Instructional Designer

Context of the Job

IT Academic Technology Services (IT-ATS) helps University of Delaware educators implement innovative ideas in digital education through consultation, training, co-production support and seed funding for new ideas in residential and online education. We partner with UD leadership, faculty, staff, and graduate student instructors to explore new technologies and pedagogies, cultivate innovative pilot projects, and aid in the development of new online and hybrid programs.

Our functional areas include instructional design, learning management systems support, digital media support, and instructional television and conferencing support. We assist with in-class instruction, online learning, hybrid courses, and online curricula. We also provide specialized assistance, such as classroom recording, video conferencing facilities and software, student response systems, instructional project development, webcasting and video hosting, in-class technical instruction, learning management systems, learning space design, and numerous faculty development programs.

IT-ATS collaborates with other instructional support units on campus to form a Teaching Support Network through the Office of the Provost. In IT-ATS, we operate an innovative campus-based teaching and technology site in which we provide technology consultations, host events and training, and foster interdisciplinary connections. We have adaptable-use areas for faculty, teaching staff, and graduate teaching assistants.

Consultants on our Instructional Design team help faculty and TAs improve teaching and learning through the effective application of technology. They teach faculty about best practices and document evidence-based approaches, provide support for learning management systems, personal response systems, web technologies, and other instructional technologies (e.g., for presentations, collaboration, visualization, and feedback). Importantly, our IDs partner with instructors and academic program directors to co-produce high-quality online and hybrid courses, supporting many of our highly ranked online programs.

The Educational Technology Consultant contributes to our unit’s substantive and meaningful technology contributions to teaching and learning, ultimately raising the attractiveness of UD for new faculty and students.

Please note that this is a campus-based position that will allow the successful candidate to take advantage of the rich local resources available to UD employees.

Major Responsibilities

• Consults with faculty to enhance teaching and learning through evidence-based applications of technology.
• Assists with the analysis of learning needs and helps develop effective technology-based solutions in support of successful learning outcomes.
• Proactively engages faculty by suggesting strategies for teaching challenges and following through to ensure their successful execution.
• Assists faculty in defining their instructional goals and assessing pedagogical effectiveness for course redesign in a technology-rich environment.
• Evaluates project results to determine how to iteratively improve the instructional design process.
• Designs and develops course materials that meet learning objectives, address issues of student motivation, and are designed well, both instructionally and aesthetically.
• Assists in development of academic technology support processes that leverage existing infrastructure and emerging technology, are sustainable and cost effective, and expand upon a portfolio of resources.
• Assists faculty in developing learning applications and/or enhances web applications by adding or modifying interactivity. Performs usability testing and requirement analysis on learning applications.
• Develops, writes, edits, and delivers workshops and learning materials in face-to-face presentations or in online learning modules.
• Participates in faculty technology projects, programs, and online forums.
• Collaborates with other consultants and staff at the University on projects.
• Maintains current knowledge of educational technologies and copyright law.
• Evaluates the potential of emerging technologies to aid the learning process.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with colleagues and clients and follows University and department policies and procedures governing IT efforts.
• Works within the department’s overall strategic plan following project priorities and scope.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in instructional technology, education, communication, computer science, or related field preferred.
• Experience in education technology in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of educational technology demonstrated by the ability to assess and articulate whether or not a technical solution adds value to the learning process.
• Experience with a broad range of educational technologies and in supporting a learning management system
• Canvas experience preferred.
• Ability to design, develop, and evaluate instructional materials and programs.
• Effective communication (written, verbal, and presentation) skills.
• Ability to work within a collaborative team.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively with clients with a wide range of technical skills.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close: Open until filled

About Organization

The University of Delaware is committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and service.
From its roots as a private academy in 1743, the institution today is a research-intensive, technologically advanced university with global impact.