DEATH OF A SPECIALIST? “There is no (long-term) future in being an online learning specialist,” suggests Tony Bates, research associate at Contact North and former university technology director. These jobs will still be in demand for the next five to 10 years, he predicts, “but sooner rather than later institutions will be forced to ensure that their instructors are trained and qualified to teach effectively with technology. It will be a core part of their work, and as a result the demand for specialist learning technology support will decrease.” His advice to anyone still dogged about pursuing a job as a learning technology specialist: go get some teaching experience first.
