Instructional Technology Major Map
Use this major map to explore possibilities and plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academics.
Choose your year below, then see what you can do when you:
- Learn. Develop the knowledge and skills to complete your major.
- Engage. Contribute to campus and the community.
- Network. Build a foundation of professional connections.
- Transform. Make a positive impact in a diverse world.
- Prepare. Plan for life after graduation.
The map just offers suggestions - you don’t have to do it all.
Learn: What foundational courses should I be taking?
- EDT 211 and SPEE 101
- Complete the math requirement (consult an academic advisor)
- Enroll in COMP 105
Engage: What kinds of activities and organizations can I explore?
- Join Talent Gateway - UM-Dearborn’s unique online community where you can complete challenges, earn points, and connect your experience with your courses and professional goals
- Consider joining the Educational Technology Organization of Michigan (ETOM)
- Sign up for MLK Day of Service or Alternative Spring Break
Network: What are important topics in my field?
- Explore the ISTE Standards
- Learn about the Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Become familiar with Technological, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Transform: What are the challenges and the strengths in my community?
- Contribute to global learning initiatives on campus
- Follow the Michigan Legislature to learn about new education bills
- Volunteer at a local school to learn about the community’s needs
Prepare: What are the career options for people with my major?
- Meet with an academic advisor to review potential career options
- Develop your “academic toolkit” through numerous Seeds of Success workshops through the Office of Student Life
- Work a (paid) internship or co-op into your schedule to gain professional experience
Learn: How do I build on foundational courses?
- Work through the EDT courses required in the major such as EDT 401, 402, 410
- Meet with your academic advisor each semester
- Complete courses in your focus area (Health Informatics or Education)
Engage: What activities and organizations will help me develop professional skills?
- Attend the campus Digital Education Day in the spring
- Attend the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) Conference in the spring
- Review the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Digital Coaches
Network: How do I connect with faculty and students with similar interests?
- Consider submitting one of your best papers to the Meeting of Minds
- Attend Department of Natural Sciences colloquium
Transform: What are the challenges and strengths of the Detroit Metro area?
- Funding for adequate technology and resources is limited
- Attend a local meeting of your community boards
- There are several businesses relocating to the Detroit Metro area that need instructional technology support
Prepare: What resources are available on campus to help me develop the professional skills I will need?
- Visit the campus Writing Center
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Schedule a visit to the Office of Career Services
Learn: How do I gain expertise in Instructional Technology?
- Complete your remaining EDT core courses (EDT 420, 422, 430)
- Work as a supervising technician in the Student and Professional Shop located in the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Lab (MSEL)
- Work as a video production assistant in the Digital Education Recording Room
Engage: How can I grow as a leader on campus?
- Consider running for Student Government or a leadership position in a campus organization
- Participate in campus educational outreach activities
- Represent CEHHS as an Orientation Leader
Network: How can I broaden my professional relationships?
- Put forth your best effort in all internship, volunteer and field experiences
- Consider presenting at the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) conference with student colleagues or a professor
- Join the student chapter of one of the international organizations related to instructional technology (ISLS, ISTE, ICDE)
Transform: How can I prepare to effectively solve local and global challenges?
- Secure an internship experience with high-needs students outside of your own community
- Become a Diversity Ambassador or participate in a Conversation on Race
- Consider volunteering with a government agency or nonprofit organization
Prepare: What practical things should I do to further my career options?
- Seek out additional certification in relevant areas such as web design, online teaching and Universal Design for Learning
- Volunteer to present at a technology conference or professional development event hosted by a local school district
- Become an online tutor
Learn: How do I finish strong?
- Meet with an instructional designer in the Hub for Teaching and Learning Resources to learn more about this career
- Work as a supplemental instruction (SI) lead for an EDT course
- Find a relevant internship through Symplicity or by consulting with your advisor
Engage: How can I mentor others to be leaders on campus?
- Create a new club or student organization
- Be willing to take leadership roles in group projects for coursework
Network: How can I demonstrate my readiness for the next steps?
- Complete your M-Portfolio to prepare for the interview process and use with job applications
- Request letters of recommendation from faculty who know your work
- Establish a LinkedIn profile to connect with UM-Dearborn alumni or to join industry-related LinkedIn Groups that hire students
Transform: How can I add to the strengths of my community, the region, and the world?
- Visit the Office of International Affairs to plan and register for a Study Abroad course
- Register for an Alternative Spring Break
- Contribute to a community project through the Office of Metropolitan Impact (OMI)
Prepare: How do I make the best use of university resources to launch my professional next steps?
- Visit Career Services for advice with job searching and interviewing, resumes, and graduate school applications
- Prepare your resume and have it critiqued
- Participate in the Mock Interview sessions on campus
Digital technology is a key factor in almost every industry, business, educational setting and healthcare environment.
Instructional technologists are needed in work places to train employees to use technology efficiently, to learn to use and apply new technologies as they emerge and to create training materials. Therefore, a wide variety of jobs are available for a student with a major in instructional technology including:
- Instructional designer
- Training developer
- Computer user support
- Geospatial scientist
Prepare for full-time employment in the field of instructional technology:
- Attend a career fair hosted by Career Services.
- Review the job and internship opportunities available in Career Connections.
- Contact Career Services on campus for assistance with job searching or resume review.
- Contact your professional references to request permission to include their contact information in applications and request letters of recommendation.
Use the map on the interior portion of this brochure to review possibilities and plan for success in the five areas listed - Learn, Engage, Network, Transform, Prepare. The map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your UM-Dearborn career that will prepare you for success.
College is a time for discovering your passions–figuring out who you are and what drives you. UM-Dearborn offers more than 100 majors and minors, so you can find a program that is right for you. We are committed to cultivating a campus community that acknowledges our similarities and celebrates our differences. On campus you’ll find a range of support services and offices that provide the programs you need to be successful both academically and personally.