Instructional Technology Designer

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Instructional Technology Designer develops and supports technology used in teaching and learning, partnering with faculty on curriculum design, course development, and instructional technology strategies grounded in accepted instructional theories and principles. The role supports the integration of technology in teaching, learning, research, and other scholarly endeavors, including the campus learning management system, Canvas, and related academic systems. The designer creates training programs, documentation, and online reference materials to help instructors, students, and staff use academic tools effectively. With some direction from others, the Instructional Technology Designer provides professional support to faculty and solves straightforward problems in developing, deploying, and supporting teaching and learning technology. The role works collaboratively with colleagues across campus, including staff from the Library, Chicago Center for Teaching, and academic units. It monitors educational technology trends and explores innovative approaches to academic needs, including responsible use of generative AI in teaching, learning, and academic integrity contexts.

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 technologies 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 greatly varying levels of 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 variety of duties critical to projects and services.
Demonstrated success working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Ability to show initiative and 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 the effective use of technology in a variety of academic activities.
Work closely with faculty to understand their IT needs for teaching, research, and scholarship.
Conduct individual faculty consultations and group workshops on instructional design methods and using technology in teaching.
Assist with 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 improve academic platforms, tools, services, and processes.
Provide ongoing support to faculty on effective use of existing academic tools and platforms.
Evaluate and support faculty adoption of emerging technologies, including generative AI tools, exam security software such as Respondus, and AI-content detection tools such as Pangram.
Monitor and analyze 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.
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.