Educational leaders who can solve real-world problems by applying theoretical knowledge to practical experiences are in high demand. School and district leaders seek qualified specialists who can raise the standards of education and instructional design to boost their teachers’ effectiveness and students’ success.
Design and Technology Working Together
As Gen Z breaks barriers and turns workplaces into technology-propelled learning environments, technological interventions at all levels of education are key to meeting their needs. Today’s instructional designers and coordinators, the architects of learning experiences for future generations, must be technologically proficient while remaining abreast of the rapidly changing world of technology. School districts across the nation are constantly on the lookout for instructional design leaders who have the skills, background and education to develop curriculum, design instruction and keep pace with technological advancement.
Working side-by-side, instructional designers and educational technologists identify and incorporate technologies into curricula. They also combine theory with practice to identify accessible and meaningful technologies that enhance the capabilities of students. While educational technologists solve technology-related issues, instructional designers and coordinators implement those technologies and work with faculty and administrators to meet their students’ specific needs.
Preparing for Positions in Instructional Design and Technology
A doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction qualifies graduates for increased responsibilities in their current positions, more advanced educational licensure, and specialized education careers. Students enrolled in programs like the Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction online from the University of Louisiana Monroe gain a better understanding of assessment, faculty training, mentoring and instructional design.
The program offers the course CURR 7003: Instructional Design and Technology Integration that rigorously applies theoretical and practical interventions to incorporate technology into instructional design. This course, focusing on the design, development, implementation and evaluation of instructional materials, allows students the opportunity to apply instructional design principles to solve problems effectively and creatively.
ULM’s instructional design and technology course is only one of the many core classes designed to blend theory and research with practical experience, giving their students an edge when applying for jobs. This program’s doctoral graduates are thoroughly grounded in qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistical analysis and diverse instruction techniques. The coursework offers educators the foundation to become experts in their fields and bring their expertise to schools.
Additional Career Options
In addition to the core courses, this program offers coursework in a variety of other specific areas. Students can specialize in education law and policy, assessment for instructional design, or communication and collaboration for solving problems.
An emphasis on incorporating technology and instructional design frameworks when solving instructional problems gives ULM’s doctoral students other advantages and job options. Many educators with doctoral degrees in curriculum and instruction work as instructional designers or instructional coordinators in the public sector. What makes these positions even more appealing is that the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts the demand for well-prepared designers will continue to grow as new and more technologies are developed to solve real-world instructional problems.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in instructional design, or if you simply want to hone your leadership skills in educational leadership, a Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction degree will prepare you in as few as 24 months.
Learn more about University of Louisiana Monroe’s Online Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction.
Sources:
Educase Review: EdTechs and Instructional Designers — What’s the Difference?
Khan Academy: What does an instructional designer do?
Turning: Top Facts That Will Help You Create Effective eLearning for Generation Z