed, yet are too extensive to mention here
• This is a peer reviewed journal
• The journal is made available online

Journal of Educational Technology Systems:

• Focus/Goals of the journal: examine the design and development of interactive computer-based systems, techniques for using technology in educational systems, and classroom practices and experimentation with technology.
• Submission guidelines and evidence of peer review are not mentioned
• The journal is online, however only made available to members

In reviewing competencies for a performance technologist, I feel the following are important:

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