I hold a BA in English Education from Boise State and have been teaching at a project-based school in San Diego for the last four years. I’m considering transitioning out of the classroom to pursue roles with better pay and more advancement opportunities. Some colleagues have suggested that a Master’s in Educational Technology might open up various job opportunities both within and outside of education. I’m interested in learning about the experiences others have had with such programs. Which programs have you found valuable? How long did they last? What were the costs, and how flexible were they? I plan to continue teaching next year, so a program with a heavy workload might be challenging. I’ve looked into programs at Boise State and Western Governors University but would like to learn more. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.
I pursued an EdTech degree thinking I would go into software development or manage a tech space, but ended up loving teaching and switched to a certification track, which extended my program to two years at Teachers College, NY. It was expensive, but job opportunities at the college helped with costs. Not everyone in EdTech roles has a degree; many are former teachers who transitioned into tech. Consider whether the degree is necessary for what you want to do or if there are other pathways.
@Beatrix2
Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s helpful to hear about different paths into the field. I’m curious, would you say the program significantly helped in transitioning to tech-oriented roles in education?
Reflecting on real-world teaching experiences can be very beneficial in an EdTech program. I waited a few years before pursuing my degree, which helped me understand the practical applications of technology in education more deeply. Whether online or in-person, choose a program with a strong education faculty to get the most well-rounded experience.
@holmesben
Appreciate the advice! Based on my four years of teaching, I’m leaning towards starting soon. Do you think this is sufficient experience to begin?
Lily said: @holmesben
Appreciate the advice! Based on my four years of teaching, I’m leaning towards starting soon. Do you think this is sufficient experience to begin?
Absolutely, four years is a solid foundation. The insights you’ve gained will enrich your studies and application of EdTech.
I’m completing my final summer at Boise State’s Master of Educational Technology program. It’s entirely online, which might suit your schedule as a current teacher. Let me know if you have specific questions!
I considered Boise State but ultimately chose Texas A&M - Texarkana for its in-state tuition benefits. Both programs seemed robust, but proximity and cost were my deciding factors.
Evans said:
I considered Boise State but ultimately chose Texas A&M - Texarkana for its in-state tuition benefits. Both programs seemed robust, but proximity and cost were my deciding factors.
Cost is a big factor for me too. Thanks for pointing out the importance of considering financial aspects alongside the curriculum.
I’m studying Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology at SUNY Albany. It’s great for practical application but I’m not looking to change careers, just enhance my teaching. Depends on your goals.