Instructional Designer

Ohlone College is seeking a dynamic and visionary educational leader with instructional design expertise to advance Distance Education initiatives. This individual will serve as a key resource to support faculty in the design of online course-work and develop training opportunities for faculty online instructional practice. The ideal candidate will have online teaching experience, knowledge of standards in accessibility in online resources, the ability to evaluate a variety of teaching methods, and effective skills in using and troubleshooting course management systems. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with individuals of varied backgrounds and strong organizational skills are essential.

Under general supervision, provides instructional and program design expertise for the development and support of online course materials. Responsible for assisting faculty in the design of on-line coursework and instructional practices, development of learning resources, and revising of courses and course segments to online delivery methods; supports the customized development of online courses unique to the needs of the instruction and students; oversees faculty training and support for the use of the District’s course/learning management system, monitors, updates, and reports on the progress of ongoing department projects.

This position works with faculty and interfaces with other staff to provide assistance and consultation in the development of online courses, oversees the creation and implementation of faculty training programs for online teaching, and provides support for course/learning management systems, educational technology, and best practices of online pedagogy.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Methods, best practices, theories, concepts, and systems pertaining to instructional design and technology in a face-to-face, hybrid, and online environments in higher education;

• Online learning and course management systems such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Design to Learn; 

• Adult learning styles; teaching techniques and barriers to learning in online and hybrid courses;

• Common web authoring and development tools and related technologies;

• Help desk practices, strategies, and technology associated with providing support to faculty members in the use of instructional systems and technology;

• Federal, state and local laws regarding accessibility

• Microsoft applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access). 

• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

• Principles of providing training and work direction.

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Instructional Material Accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in accordance with California Government Code §7405, Government Code §11135, Government Code §11546.7, as well as with best practices.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;

• Stimulate interest and faculty involvement in online and technology-enhanced instruction;

• Design and redesign course materials to utilize new and emerging technologies in instruction;

• Assess and evaluate a variety of teaching methods and strategies and recommend appropriate use of technology in the classroom and for online and hybrid courses;

• Create effective teaching and learning environments using alternative instructional delivery methods and online course management tools;

• Implement distance education and technology-related initiatives and programs;

• Provide training and assistance to faculty members in their areas of teaching responsibility;

• Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures;

• Meet schedules and deadlines;

• Maintain confidentiality of division records as required;

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Extensive computer work within a lab/training/learning environment.

• Interaction with faculty and staff members.

• May include long periods of standing and/or sitting.

• Move from one work area to another, as needed.

• May require working after regular working hours or weekends.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Examples of key duties are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist faculty in designing and developing effective online and hybrid courses by providing feedback on online course design and educational materials for pedagogical soundness, instructional integrity and accessibility in accordance with Ohlone College, federal and state laws, and ACCJC standards.

• Develop and promote resources that enhance online pedagogical effectiveness as it relates to establishing an inclusive and welcoming environment, one that emphasizes equity in student achievement.

• Develop a local training/certification program for online teaching and establish ongoing professional development opportunities. 

• In conjunction with IT Services, develop and implement trainings and workshops in a variety of delivery formats to assist faculty in online instruction. Topics include universal design, the use of open educational resources, and pedagogical principles of technology-mediated learning.

• Working with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and IT Services, assist faculty with understanding and meeting accessibility compliance requirements for online courses and digital learning content. 

• Develop standards in accessibility of electronic and online instructional resources in accordance with Ohlone College policies and procedures on accessibility of resources, federal and state laws, the Online Education Initiative (OEI) and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

• Research advances in web based course development technologies and recommend instructional technology resources.

• Serves as a college representative on local, state-wide and regional committees and consortiums; serves on appropriate college committees; and attend meetings and related seminars. 

• Work with the college’s course/learning management system provider and IT Services to ensure that student support for online learning is being provided.  

• Work collaboratively with other departments to promote the Distance Education Program.

• May provide supervision, training and work direction for student and other temporary workers.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Perform related duties as assigned and appropriate to support sound online pedagogical practices, including attending conferences as needed.

Any combination equivalent to:

• Master’s degree in any academic field. Master’s degree in Instructional Design or Instructional Technology, or related academic technology fields is preferred.

• One (1) year of experience teaching online courses in any discipline.

• Experience in courseware development, with emphasis on instructional design experience.  

• Experience in academic technologies and basic web development.

• Experience in integrating third-party modules or applications with the core learning management system.