What does an instructional technology specialist do?

Curriculum writers are professionals who are responsible for developing new academic instructional materials, lessons, and activities to be used by teachers or instructional staff from school districts, media companies, and other businesses. These writers are required to conduct professional development sessions for all staff about the design and changes in the new curriculum. They must produce instructional videos to help educators and coaches in preparing educational and instructional materials. Curriculum writers must also head a pilot project to evaluate potential opportunities for extended learning through virtual classroom and distance learning strategies.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an instructional technology specialist are more likely to require skills like "classroom management," "instructional technology," "math," and "mathematics." On the other hand, a job as a curriculum writer requires skills like "assessment items," "language arts," "science curriculum," and "curriculum maps." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

A curriculum coordinator facilitates the development and implementation of curriculums at schools, colleges, and other organizations that offer learning services. They primarily assist teachers in improving school curriculums by conducting research and assessments, monitoring students' academic progress, developing learning resources and materials, coordinating with internal and external parties, promoting educational programs, and securing the supplies that the curriculum requires. Additionally, a curriculum coordinator participates in implementing school policies and recommends new policies based on research findings.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, instructional technology specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "instructional technology," "math," "learning management system," and "instructional support." Meanwhile, a curriculum coordinator has duties that require skills in areas such as "educational programs," "data collection," "kindergarten," and "k-8." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

College scouting coordinators recruit members for their team that they see potential in. The easiest way for these coordinators to look for recruits is to organize tryouts to evaluate an athlete's attitude, physical skills, and other factors that can spell success for their team in the future or at the professional level. When they see an athlete with potential, they keep tabs on them and report their progress with their recommendation to either the coach, manager, or owner of that team.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, instructional technology specialists are more likely to have skills like "classroom management," "instructional technology," "student learning," and "math." But a college scouting coordinator is more likely to have skills like "scholarship," "event planning," "alumni," and "pre-college."

Even though a few skill sets overlap between instructional technology specialists and junior coordinators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an instructional technology specialist might have more use for skills like "classroom management," "instructional technology," "curriculum development," and "student learning." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of junior coordinators require skills like "jr," "ach," "ran," and "social events. "