Purpose of Role
The Technical Learning Designer will work closely with academics and others in the team to develop and maintain high-quality, engaging and research-informed courses delivered asynchronously, fully online, often at large scale. The successful candidate will be creative and passionate about digital education, will have outstanding communication and technical skills, and will thrive as part of a small, flexible, and highly collaborative team.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Using pedagogical expertise and computer science experience to support the alignment of learning outcomes, course content and assessment throughout the entire development lifecycle, from initial planning through to content development, review, and revision.
1. Designing, creating, and maintaining course content for postgraduate-level, asynchronous, fully online courses in computer science.
2. working with subject-matter experts to co-design the structure, content, and assessment of courses using an established methodology. This includes simplifying complex technical concepts in learning materials.
3. reviewing and editing draft modules for quality, consistency, and structure.
4. building extensive, high-quality course materials (e.g., multimedia lessons, coding exercises/labs, practical/programming assignments) in the LMS.
5. consulting academic stakeholders to review online materials at key points and resolve any queries / issues.
6. managing final quality assurance, including internal and external review as required.
7. contributing to the design and development of digital media, in collaboration with digital media producers.
8. Working across a range of environments for digital education, e.g., Canvas LMS, Coursera, Padlet, Articulate Storyline, etc.
9. Monitoring development against schedules and escalating any risks (e.g., potential delays or technical/quality issues) via regular team meetings.
10. Liaising with specialist external providers (e.g., illustrators, motion-graphics designers) as required.
11. Actively engaging with current research and practice in digital education, learning design, and technology.
12. Leading or contributing to knowledge-sharing activities such as training, guides, and blog posts.
13. Leading or contributing to enhancement projects focused on pedagogical innovation.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
14. An undergraduate degree, ideally in education and/or computer science or related fields.
15. Previous experience in a learning designer/learning technologist role working on the design and development of technical/computer science courses.
16. Experience of working with subject-matter experts to design credit-bearing online courses.
17. Experience of developing course materials in widely used learning management systems (please state which).
18. Experience of review, testing and QA processes for online courses.
19. Experience of successfully coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
20. A team player who is happiest working collaboratively in a small team.
21. An innovative, creative, and collaborative approach to work.
Desirable
22. Proven knowledge of and experience working in computer science subject areas, e.g., Python, Java, Javascript, HTML, Jupyter Notebook, VScode, Linux Docker, R, CSS, etc.
23. A postgraduate qualification in digital education or learning design.
24. Previous experience in a learning designer / learning technologist role in professional or postgraduate education.
25. Experience of developing and maintaining online courses in LMSes, e.g. Canvas, Coursera, Moodle.
26. Expertise in creating digital learning assets via Articulate Storyline or Adobe Creative Suite.
27. Knowledge and understanding of usability and accessibility guidelines.
28. Certified Membership of ALT (CMALT).
29. Fellow / Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
30. Ability and willingness to learn new digital skills and capabilities appropriate to your role and how it evolves
31. Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal or sensitive information
32. Maintain awareness of my own digital wellbeing by being mindful of the length of time spent at a screen and the impact on mental and physical health in using digital technologies.