Does anyone have experience in Learning Technologies

[geardaddy]

or instructional design?

I'm currently enrolled to get my M.Ed. at the University of MN and I'm wondering what the job market's like out there for someone with a degree in Learning Technologies, Instructional Design, etc.

[BadgerKid]

1. Can't speak to the job market per se, but

here are some thoughts, FWIW, especially if you want/need to look to create a position for yourself:

1. the use of virtual worlds is an emergent idea.

2. some places, particularly rural schools, might not have great computer lab facilities. Teachers seem to be using smart boards these days.

3. anything to help customize learning for individual students might fit well with initiatives like RTTT.

[geardaddy]

2. Thanks

Excellent suggestions.

I just finished my first class in my program and the professor is doing some very interesting stuff with online classrooms.

I was at the launch of this site on Friday: http://lt.umn.edu/geothentic/

I'm not a k-12 teacher so, that's not really my bag, but I wouldn't mind being in a support role for online classrooms.

[FBaggins]

3. About 15 years worth.

I can't speak to the current market (I've been with the same employer for well over 20 years), but I might be able to give you a little insight.

If you're looking at the private non-education segment (something other than universities and schools), I recommend that you focus on the design side of the house. The technology/development side (Flash/Captivate/LMS/LCMS/etc) is useful, but many companies outsource that part to a developer overseas. Anyone with technical skills can take your storyboard and build a Captivate simulation for you... it's the design of that storyboard that can't be outsourced as efficiently.

I would also consider the type of company that you've looking for. You could work for a training-specific firm (SkillSoft/etc) where just the ADDIE/ID/etc experience is quite useful, but many in the field end up working in a training department for a firm that specializes in something else. In that case, it's very useful to expand your education into that field as well. I can't tell you how hard it is to fill a slot here for a curriculum designer who also develops e-Learning AND has a finance background.

[geardaddy]

4. Thanks FB

That's some good advice.