Main Purpose of the Job
The Academic Developer will join a team of academic developers and learning technologists, within the ExPERT Academy (EA). The ExPERT Academy works with Schools and Colleges across the University to enhance expertise in teaching and learning, develop the curriculum, maintain teaching up-to-date approaches, and grow staff knowhow with a range of learning technologies. The ExPERT Academy’s main aim is to enhance the environment and the curriculum to deliver the highest standards of teaching and learning across the institution. The model promoted by the team (both online and face-to-face) is underpinned by strategies that engage students in learning, value their voice, and enable effective and evidence-based approaches to teaching.
Please note, the confirmed date for interview for this vacancy is Friday 21st January 2022.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Using an evidence-based approach, work closely with academic colleagues in the ExPERT Academy to develop effective teaching practice face to face and online and disseminate this through a range of development activities for course terms, and individual academics.
- Contribute to the development of online and blended learning training and resources in collaboration with ExPERT Academy colleagues and academic teams, using your knowledge of current best practice in learning design.
- Champion the development of teaching practices at UWL through identifying priorities, celebrating good practice and monitoring and reporting on the enhancement of face to face and online learning across the University in collaboration with the Head of Teaching Excellence.
- Contribute to the support of the Teaching Observation Scheme in Schools.
- Acting as a School/College Liaison for one or more Schools/Colleges, contribute to enhancement initiatives working closely with academic colleagues.
- Contribute to the ExPERT Academy’s CPD and accredited programmes for staff across the University.
- Contribute to the development of the ExPERT Academy’s national and international reputation through scholarship, networking and representation on relevant bodies.
- Maintain level of scholarship in teaching, and approaches to teaching, learning and assessment.
- Contribute to relevant working, or task and finish groups as advised by their line manager.
- Develop strong relationships with academic and professional service colleagues to understand their development needs and to inform ExPERT Academy’s strategic planning
- Provide regular reports informed by data usage, surveys, user (staff and students) groups to feed into the ExPERT Academy’s strategic direction.
In addition to the above areas of responsibility, the position may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties relating to the broad scope of the position.
Person Specification
Qualification and/or membership of professional bodies
- A relevant degree (BA/BSc) or equivalent experience of supporting the development of teaching practice in higher education. (E)
- A postgraduate degree (MA/MSc or equivalent). (D)
- Educational technology qualification, eg CMALT. (D)
- Fellowship of the HEA. (D)
Knowledge and Experience
- Current knowledge of teaching practices and learning technologies used in Higher Education (including but not limited to Blackboard, Turnitin, Panopto, Poll Everywhere). (E)
- Good experience of running development activities for groups and teams of staff designed to develop their skills in the use of technology to support learning. (E)
- Experience of the successful management and evaluation of learning technologies-based projects. (E)
- Knowledge of the principles of online and blended learning design, equality, diversity and inclusivity (as it applies to learning technologies and their use) and of the development and repurposing of learning objects. (E)
- Knowledge of how technology can be effectively integrated into classroom teaching. (E)
Specific Skills to the Job
- High proficiency with a range of relevant technologies used in support of learning (including but not limited to Blackboard, Turnitin, Panopto, Poll Everywhere, Outlook, Word, Excel, referencing software, social media). (E)
- Familiarity with the UK Professional Standards Framework for Academic Practice. (E)
- Current experience of Learning design skills. (E)
- Familiarity with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. (D)
General Skills
- Able to work effectively in a team. (E)
- Emotionally intelligent particularly in relation to developing others. (E)
- Excellent networking and communication skills. (E)
- Excellent academic writing skills. (E)
- Excellent time and project management skills. (E)
Other
- Commitment to continuing professional development. (E)
(E) Essential (D) Desirable
The University of West London has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; please apply below by submitting a CV & Cover Letter in Word Document format , or you can also email your documents to enquiries@searchhigher.com ; or call Kaye Powell on 07387238343 for a confidential conversation.