Instructional Technology Designer
About The Position
The Instructional Technology Designer develops and supports technology used in teaching and learning, research, and other scholarly activities. The role partners with faculty on curriculum design, course development, and instructional technology strategies grounded in accepted instructional theories and principles. The designer creates training programs, documentation, and online reference materials to help instructors, students, and staff use academic tools effectively, and supports Canvas and related systems. The position monitors educational technology trends and explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning needs. It collaborates with campus units to improve and aggregate academic services, and increasingly supports responsible use of generative AI in teaching, learning, and academic integrity contexts. With some direction from others, the designer provides professional support to faculty and addresses straightforward problems in developing, deploying, and supporting teaching and learning technology. The role works in a dynamic, collaborative environment that may include colleagues from the Library, Chicago Center for Teaching, and academic units.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in instructional design, instructional technology, or a related field.
- At least three years of experience in instructional technology and/or working with university instructors to support teaching with technology.
- Experience supporting teaching and learning tools such as blogging, communication, and assessment tools (including PrairieLearn and Gradescope) and learning management systems such as Canvas.
- Experience developing or supporting online or blended/hybrid courses.
- Experience developing training materials and documentation.
- Experience communicating with users with widely varying technical knowledge, including senior administration, faculty, staff, and students.
- Experience supporting or evaluating generative AI tools in a teaching and learning context.
- Experience supporting or evaluating academic integrity and exam security platforms, such as Respondus and Pangram, in an academic setting.
- Knowledge of instructional design methods and theory.
- Understanding of emerging trends in education and technology, including digital learning, learning management systems, generative AI, and social technologies.
- Understanding of web technologies and digital media.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 apps, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and oral communication skills for seminars, colloquia, presentations, and workshops.
- Resourcefulness in partnering with colleagues in ITS and across the University.
- Flexibility in performing a range of duties critical to project and service success.
- Record of working successfully in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Initiative and ability to take feedback and some direction from others.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new technologies, with an adaptable, good-humored approach to challenges and working with others.
Responsibilities
- Support effective use of technology in a variety of academic activities.
- Work closely with faculty to understand technology needs related to teaching, research, and scholarship.
- Conduct individual faculty consultations and group workshops on instructional design methods and technology use in teaching.
- Assist in organizing, planning, and publicizing events that encourage innovative uses of technology in academic pursuits.
- Develop working relationships with administrators, librarians, museum educators, research specialists, teaching center staff, and other campus colleagues who support faculty.
- Collaborate with campus units to continually improve academic platforms, tools, services, and processes.
- Provide ongoing faculty support for effective use of existing academic tools and platforms.
- Evaluate, support, and help faculty responsibly adopt emerging technologies for teaching and learning, including generative AI tools, Respondus, and Pangram.
- Monitor and analyze emerging educational technology and online learning trends, identify opportunities, and explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning problems.
- Partner with faculty developing AI-assisted applications, projects, or course materials, helping refine and scale them.
- With some direction, perform IT activities supporting an e-learning environment, including designing curriculum content.
- Identify existing content, convert it into an e-learning environment, and create user support materials.
- Perform other related work as needed.
Benefits
- The University offers benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
