Abstract
Periodic assessment and evaluation is an important part of any successful program. This paper presents the findings of a needs assessment which examined the influence of e-learning and technical skill development in the area of educational technology with specific attention paid to the field of instructional design. A three-phase mixed methods approach was employed to carryout this assessment. Findings indicate that there is a strong perception among the participants that e-learning is a core component of the instructional design profession. The results of the study give a clear indication that e-learning is a significant influence on current instructional design operations. Therefore, it is necessary for students to acquire the skills required to successfully operate these programs. Recommendations were developed that can allow programs to be more responsive to current trends impacting the profession.
Highlights
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMSEducational technology is often thought of in either broad or narrow terms depending on the audience
This paper presents the findings of a needs assessment which examined the influence of e-learning and technical skill development in the area of educational technology with specific attention paid to the field of instructional design
Findings indicate that there is a strong perception among the participants that e-learning is a core component of the instructional design profession
Summary
Educational technology is often thought of in either broad or narrow terms depending on the audience. With the United States slowly coming out of a severe economic recession, the resulting economic pressures put particular strains on labor markets which, in turn, led to significant changes in the common set of skills and abilities needed to obtain and be successful in the specific labor markets that one would generally explore during and/or after graduating from an educational technology program. An investigation into the presence of e-learning as a content and instructional delivery method in organizations as well as other current trends can help determine what changes, if necessary, educational technology and related programs can carry out in order to make them more responsive to these changes in the field. 4. What are other areas in which Educational Technology programs can adapt to current labor needs that can make program graduates better equipped to have successful careers in the targeted labor markets?
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