The Show Notes
Do you love solving problems in innovative ways? Do you ever get way too much satisfaction out of creating an interactive PowerPoint that makes use of simple tools in creative ways? If so, you might be excited to learn about what it’s like to work in EdTech!
In this episode, we are talking with Dan Randall, Director of Learning Experience Design at Imagine Learning. Dan shares how he went from teaching high school history to diving headfirst into the world of instructional design and EdTech.
Though Dan did pursue a more traditional route towards instructional design, you’ll be encouraged to hear that if you’re interested in a job like his, he says just go for it! Get your hands on some free tools and start playing!
An Accidental Dream Job
Dan got his first taste of educational technology because he had to take a class for his master’s program all about instructional design. He was absolutely fascinated with the content! He actually ended up being a TA for that class and got the chance to teach that class for a handful of years!
Dan taught overseas one year and when he returned, he was too late to get a teaching position for the year. That helped him decide it was time to follow this new passion in full force and get a master’s and a Ph.D. in instructional design.
When Passion Meets Purpose
Dan works in EdTech at a company called Imagine Learning. He started there as an intern. He was offered one position, but because he was studying the “gamification of learning” in his program, he convinced the company to hire him to put all this theory into practice. It was a great fit for Dan and the company definitely benefited from all his fresh ideas and insight!
Dan shared that Imagine Learning is a unique EdTech company. In the beginning, they were focused on developing resources to help ESL students become proficient in English. Now they have expanded into creating tools and resources for language, literacy, and mathematics.
The Structure of an EdTech Company
Instructional design and EdTech companies are typically made up of several teams that collaborate to make the magic. Inside a company like Imagine Learning, you can find teams made up of
- Curriculum designers
- Engineering and Development
- Product Designers
- Artists/Writers
- Videographers
- Product Managers
- Sales Representatives
- Customer service Representatives
Dan mentioned there are a ton of former teachers who work at Imagine Learning in every department! They are effective in many areas because they understand how to create and sell products with the learning and the classroom teacher in mind!
Key Takeaways for Teachers Who Want to Work in EdTech
Dan is so encouraging to talk to in this interview because it’s clear how genuinely passionate he is about the work he does. So what’s his advice for teachers who are thinking about pursuing a job like his?
- Develop a portfolio. Show off what you can do in terms of the product AND the process!
- Learn everything you can about instructional theory and design. You actually don’t need a master’s. Just do some solid research.
- Ask for an internship. There’s really nothing that can replace a hands-on opportunity. If it’s the right fit, the experience will be the confirmation you need!
Did anything Dan shared make you curious about pursuing EdTech? If you’re ready to explore the possibility of pursuing a career in instructional designer or EdTech, I want to hear from you! What questions do you have? And how can I support you?
If you’re ready to dive in, be sure to grab the course using the coupon on the checkout page before it disappears! And don’t wait, because the price of the course will be going up soon!
Ready to Become an Instructional Designer Too?
If you enjoyed this episode I invite you to take a screenshot and tag me on your Instagram stories @teachertransition and tell me your biggest takeaway!
Want to know if you would enjoy being an instructional designer? Click here to take the quiz to find out!
A Breakdown of This Episode:
- [2:08] How Dan's path led out of the classroom and into EdTech.
- [6:55] How Dan managed to carve out his own internship at Imagine Learning.
- [10:44] Learn about the teams that make up an EdTech company and what each of them do.
- [17:17] Hear about what you can expect to see in terms of pay in an EdTech job.
- [20:58] Learn about what Dan's day looks like in his current role.s
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Resources Mentioned in the Show
Ready to dive into YOUR career in instructional design? Click HERE to enroll in the course- From Teacher to Instructional Designer today!
- Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology: The Past, Present, and Future of Learning and Instructional Design Technology
- Learner and User Experience Research: An Introduction for the Field of Learning Design & Technology
- Design for Learning: Principles, Processes, and Praxis
- A helpful website with many more resources: Edtechbooks.org
Connect with Dan Randall
Dan Randall is an instructional & learning experience designer, problem solver, educator, videographer, and innovator with a love for technology.
His research interests include online learning, the use of story and video in instruction, educational innovations, micro-credentialing, and collaborative innovation.
