Officer: Junior Learning Designer (post Level 11): Blended Learning Innovation Services And Support University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Liaise with Faculties / Schools / Departments to provide Learning design services.
• Proactively support academic staff to pursue continuous curriculum and programme innovation, including alternative forms of delivery, including blended and online learning approaches.
• Proactively market blended/online learning within the University of the Free State.
• Support academic staff in the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of blended/online learning initiatives.
• Support academic staff in the meaningful integration of technology in Learning and Teaching.
• Support staff in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning principles in the design of their blended/online course, assessments, and course materials.
• Implement divisional procedures for designing and developing blended/online learning modules.
• Deal with queries from academic staff regarding Learning and Teaching design.
• Be responsible for the effective dissemination of information about Learning and Teaching design, the official Learning Management System and UFS Educational Technologies to faculty.
• Collaborate with appropriate teaching and learning role-players within faculties and CTL.
• Perform a variety of general administrative tasks, e.g., answering correspondence.
• Maintain links with other Higher Education institutions and participate in communities of practice relevant to Learning and Teaching design.
• Develop training material related to the integration of technology into learning and teaching, including (but not limited to) the use of the Learning Management System and other UFS-approved educational Technologies.
• Present workshops regarding teaching with technology, including (but not limited to) the use of the Learning Management System and UFS-approved Educational Technologies.
• Incorporate Universal Design for Learning principles into training/workshops presented and implement Universal Design for Learning principles in the presentation of training/workshop sessions and in the development of training materials.
• Be part of a structured mentorship programme to create further opportunities for growth and development.
• Play an active role in his/her own self-development and take part in relevant self-development opportunities.
• Work in close collaboration with the designated Learning Developer.
• Supervise and allocate tasks and activities to the designated Learning Developer.
• Analyse and interpret international and national best practices in learning and teaching, specifically blended/online learning.
• Conduct research on the use of emerging and innovative technology in learning and teaching practices.
• Write an annual report on staff training presented and faculty learning design initiatives and projects.
• Play an active role in BLISS research projects.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF level 6.
• A minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in training facilitation and/or the development of learning materials.
• A minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in the use of educational technology, including but not limited to the official learning management system (Blackboard)

Recommendations:

• ??????????????Postgraduate qualification or diploma in Education or Higher Education focusing on curriculum design and/or the use of educational technology.
• One year experience in research methodology.
• One year experience in a higher education environment.
• One year experience in project management.

Competencies

Results-oriented:

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable, and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking:

• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

• Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. 
• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter. 
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).