Learning Design and Technology Training Specialist

Job Responsibility: Department Provost & Vice-President Academic - Centre for Teaching and Learning Salary range $60,299.77 to $83,456.99 Hours per week 35 Grade 10 Posted date July 8, 2024 Closing date July 29, 2024 Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

This is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has an end date of May 31, 2026, and offer a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Centre for Teaching and Learning

The Centre for Teaching and Learning supports this teaching mission by partnering with instructors and departments to create transformative learning experiences for U of A's diverse and dynamic student body.

Under the purview of the Office of the Vice-Provost, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) holds primary responsibility for professional development of teaching practice at the U of A. The unit supports the university in meeting its core commitments and strategic priorities by offering responsive, strategic expertise and services that inspire, empower, and challenge instructors to integrate research-supported, inclusive approaches into their teaching praxis, and to engage in a process of continuous development of teaching practice.

Working as a Learning Design and Technology Training Specialist

This multifaceted role combines the responsibilities of a Learning Design Specialist and a Learning Technology Trainer, making it a pivotal position within the educational landscape. This professional holds the dual responsibility of crafting innovative curriculum content and delivering effective training programs to enhance the overall learning experience.

In the realm of curriculum development, the specialist utilizes strong instructional design skills to create engaging learning experiences. Through thorough needs assessments, they identify gaps in learning and integrate educational technologies to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the content.

Simultaneously, as a Learning Technology Trainer, this role designs and delivers comprehensive training programs for educators and staff. The specialist tailors content to diverse audiences, ensuring a seamless adoption of learning technologies. They collaborate closely with subject matter experts, educators, and IT teams to create cohesive learning experiences, staying abreast of industry trends. Quality assurance is a paramount responsibility, and the specialist ensures the excellence of learning materials through rigorous quality assurance practices. Additionally, they actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, managing multiple projects efficiently and adhering to timelines.

As a user advocate, the specialist provides on-demand support, addressing technical issues, troubleshooting challenges, and ensuring optimal proficiency in utilizing learning technologies. The creation of comprehensive training materials, manuals, and documentation further supports ongoing learning and serves as a valuable reference for technology users.

This dual role uniquely positions the Learning Design and Technology Training Specialist to bridge the gap between instructional design and technology training, fostering a holistic approach to the enhancement of educational experiences.

Duties

This position actively contributes to the creation of engaging and effective learning experiences, leveraging technology and collaboration to meet the diverse needs of learners in various educational settings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development: Develop and design innovative and effective curriculum content, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and industry standards.
Instructional Design:
• sound instructional design principles to create engaging learning experiences, incorporating multimedia elements and interactive activities.
• Needs Analysis: Conduct thorough needs assessments to identify gaps in learning and recommend appropriate strategies for improvement.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with subject matter experts, educators, and stakeholders to gather input, insights, and feedback for continuous improvement of learning materials.
• Technology Integration: Integrate relevant educational technologies and tools to enhance the overall learning experience and facilitate engagement.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that learning materials adhere to accessibility standards and principles of universal design, making them inclusive for diverse learners.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct quality assurance reviews of learning content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established standards.
• Professional Development: Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in instructional design to continually enhance skills and knowledge.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and collaborating with cross-functional teams for successful execution.
• Training Program Development: Design and develop training programs that effectively communicate the features and functionalities of learning technologies.
• Facilitation: Conduct engaging and interactive training sessions, workshops, and webinars to educate educators and staff on the effective use of learning technologies.
• Customized Training: Tailor training programs to meet the specific needs and skill levels of diverse audiences, considering both novice and advanced users.
• Documentation: Create comprehensive training materials, manuals, and documentation to support ongoing learning and reference for technology users.
• Troubleshooting Support: Provide on-demand support to address technical issues and challenges faced by users, ensuring smooth adoption and utilization of learning technologies.
• Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from training sessions to identify areas for improvement and adjust training methods accordingly.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including LEO's Instructional Designers, eLearning Support Specialists, and relevant program staff, to ensure that course materials consistently meet and exceed high-quality standards.
• Collaboration with IT: Work closely with IT teams to stay informed about updates, upgrades, and new features related to learning technologies.
• Stay Updated: Continuously update knowledge about the latest trends and advancements in learning technology, incorporating relevant information into training programs.
• User Advocacy: Act as an advocate for end-users, understanding their needs and challenges to provide effective training solutions.
• Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of training programs through feedback mechanisms and data analysis, making recommendations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• An Undergraduate degree in educational technology, adult education, information science or a related field is required.
• A minimum 3 years experience with learning management system administration including experience with Moodle, Canvas, and Google Apps.
• Strong project management skills, and the ability to marshal resources (human and technical) to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
• Extensive experience in online course/curriculum implementation, and process improvement strategies including best practices approaches.
• Experience supporting instructional staff in an online environment, especially in higher, adult, and continuing education settings.
• Experience with process mapping and process improvement is preferred.
• Familiarity with continuing and professional education students, instructors, and environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with U of A institutional policies and eClass standards is preferred.
• Exposure to Learning Management Systems (e.g. Moodle, Canvas, etc.).
• Experience in developing and maintaining all aspects of an online course, either through Moodle or other online course management systems.
• Advanced computer skills including proficiency in multimedia applications, video, and graphics editing would be an asset.
• Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and complete detail-oriented work.
• Strong organizational, project management, leadership, and multitasking skills.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight July 29, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta local time.