Goal: Become a Technology Specialist/Coordinator for a school, what degree?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by seduflow, May 14, 2009.

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  1. seduflow

    seduflow New Member

  2. retake

    retake New Member

    Penn Tech offers a B.S. in Technology Management through DL as well: http://www.pct.edu/catalog/majors/btm.shtml

    I know someone who is currently enrolled in this program and he has nothing but good things to say about it. It's similar to a bachelors of applied science program. They'll accept a technical associates degree towards the first 60 credits. I'm sure there is a way around that though, since you have technical work experience.
     
  3. tmartca

    tmartca New Member


    Have you looked at job postings for the type of job you want? If you have, look at experience, duties and education. What skills and/or credentials do you think you are lacking?

    If you feel that an EdS is too much at this time look at certificate programs that may focus specifically on some of the areas in your education that you feel are necessary to do the job you want to do.

    If you are looking at a K-12 setting I do know that some states have a credential requirement, just like teachers. You might want to look at seeing if this requirement will be a barrier to employment at potential schools in your area.

    Good luck
     
  4. scaredrain

    scaredrain Member

    Hello I am currently the technology director and was once a technology instructional coordinator for a K to 12 district. First thing you need to do is check with your school district or state to see what licensure requirements you need to become licensed. In NC. that type of position requires either an 077 or 079 license, while there is not a praxis 2 test required, you still have to satisfy licensure requirements.

    Since you are a teacher you know that most positions at the central office level is normally given to those who are related to someone else or someone who knows someone else, this trend is changing somewhat, but the good ole boy network still persists in some school districts, and not just in the south either!

    You should also make yourself aware of all instructional technology items that related to your state's curriculum guidelines and start going to workshops and make yourself more than familiar about classroom technologies, such as classroom response systems, smartboards, promethian boards, mimio boards, etc..airliners, almost anything thats k to 12 technology related. Good luck!
     
  5. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    To add in another aspect, the community college I work for has a new technology department. It includes employee training, staff development, training us how to develop web based classes, how to use various software in our classroom, coordinating online classes, using technology in the classroom, etc. We have 3 colleges in our district- and he oversees all of it. He has about 4 who work under him that covers our whole district (very small dept). Is this the type of job you mean? If so, my suggestion before getting another degree is to go find people doing the job you want and talk to them. Look at job postings too, but sometimes they are not an accurate picture of who really gets hired. Asking is the ONLY WAY to find out the truth. I can't emphasize this enough. If you have a local college, do this in person. Make a network.

    Community colleges are not like universities- if you are looking for a CC position (you didn't specify), I wouldn't go back to school until you have had some work experience- you need to be a balanced candidate. CCs want a nice level teeter-toter balanced between education and work experience..not too much in either direction.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 14, 2009
  6. seduflow

    seduflow New Member


    Yes I am looking for something like that in the college or k-12 school level. I also dont mind if it is more technical related such as repairing computers, servers, etc.

    I don't mind getting another degree because I'm young now and I can handle it, but are you guys saying an extra degree would hurt me?

    And what would be better, the ED.S degree that I posted in my first post or a MA in IT degree?
     
  7. seduflow

    seduflow New Member

    http://www.scis.nova.edu/masters.html

    there seems to be 2 programs in there that are for the educational field, and it seems those programs are more technicial than that ed.s i posted

    what do you guys think?
     
  8. mattbrent

    mattbrent Well-Known Member

    An Ed.S. degree is basically a second masters degree in education. As a fellow teacher, I'd say the more you have, the better you'll be.

    Keep in mind also that some schools divide technology between Educational Technology and Administrative Technology. Virginia's regulations require these to be separate people.

    Here's another thought for you. I know quite a few people who have moved up into administrative positions. Even though they are not Principal positions, the individuals held an endorsement in administration and supervision. You might want to consider that as well.

    -Matt
     
  9. Gail

    Gail New Member

    You've been a technician, have a degree in education, taught and are at the finish line of an MA in ed tech. Have you applied anywhere for a tech position? Why are you looking for another program? If anything, I'd start looking at certifications as the rest of your credentials seem good enough to get you at the very least an interview at a school. Piling up the degrees doesn't make you a stronger candidate; experience in education does.

    What exactly are you looking to do? "Repairing computers and servers" is usually a support services role, not a academic one. The tech office at my school handles the infrastructure, installs, set ups, running wire, printers, phone system, etc. What qualifications do you have to repair servers?

    The technology coordinators at my institution have nothing to do with that end of things. They are strictly academic: teaching classes, developing curriculum, running workshops for teachers and students, overseeing technology related classroom projects.

    You need to decide what hat you want to wear. If repairing computers and servers is something you'd prefer, I'd hit the certification circuit and get an A+ and Network+ for starters.
     
  10. seduflow

    seduflow New Member

    Well I am getting non renewed this June because I only wanted to teach computers. Not a big problem, because I got a job as a District computer/network technician that I should start in july. Computer teaching jobs are hard to get because NJ just requires a teaching license to teach it.

    I figure my masters in educational technology will help me with the educational aspects of technology and being able to incorporate them in the curriculum. Which would serve nicely if I got to work in the educational technology department of a school.

    But I want to have my options opened. Some of these administrative roles seem to be a combination of technical and educational technology. Here is one as an example


    "School is seeking a full-time Technology Support Specialist. Our school provides an extended day of instruction. We offer a collaborative environment with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. The Technology Support Specialist is responsible for installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows XP desktop and notebook computers, Mac OS X Servers with Open Directory, FileMaker databases; Design, Development, Clients and Servers support, peripherals, AV equipment, Internet network and some basic web design and maintenance experience. In addition, the Technology Support Specialist will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and parents to support technology integration and media center in instruction. Support experience and Open Directory administrator experience is required"

    I don't plan on getting another MA degree right away, but I want to at least find a general program that I could do when the time comes. Right now I'm going to plan to study networking administration from my local community college, just so I can get a stronger background in networking. It's about 4 classes.

    I would personally would rather work from the academic field ,but in life we sometimes don't have a choice.

    But for a person in my shoes, which degree would be better. The ed.s one I posted, or the MA in IT i posted?

    --------------------------

    edit

    here is a postion for technology coordinator that a school was advertising for

    The job includes,but is not limited is not limited to:
    Knowledge in local area network maintenance
    Troubleshooting
    Ue of outsource networking contracts
    Maintaining all computer related inventories, including software, hardware, licenses, peripheral equipment, and cabling
    PC and MAC support and troubleshooting
    Printer support and troubleshooting
    Installation, configuration, & management of all network hardware and communications products (routers, servers, switches, firewalls...)
    Recommend improvements to LAN/WAN, telephony system, internet access, and all technology components
    Maintaining internet site (Schoolwires)
    Understanding of Realtime (student information system) a plus
    A comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Windows and MAC OS
    Provide a single point of contact to teachers and the administration team on technology initiatives and workshops
    Strong server experience, knowledge of the internet, e-mail, video streaming, digital video, database management, and web development
    Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with faculty members with varied technology abilities.
     
  11. seduflow

    seduflow New Member

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