How do Educational Technology associations help you build a professional network?

1 What are educational technology associations?

Educational technology associations are organizations that bring together people who are interested or involved in edtech. They can be local, regional, national, or international, and they can focus on different aspects of edtech, such as pedagogy, research, innovation, or policy. Some examples of educational technology associations are the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), and the European Association for Technology-Enhanced Learning (EATEL).

2 Why join an educational technology association?

Joining an educational technology association can offer you many benefits, such as access to valuable resources, like journals, newsletters, webinars, podcasts, and blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. You can also take advantage of opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and online events to learn from experts and exchange ideas with peers. Additionally, membership in a community of practice offers the chance to network with other edtech professionals, find mentors and collaborators, and receive feedback and support for your projects. Furthermore, you can be rewarded for your achievements with awards, scholarships, grants, and certificates that showcase your skills. Finally, you can advocate for the advancement of edtech by participating in committees, task forces, and policy initiatives that shape the standards, ethics, and vision of edtech.

3 How to choose an educational technology association?

When choosing an educational technology association, it's important to consider what your goals and interests in edtech are, what your preferred mode and level of engagement is, what your budget and availability is, as well as the reputation and quality of the association. Do you want to learn new skills, advance your career, conduct research, or create solutions? Do you prefer online or face-to-face interactions, formal or informal learning, individual or collaborative work? How much can you afford to pay for membership fees, travel expenses, and time commitments? What are the values and mission of the association? How long has it been established, how many members does it have, and how does it measure its impact and outcomes?

4 How to make the most of your educational technology association membership?

Once you have joined an educational technology association that suits your needs and preferences, you can take advantage of the various opportunities and resources it offers. To make the most of your membership, it's important to be active and proactive. Seek out and initiate conversations, collaborations, and projects with other members, as well as share your ideas, questions, and feedback. It's also important to be open and curious; explore different perspectives, disciplines, and cultures, while being respectful and constructive in your interactions. Additionally, be strategic and selective when it comes to prioritizing options or obligations. Set realistic objectives that align with your goals and values, while tracking your progress and outcomes. Lastly, evaluate and reflect on your experiences and learning.

5 How to find and join an educational technology association?

If you are interested in joining an educational technology association, you can start by doing some research online. You can search for keywords related to your field, location, or topic of interest, and browse the websites of the associations that come up. You can also look for recommendations and reviews from other edtech professionals, such as on social media, blogs, or podcasts. You can also ask your colleagues, friends, or mentors if they belong to any associations and what they think of them.

Once you have identified some potential associations, you can compare their features, benefits, and requirements, and see which ones appeal to you. You can also contact them directly and ask for more information, such as how to apply, what are the fees, what are the expectations, and what are the benefits. You can also try to attend some of their events or activities, such as webinars, workshops, or meetups, and get a sense of their culture and community.

Joining an educational technology association can be a rewarding and enriching experience that can help you build a professional network that supports your career development and learning goals. By choosing an association that matches your interests and needs, and by actively and strategically engaging with its members and resources, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and opportunities in edtech.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?