Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there.

Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promotion?)

I currently teach 6^th grade in Mesquite ISD. We are a self-contained unit meaning I teach all subject areas. I am presently enrolled in the Educational Technology Library Science program. I was interested in obtaining a position in the library or elsewhere in order to put my technological skills to better use.  I feel that I would be a great asset to my campus as I share my knowledge and passion for technology.  When I graduate I expect to find a career that allows me to demonstrate the knowledge I have gained throughout my graduate studies of educational technology.

 

Next, describe the kind of work that you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix^TM in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third, or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in?

 

After completing the workmatrix, I was able to conclude that I most desire first level service. I hope to obtain a position as a school librarian. I would still like to be part of an elementary campus where I can continue to help young students on a daily basis and be a part of the education system. I want to share my passion for literature and technology among other students. Being a librarian would also provide me the opportunity to work with all grade levels and build multiple relationships with students throughout the campus. I feel as if school librarian roles are also shifting more towards technology facilitators. I believe that I could share my knowledge and expertise to other teachers and help them design technology into their lesson designs successfully and efficiently. I feel with the amount of staff development through my district and graduate level classes that I can design and develop instruction that is higher level and engaging for students.

Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations?

I believe that in order for me to be effective as a school librarian, I need experience facilitating a library. Learning the operation and cataloging will be a major component when administering a library. Also, it would be to my benefit to stay current with technology tools and programs. I will be able to achieve this through the use and access of staff development courses offered by my district.  I believe by finishing the required courses within the Educational Technology Library Science program at TAMU- Commerce will allow me to obtain the skills needed to successfully lead and facilitate a school library.

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?

Chapter 28 offers a wide variety of professional organizations. International Society for Technology in Education, ISTE, provides services and guidance on how to improve technology skills for all grade levels. ITEA, International Technology Education Association would be another great organization to support my continued learning. This organization follows the innovation of technology throughout the world and also provides staff development sessions for teachers. I think that joining these organizations before graduating could benefit my learning. It would expand my knowledge on teaching and technology and provide a better base of knowledge for my ETEC courses that I am currently enrolled in.