Educational Tech Consultant III/LMS Programmer

University of Delaware

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html


Job No: 499227
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark/Hybrid
Categories: Information Technology, Full Time

PAY GRADE: 29S

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

IT - Academic Technology Services (IT-ATS) is a campus-wide provider of both technology and pedagogy support that helps faculty and all those who teach at the University of Delaware improve teaching and learning through instructional design, effective application of technology, and lays the technology and services foundation to support the academic strategy for online learning. Functional areas include instructional design, learning management systems, digital media, and studio and conferencing support. The unit provides support for online learning technologies such as course and video management, collaboration, polling, and other instructional technologies (e.g., for presentations, visualization, and feedback). The unit provides services through various means including drop-in, phone, support tickets, and email support. In addition, the unit delivers workshops and professional development opportunities for instructors. IT-ATS partners with other teaching and learning focused service providers on campus through the Faculty Commons as well as other units in IT and around the university.

The Learning Management System (LMS) Support group within IT-ATS is responsible for administering and supporting the learning management system on campus. This group provides support to anyone using the LMS (faculty, students or staff) for coursework and related extracurricular activities reinforcing the University’s teaching mission.

Under the general direction of the LMS Manager, the Educational Technology Consultant III develops instructional solutions that assist faculty and their students to use educational technologies effectively. The incumbent ensures the continuity of learning technologies supported by IT-ATS and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Learning Management System (LMS) supported at UD (Canvas).

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the daily operations of the LMS used University-wide (Canvas)under the direction of the LMS Manager. Coordinates the implementation of new features, tools and systems including testing. Acts as Liaison with IT Support Center, IT Web Development and key academic units regarding LMS administration, maintenance, and operations. Prepares and publishes announcements regarding maintenance issues.
• Provides functional and technical troubleshooting and operational support (monitoring systems for proper functioning) for the LMS. Collaborates with IT technical staff and vendors to resolve problems and issues promptly. Answers LMS application questions. Provides client support through a variety of channels: email, support ticket, phone, virtual, as well as in person.
• Develops and maintains academic technology tools using programming languages, that leverage existing infrastructure and emerging technology, are sustainable and cost effective, and expand upon a portfolio of resources. Oversees ongoing development of existing academic technology tools. Conducts usability testing and requirement analysis on learning applications.
• Consults with faculty and support staff to enhance teaching and learning through evidence-based applications of technology, defining instructional goals, and assessing pedagogical effectiveness. Develops effective technology-based solutions in support of successful learning outcomes.
• Researches and analyzes learning analytics, usage statistics, and other data from the learning management system and/or learning technologies. Creates custom reports and develops new or optimizes existing solutions that are data driven.
• Develops and administers learning management system procedures for faculty and staff, including access, acceptable use, data retention, and other policy decisions.
• Identifies, optimizes, and automates systematic processes for better efficiency.
• Develops, plans and executes virtual and in-person workshops for faculty, including the design and production of high-quality training materials related to the LMS and associated technologies .
• Implements the use of additional learning technologies, such as polling tools, lecture capture systems, classroom technologies, and collaborative tools (ie, Google Apps and Zoom).
• Consults with faculty to facilitate technology projects, faculty development events, programs, and online forums. Collaborates with other consultants and staff across the University on projects.
• Researches, identifies and evaluates the potential of emerging technologies to aid the learning process. Assesses impact of new technologies on support structure and suggests appropriate support strategies. Analyzes usability of software and hardware and makes recommendations for instructional solutions. Stays abreast of changes and updates related to LMS technologies. Maintains current knowledge of educational technologies.
• Partners with other units on campus to enhance the overall curriculum. Participates in partnerships both locally and nationally to further the efforts in educational technologies.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with colleagues and clients and follows University and department policies and procedures governing IT efforts. Works within the department’s overall strategic plan following project priorities and scope. Meets deadlines and achieves goals.
• Performs job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in instructional technology, instructional design, education, information technology, computer science, or related discipline preferred.
• Requires ability to code in JavaScript and popular frameworks, Python, PHP, HTML, CSS and experience using database platforms such as MySQL.
• Demonstrated experience supporting a LMS (Canvas preferred) and creating and integrating modern web applications that use LTI to connect to an LMS is essential. Demonstrated experience using APIs to create new tools that integrate with educational technology and software.
• Experience supporting Apache web server and command line Linux server administration a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with evaluating educational technology tools for suitability, pedagogy, security, and privacy concerns.
• Experience with a broad range of technologies that aid in the production of online courses (e.g. video editing, graphics, animation).
• Effective communication (oral, written, listening, presentation) and organization skills. Ability to introduce faculty to new technology, and to communicate technical information to non-technical clients.
• Project management and team skills including the ability to participate on teams of diverse people.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects and be detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Customer service skills and the ability to work effectively with clients with a wide range of technical expertise and in a rapidly changing technical environment.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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