The Faculty of Humanities is one of three Faculties in the University of Manchester and consists of four Schools that offer an unprecedented range of innovative programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The Faculty of Humanities is looking to appoint a full-time eLearning Support Officer, who will join the Humanities eLearning team, on a fixed term basis for a period of 12 months.
Successful candidates will be part of a team of eLearning Support Officers providing support for staff in the Faculty of Humanities. Working under the direction of the eLearning Manager in the assigned area, eLearning Support Officers, alongside existing teams, will support the design of high quality and effective online and blended learning to enhance education provision for University of Manchester students.
Where appropriate, eLearning Support Officers will be required to also provide support, advice and guidance to students and other colleagues in the Professional Services across the institution including IT, Media Services and School support services.
This 12-month fixed post will support the University’s migration to a new VLE platform (Canvas).
Work under the direction of the Faculty eLearning Managers (or delegate) to support the Learning Technologists and the academic community in the development of innovative, blended teaching and learning activities.
Develop and deliver training and support for Academic and Professional Services staff in the use of technologies and pedagogies that facilitate the delivery of Flexible Learning across the faculty.
Work collaboratively with academic staff, IT Services staff and others who support teaching and learning in support of the University’s strategic aims to incorporate eLearning into its programmes of study.
Proactively participate as a member of the eLearning team, including involvement in projects, team meetings, training activities, communications and recommendations for service improvements.
Manage eLearning projects, anticipating demand and prioritising work in conjunction with other team members.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties:
Assist the Learning Technologists in the planning, design and development of high quality eLearning resources in collaboration with academic staff.
Under the direction of the Faculty eLearning managers and the Learning Technologists provide advice, guidance and training to academic staff on the opportunities for using technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
To provide support and training to academic and professional support staff on the use of the University’s supported virtual learning environment (VLE), Blackboard/Canvas and associated tools.
To support the work of the Faculty eLearning Managers in delivering a high quality, customer-focused service and assist with effective communication.
To deliver training to Academic and Professional Services staff, both in the form of one-on- one consultations and group sessions and workshops.
To contribute to the activities of University-wide eLearning groups.
To take a pro-active role in promoting flexible learning across the faculty, embedding digital skills into the curriculum and developing continuous professional development for all staff.
To assist Learning Technologists and Faculty staff with the collection and aggregation of data and formulation or reports relating to eLearning activities and online resources.
To assist with the organisation of eLearning meetings and events as directed by the Faculty eLearning Managers.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Experience of working in eLearning or in a teaching and learning environment.
Experience of developing eLearning materials and activities for delivery in a digital or online environment.
Experience of delivering training within Higher Education in both an individual and group context.
Experience of working on eLearning projects, setting clear task objectives and delivering successful outcomes.
A broad understanding of the process of planning, designing, developing, testing and evaluating eLearning resources.
Experience of using teaching and learning applications, for example web-based technologies, video tools, classroom voting tools and Microsoft 365 products
A broad understanding of pedagogy and the ability to apply best principles across project work.
Ability to plan, prioritise and organise a wide range of activities.
Proven initiative and judgement to analyse and resolve daily problems independently or with the support of members of the team.
Ability to work across different projects with competing demands for time.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience of using Canvas.
Willingness to undertake professional development to update skills and knowledge in a fast moving environment.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications:
Experience managing and responding to support ticket queues.
An awareness of web-based technologies and their use in higher education, including accessibility guidelines and usability issues.
Experience supporting online teaching delivery using Zoom, Teams or similar.
Experience using Design Thinking or Service Design methods
Experience using Blackboard Learn 9.
Working for the University of Manchester
The University of Manchester strives to make our community a welcoming, caring, and enthusiastic one, fuelling ambition with opportunities and support to help us all achieve our personal and professional goals. Our diverse job opportunities include an attractive benefits package with family-friendly policies that provide for flexible working.
We care deeply about career and personal development, offering a structured induction programme for new staff, an annual performance and development review, staff training for all career stages and mentoring opportunities to support your career development.
The University of Manchester is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality.