Technology plays an important role in how people learn. From online courses and digital classrooms to corporate training and artificial intelligence, organizations increasingly rely on technology to support education and professional development.
But effective educational technology involves more than introducing new tools.
Someone needs to determine how technology supports learning, whether it’s appropriate for a particular audience, and how its effectiveness can be evaluated.
That’s where an educational technologist comes in.
Educational technologists work at the intersection of learning, technology, and instructional design, helping organizations create more effective learning experiences.
What Is an Educational Technologist?
An educational technologist is a professional who helps select, design, implement, and evaluate technologies used for teaching, learning, and training.
According to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), educational technology involves the ethical application of theory, research, and practices to improve learning and performance.
Educational technologists apply these principles in settings ranging from K–12 schools and universities to businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Their focus isn’t simply on knowing how to use technology. It’s understanding how technology can help people learn.
What Does an Educational Technologist Do?
Responsibilities vary depending on the organization, but educational technologists commonly:
- Evaluate and recommend educational technologies
- Help educators integrate technology into instruction
- Design digital learning materials and multimedia resources
- Develop online and blended learning experiences
- Support learning management systems and educational platforms
- Train educators and employees on new technologies
- Research emerging technologies and evaluate their effectiveness
- Promote accessible and equitable technology use
- Coordinate educational technology initiatives
Educational technologists frequently collaborate with educators, instructional designers, IT professionals, administrators, and subject-matter experts.
Their work combines technical knowledge, educational principles, and communication skills.
Where Do Educational Technologists Work?
Educational technology professionals can work in a variety of industries and learning environments.
K–12 Schools
In elementary and secondary education, educational technologists may help teachers incorporate digital tools, develop instructional resources, and implement technology initiatives.
Related positions include instructional technology specialist, technology integration coordinator, and educational technology coordinator.
Colleges and Universities
Higher education institutions employ educational technology professionals to support online learning, faculty development, instructional design, and academic technology.
These professionals may help faculty design online courses, develop multimedia resources, and evaluate digital learning tools.
Corporate Learning and Development
Businesses use educational technology to support employee onboarding, professional development, compliance training, and leadership development.
Educational technologists may develop digital training programs, implement learning platforms, or create interactive learning experiences.
The related occupation of training and development specialist involves designing, administering, and evaluating programs that improve employee knowledge and skills.
Government and Nonprofit Organizations
Government agencies and nonprofits also use educational technology to develop training programs, educational resources, and professional learning opportunities.
Although audiences and subject matter differ, the underlying goal remains the same: helping people learn effectively.
What Skills Does an Educational Technologist Need?
Educational technology combines knowledge of learning, technology, and organizational needs.
Important skills include:
Instructional Design
Understanding instructional design principles helps professionals develop meaningful learning objectives, activities, and assessments.
Technology Evaluation
Educational technologists must assess digital tools based on instructional value, accessibility, usability, privacy, and effectiveness.
Multimedia and Digital Learning
Experience with online courses, interactive activities, video, and other digital resources can help professionals create engaging learning experiences.
Research and Assessment
Evaluating learning outcomes and reviewing research helps organizations determine whether technology is achieving its intended goals.
Project Management and Collaboration
Implementing educational technologies often requires coordinating stakeholders, training users, and managing organizational change.
Accessibility
Understanding standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) helps professionals create more inclusive digital learning experiences.
How Is Artificial Intelligence Changing Educational Technology?
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for technology-supported learning.
AI tools may help educators develop instructional materials, provide personalized feedback, support tutoring, and create practice activities.
However, introducing AI into education requires careful consideration.
Educational technologists must evaluate whether AI supports learning objectives while considering potential concerns involving accuracy, bias, privacy, and accessibility.
UNESCO’s guidance on generative AI in education emphasizes responsible, human-centered approaches to integrating these technologies.
As AI evolves, educational technologists can help organizations determine when and how these tools should be used to support learning.
How Is an Educational Technologist Different From an IT Professional?
Educational technologists and information technology professionals often collaborate, but their responsibilities differ.
IT professionals generally focus on technology infrastructure, system performance, security, and technical support.
Educational technologists focus on how those technologies support instruction, learning, and professional development.
For example, when a university implements a new learning management system, IT professionals may manage technical integrations and security.
An educational technologist may focus on training faculty, evaluating instructional features, and helping educators use the platform effectively.
Both roles are important to successful technology implementation.
Is Educational Technology the Same as Instructional Design?
The fields overlap, but they aren’t identical.
Instructional design focuses on systematically creating effective learning experiences.
Educational technology encompasses a broader range of responsibilities, including instructional design, technology integration, research, evaluation, and educational technology leadership.
Some professionals work in positions that combine both areas.
How Do You Become an Educational Technologist?
There isn’t one required pathway into educational technology.
Some professionals begin as teachers and develop expertise in technology integration or online learning.
Others enter the field through instructional design, corporate training, communications, multimedia development, or technology-related roles.
Graduate education can help professionals build expertise in learning principles, instructional design, educational research, and emerging technologies.
The right educational and professional pathway depends on your interests and the type of learning environment in which you want to work.
Study Educational Technology at Kent State University
Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education in Educational Technology prepares educators and professionals to design, develop, and integrate innovative technologies into learning environments.
The program emphasizes instructional design, educational research, technology integration, and emerging technologies.
Students develop knowledge and skills relevant to creating digital learning experiences, evaluating educational technologies, and supporting technology-enabled instruction.
Whether you’re an educator interested in expanding your technology expertise or a professional exploring opportunities in instructional design and digital learning, graduate study can help you build a foundation for the field.
Help Shape How Technology Supports Learning
Educational technology will continue to evolve, bringing new opportunities and challenges for schools, universities, and organizations.
Educational technologists play an important role in connecting technological innovation with effective learning practices.
As new tools emerge, professionals who understand learning principles, instructional design, and technology evaluation will be better prepared to make informed decisions about educational innovation.
Explore Kent State University’s online Master of Education in Educational Technology to discover how you can build expertise in technology-supported learning and instructional design.
