Description

Instructional Designer and Distance Learning Director

The Instructional Designer and Distance Learning Director is a key role responsible for designing, developing, and implementing high-quality instructional materials and programs for distance learning initiatives. The role involves collaborating with faculty, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to ensure effective instructional design and delivery in online and blended learning environments. The position also involves overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of distance learning programs and initiatives. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Online Learning

Responsibilities:

Instructional Design:

• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design and develop engaging and effective instructional materials for online and blended learning courses.

• Apply instructional design principles, learning theories, and best practices to enhance the quality and effectiveness of distance learning experiences.

• Develop instructional materials, including multimedia resources, interactive activities, assessments, and learning modules. • Ensure alignment of learning objectives, assessments, and instructional content.

Technology Integration:

• Identify and recommend appropriate educational technologies and tools to support distance learning initiatives.

• Work closely with faculty and instructional support staff to integrate technology effectively into online courses.

• Provide guidance and support in the selection and implementation of learning management systems (LMS), multimedia tools, and other instructional technologies.

Faculty Support and Training:

• Provide training and support to faculty in designing and delivering effective online and blended courses.

• Offer guidance on best practices in online pedagogy, instructional strategies, and assessment methods.

• Assist faculty in developing and adapting course materials for online delivery, ensuring accessibility and usability.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure the quality of distance learning courses and programs through regular evaluation and assessment.

• Develop and implement course evaluation processes, including student feedback and faculty peer reviews.

• Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure compliance with instructional design standards, accessibility guidelines, and institutional policies.

Project Management:

• Manage the planning, development, and implementation of distance learning initiatives, including timelines and deliverables.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, goals, and objectives.

• Coordinate with instructional support staff, multimedia developers, and other team members to ensure timely completion of projects.

Faculty and Student Support:

• Serve as a resource person for faculty and students regarding distance learning policies, procedures, and technical issues.

• Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for faculty and students in using learning management systems and other instructional technologies.

• Stay current with emerging trends, research, and best practices in distance learning and instructional design.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with academic departments, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of distance learning initiatives with institutional goals and standards.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders involved in distance learning.

• Participate in institutional committees and task forces related to online and distance learning.

Qualifications

• A master's degree or higher in instructional design, educational technology, or a related field.

• Proven experience in instructional design and development for online and blended learning environments.

• In-depth knowledge of instructional design principles, learning theories, and online pedagogy.

• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and other educational technologies commonly used in distance learning.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty and stakeholders.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines for online learning.

• Experience in providing faculty development and training in instructional design and online teaching.

• Familiarity with assessment and evaluation practices in online learning.

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing technologies and instructional design trends.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.