Academic Technology Specialist

This position has an end date of June 30, 2018, with the possibility of extension, and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: www.hrs.ualberta.ca.

The work of the Academic Technology Specialist is multi-faceted and requires a high level of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and interpersonal communication.  Under the guidance of the Director, Radiation Therapy (RADTH) Program and the Teaching & Learning Specialist, this position involves participation in a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of: Faculty Members, the Teaching & Learning Specialist, and related program staff in the preparation and development of online course and instructional materials in Moodle, Google Apps, Mahara, Joomla!, Word Press, the content management system and other educational technologies.  It also involves working in MedSIS and B-Line platforms.

The successful candidate will be responsible for quality proofing and formatting to meet RADTH Program standards.  In addition, the Academic Technology Specialist is responsible for ensuring all academic technologies are operational and, along with the Teaching & Learning Specialist, assures that faculty members are taught to use the tools available, by co-developing, and co-facilitating workshops as needs arise, for a wide variety of instructional technologies. This position also supports the scheduling, delivery, and administrative activities for RADTH programs and courses offered through University of Alberta's current Learning Management System (LMS).

Duties

• Participates in the collaboration of working on and updating online courses, teaching materials and assessments, program manuals for students and staff, student and staff resource websites and other online resources
• Conforms to standards of correctness, completeness and consistency by adhering to instructional design best practices in terms of look and feel, navigation, content formatting and proofing, etc.
• Participates in projects relating to the design and development of distributed learning and e-learning technologies and applications, multimedia and other online initiatives
• Assists in maintaining interaction of the RADTH LMS and other distance education technology with campus information systems
• Stays current in LMS functionality, features and tools in order to provide support services to LMS users
• Constructs computer-based interactive applications including simulations, games, audio and video multimedia materials, and ePortfolios to be incorporated into an LMS utilizing best practices for online instructional design
• Performs quality assurance to verify that all completed projects are standards compliant, following IMS, SCORM and other relevant specifications
• Designs and maintains a Joomla/WordPress full-service website
• Provides support to faculty on the use of various technologies for use in both the undergraduate and graduate RADTH degree programs, based on best practice learning and instructional theories that ensure the quality of instruction
• Collaborates with faculty to design learning objects/modules for the integration of virtual immersive reality technology into the curriculum
• Supports the design of student ePortfolios to be incorporated into an LMS, utilizing instructional best practices for online learning
• Supports faculty in all aspects of online course design and delivery; supports students in the use of online technologies on an as-needed basis
• Prepares lab guides, resources and other materials available online
• Provides orientation for web-enhanced learning environments and various technology platforms
• Designs aspects for and operates audio-visual component of the OSCE platform (B-Line)
• Consults with faculty and staff in the use of current and evolving technologies in support of teaching, learning and related activities of the university community
• Responsible for planning and implementing the learning management, content management and other technology tools
• Works with faculty to ensure the VERT simulator is operational
• Ensures that online related information sources are current
• Liaises with the library and faculty to ensure compliance with copyright guidelines
• Provides input to the strategic plan for the Program’s online delivery initiatives
• Performs other duties assigned based on departmental needs

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in educational technology, adult education or a related field; graduate degree in Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Education or a related field an asset; equivalent combinations of education an experience will be considered
• 3 to 5 years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level is preferred
• Demonstrated experience in development of learning content within Moodle and Joomla
• Extensive experience in design and development in an online environment
• Strong self-management and collaboration skills
• A significant amount of related experience in working on cross-functional teams
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) essential
• Advanced computer skills including proficiency in HTML, graphics editing, coding and some knowledge of PHP
• Proficiency in MS Office software, as well as demonstrated knowledge of open-source software such as, lecture capture software (i.e. Pronto, Adobe Connect), the web conferencing software SMARTLync and the use of SmartTechnologies