AECT

The AECT is the oldest educational technology organization. Their focus is to improve instruction through the use of technology. "Technology is interpreted as process, not merely in terms of hardware (such as computers or television or projectors), but in terms of learners and their relationship to the people, events, places, and things through which they learn." (reference)

Started in 1923, it has grown to international size and status. The organization is comprised of members from education, business and the military. The AECT has 4 main goals as stated on their website:

• Define the disciplines and professional activities that comprise the field of educational communications and technology.
• Serve and represent professionals in the field and support professional growth.
• Advance scholarship and practice that contribute to and enlarge the knowledge base of the field.
• Promote policies that ensure the humane and ethical use of educational communications and technology at all levels, from the personal through the international.

AECT has a list of instructional technology events that interested people may attend. The most recent was a convention on November 4-8, 2008 in Florida entitled On the Horizon: Rays of Change. Topics included "five sub-themed "rays": (Ray 1) Virtual Worlds and Mobile Learning; (Ray 2) Serious Gaming for Education; (Ray 3) Educational Transformation; (Ray 4) Professional Ethics; (Ray 5) Instructional Design Culture." (reference)

Also on the AECT website is a job seekers page for those who are either actively or passively seeking a job related to instructional technology and/or education. After registration, which is free, you can post an anonymous resume and employers will contact you with opportunities for which you qualify.

If you wish to become an official member of AECT, you can visit their membership page.  The fee to become a regular new member is $99.00 for one year.  The membership includes a subscription to TechTrends and discounted subscriptions to many other educational technology publications, annual conferences and summer institutes, to name a few.

AECT is a great organization to join if you are interested in education and technology.  There are many reosurces available that will supplement the knowledge and presentation of any educator, administrator, or speaker.