Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
Transforming the Learning Environment
April 4-6, 2004
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Dr. David Otts Meredith Anne S. Higgs Track 3 - Supporting the Transformative Environment |
Abstract
Higher education administrators seek the best faculty for their institutions. Technological skills are increasingly seen as a component of a successful candidate’s resume. Therefore, educational professionals with certification in technology may be more highly sought. This presentation will discussion trends in technology certification and describe current programs available for both prospective and current faculty.
Description
The skills required for proficiency with instructional technology tools have vaulted beyond the use of an overhead projector and a chalkboard. Faculty members are now required to be proficient in a range of instructional technology tools including web-enhanced coursework, the Internet, electronic messaging, and multi-media presentations. When higher education administrators process applications for faculty positions, they will seek means to determine the best faculty for their institutions. Increasingly, technological skills are seen as a component of a successful candidate’s resume. In addition to faculty applicants, current faculty members also may need to demonstrate competence in the use of instructional technology for promotion or tenure purposes. How can a faculty member’s instructional technology competence be demonstrated in a resume or curriculum vita? One means of demonstrating such competence is through instructional certification of pre-service and current faculty members. Participants in such programs gain skills vital to success in the modern classroom, and educational professionals with instructional technology certification may have an advantage in the academic job market. Faculty members who avail themselves of professional development through instructional technology certification may find that the value of these programs outweighs the opportunity cost. These programs may be available through employing institutions, professional organizations, or academic degree programs. This presentation seeks to explore some of the wide variety of programs currently available to pre-service and current faculty members and will discuss trends in technology certification. The audience will be asked to provide input on their feelings toward instructional technology certification and to discuss programs available at their institutions.