The interactive video project is designed to engage prospective and current Educational Technology (EdTech) graduate students by answering three key questions:
What does an Educational Technologist do?
What can I do with the degree?
How much will I earn?
The rationale for selecting an interactive video lies in its ability to deliver engaging, learner-centered content tailored to diverse audiences with varying levels of familiarity with the field. The project incorporates multimedia, branching scenarios, and opportunities for active learning, aligning with the principles of instructional design, universal design for learning (UDL), and multicultural inclusion.
An Interactive video was chosen over static content (e.g., text or slide decks) and traditional lecture-style videos for the following reasons:
Rationale: Research in educational technology highlights the importance of interactivity in enhancing engagement and retention. Interactive videos allow users to actively participate by choosing what they want to learn more about (e.g., career paths, salary expectations)(Wilf, Paul, 2025).
Example Features:
Branching scenarios where viewers can select areas of interest (e.g., K-12 EdTech, corporate training, instructional design).
Embedded quizzes or reflective questions to check understanding and promote critical thinking.
Rationale: Personalization aligns with the diversity of the target audience. Current and prospective students often come from varied professional and cultural backgrounds, and interactive videos let them focus on content most relevant to their goals (Bañados, 2006).
Implementation: Viewers can choose a pathway tailored to their career aspirations, such as:
Careers in academia.
Roles in corporate instructional design.
Salary trends by region or specialization.
Rationale: Videos appeal to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners through the integration of voiceovers, animations, infographics, and clickable elements. This multimodal approach ensures inclusivity for diverse learners (Bañados, 2006).
Example: Infographics showing salary ranges for different roles provide a visual breakdown, while voiceovers offer accessibility for auditory learners.
Current EdTech students seeking clarity on career pathways.
Prospective students evaluating the ROI of pursuing the program.
Clear Career Pathways: Many students may not fully understand what an Educational Technologist does or the diverse opportunities available in the field. The interactive video will demystify these pathways, making the program more appealing and actionable.
ROI Transparency: Salary expectations and potential job roles are critical considerations for prospective students. Providing accurate, research-backed data builds trust and aids decision-making.
Diverse Representation: Examples will highlight career stories from professionals of various ethnicities, genders, and cultural backgrounds to ensure representation and inspire all learners.
Why UDL? UDL ensures that all students, regardless of ability or background, can access and benefit from the content.
Implementation:
Captions and transcripts for accessibility.
Multiple modes of engagement (e.g., text, audio, video, and interactive elements).
Flexible navigation to accommodate varied learning preferences.
Why Constructivism? Constructivist pedagogy emphasizes active exploration, reflection, and context-specific learning, fostering deeper connections between content and learners’ experiences.
Implementation:
Scenarios prompt viewers to reflect on their personal career goals and apply the content to their aspirations.
Interactive questions encourage critical thinking about how the degree can align with their passions.
Why Diversity Matters: The field of Educational Technology intersects with a wide range of cultural contexts, industries, and learners. It is essential to reflect this diversity to inspire and empower students (Lim et al., 2013)
Implementation:
Case studies and testimonials from professionals in K-12, corporate training, and higher education.
Highlighting the global impact of EdTech through examples of technology-driven solutions in various cultural contexts.
Using inclusive language and visuals to foster a sense of belonging for viewers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Tools like H5P or Articulate Storyline allow for seamless integration of branching scenarios, quizzes, and multimedia.
These tools ensure a high-quality, user-friendly interface that is accessible across devices, catering to learners with diverse technological capabilities.
Salary data and job market trends will be sourced from reputable platforms like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and professional organizations (e.g., Association for Educational Communications and Technology, AECT) (Instructional Coordinators, n.d.)
Viewers will be invited to join an online learning community (e.g., a dedicated LinkedIn group or discussion forum) to network with peers, alumni, and instructors.
Representation: The video will feature diverse professionals to highlight the inclusivity of the field and inspire learners from all backgrounds.
Empowerment: Providing clear, actionable insights about career opportunities equips learners with the confidence to make informed decisions.
Community Connection: The online community component ensures continued collaboration and learning beyond the video.
The interactive video project provides an engaging, personalized, and inclusive learning experience tailored to the needs of current and prospective EdTech students. By emphasizing diversity, accessibility, and active learning, the project aligns with best practices in educational technology and fosters a supportive and empowering learning environment.
Bañados, Emerita (2006). A blended-learning pedagogical model for teaching and learning EFL successfully through an online interactive multimedia environment, 538. CALICO Journal, 23(3), 533–550. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/24156354
Lim, C. P., Zhao, Y., Tondeur, J., Chai, C. S., & Tsai, C. C. (2013). Bridging the gap: Technology trends and use of technology in schools. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 16(2), 59–68. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.16.2.59
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Instructional coordinators. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm
Wilf, S., & Paul, J. R. (2025). Fifty more ways to promote Teaching and Learning. Journal of Legal Education, 67(3), 724. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5097344