Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

My situation is rather unique and unlike most graduate students in Educational Technology.  I am an Occupational Therapist and have practiced for 17 years.  In January 2014, I began working as a professor and fieldwork coordinator for the developing occupational therapist assistant program at Tyler Junior College.  I was asked to consider pursing a master’s degree in order to be eligible to become Program Director when the current PD is prepared to retire.  I chose the Educational Technology Leadership program so that I could pursue a degree that was education-based, without holding a teaching certificate.  I am hoping to gain knowledge and training to enhance the education of our students.  Though the training of therapist assistants requires hands-on and face-to-face interaction to develop specific skills, the advances in technology should be able to provide unique opportunities for student learning and advance our Program beyond what similar Programs are offering.   The Program Director position will not be available to me for a few years, but in the meantime, I plan to help develop curriculum and use technology frequently in our students’ educational process. 

In my degree plan, I am including electives in higher education and gaming and simulations.   These electives will support and enhance the area of education where I am currently working.  I do not feel I have learned enough at this point to know exactly what skills I need to pursue, but I am hoping to develop simulations and web-based learning for the students to gain knowledge without the need for direct instructor intervention.  Our Program has been limited by state legislation and we are concerned about our ability to provide all of the skills necessary to our students prior to their graduation and licensure exam.  The knowledge from my graduate education should provide additional support to the curriculum and enhance the students’ learning. 

Finally, I don’t feel that professional organization membership would benefit me at this time.  I am currently a member of the occupational therapy professional organization and feel that would support my current position more than the technological organizations.   I will consider a membership with the technological organizations if we determine it will support our Program and student success.