The many changes in educational technologies have been well documented in both the professional and popular literature. What is less well documented is the changing nature of programs that prepare individuals for careers in the broad multi-disciplinary field of educational technology. This article is a first attempt to look at how educational…

Educational technologists may advance the state of the field by increasing capacity to develop software tools and instructional applications. Presently, few academic programs in educational technology require even a single computer programming course. Further, the educational technologists who develop software generally work independently or in…

Despite the central role that well organized and structured course content plays in engaging online learners with content, the authors point to the absence of guidelines for organizing content in ways that meet course learning goals. Recognizing the need for a design solution and, perhaps, the need for a new design model, "design…

The Open University of Catalonia (UOC) was established as public, online university and thus has grown quickly with the global interest in online courses. However, like other dedicated distance-education institutions, UOC has had challenges adapting to MOOCs, and the emergent world of Web 2.0 learning technologies. To meet these challenges, UOC…

Discusses the difficulties in defining instructional technology, suggests core competencies, proposes five instructional designer archetypes, and describes the development of an instructional card game designed for graduate students in instructional design to expose them to major responsibilities of an instructional designer and give them insight…

Instructional design scholars have emphasized the development of theories and models more than the study of professional practice. Although both theoretical and practical knowledge are essential in a professional discipline, the field has not yet articulated the relationship between the two types of knowledge and how understanding this…

Defines performance technology, compares performance technology with instructional technology, and suggests ways to incorporate performance technology into graduate programs in instructional design and technology. Curriculum changes are discussed, similarities in analysis and needs assessment activities are highlighted, and the need for continuing…

Discusses the need for increased emphasis on client relations in instructional technology programs of study and describes a graduate course that was developed to meet that need for experiential learning and practice. Explains the model of cognitive apprenticeship learning environments used which includes the sociology, methods, content, and…

Presents the story of one graduate student's experience in an advanced instructional-design class at San Diego State University. The class places students with real clients for a semester of instructional design and technology-consulting work. Author offers students encouragement to learn about the softer side of educational-technology consulting.…

Describes issues and concerns facing students who are deciding on a master's or doctoral program in instructional technology. Factors that students should consider when selecting a graduate program are identified, including admission requirements, course offerings, internships, and funding; and resources that offer information regarding…

Examines integrating computer mediated communication (CMC) in graduate education and describes the use of CMC to promote experiential learning in an educational-technology course, highlighting approach and objectives, curriculum changes, design of virtual space, instructional method, and results. Suggests further implementations. (PEN)

Discussion of the use of online learning activities in higher education focuses on experiences with a master's degree program in educational technology leadership at George Washington University (Washington, DC) that involves online learning as an essential element. Plans to create an online doctoral program in distance education leadership are…