"Associate Instructional Technologist"

Job Description

The Associate Instructional Technologist supports the development of WGU's online learning products by assisting in the course-building process and ensuring alignment with established design and accessibility standards. Working under the guidance of Learning Experience Designers and Instructional Technologists, this role helps curate and organize learning resources, explore emerging technologies, and contribute to the creation of engaging course materials. The Associate Instructional Technologist collaborates with writers and multimedia specialists to support the integration of active learning strategies while ensuring content meets accessibility and universal design requirements. This role may also assist with testing, troubleshooting, and implementing basic process improvements within the learning management system, including applying foundational web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and minimal JavaScript. The Associate Instructional Technologist builds core skills in course development, project coordination, coding practices, and cross-functional collaboration.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the build process for new courses and learning experiences and attend to continuous improvement and technology innovations of assigned projects
• Ensure the quality of the visual and functional design of courses and assessments
• Collaborate with development team members to build superior online courses that are supported by research-based best practices in online learning.
• Work with program owners to explore technologies which address the needs of the curriculum (e.g., simulations, virtual reality)
• Serve as consultant, partnering with instructional designers, assessment developers, and other team members to innovatively apply WGU instructional and assessment tools.
• Maintain a complete understanding of all WGU learning and assessment tools and resources.
• Work closely with the accessibility team to ensure that instructional and assessment tools and services are fully accessible to students.
• Work with project managers and other team members to ensure all deadline dates for assigned projects are met throughout the design and development process
• Implement required revisions based on quality assurance reviews
• Assist with identifying and resolving challenges related to technology, to online delivery of content and assessments, and to the student experience
• Appraise capabilities, strengths and weaknesses of existing, new, and emerging and innovative e-learning technologies and tools that support college instructional, assessment, and student engagement goals
• Stay informed about updates, changes, retiring assets, innovations, and opportunities related to WGU's selected platforms and delivery tools and processes
• Be trained and mentored by experienced team members on assigned WGU technologies, department processes, and instructional technologist best practices.
• Receives objectives, deadlines and specific instructions from supervisor and others regularly. Work is reviewed and employee receives instructions throughout processes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Current, solid knowledge of instructional design and learning theory
• Current, solid knowledge of instructional technologies or learning platforms
• A drive to build "near perfect" online courses according to project requirements and style guide
• Strong interpersonal skills and history of positive results achieved collaboratively
• Experience with UDL, ADA, or copyright compliance
• Experience with existing quality standards for course design
• Commitment to adding value to the team through efficiency and lean, iterative development
• Commitment to creating beautiful, friction-free learning experiences for students in competency-based programs
• Ability to manage multiple projects at different stages while meeting deadlines and quality standards
• Ability to work independently under supervision
• Planning, organizing, and self-management skills

Competencies:

Organizational or Student Impact: Accountable for decisions that impact individual students. Creates or facilitates learning experiences that support students 'attainment of knowledge and skills. With specific guidance from senior faculty and program leaders, acts independently in executing teaching practice.

Problem Solving & Decision Making: Works on a limited array of matters and complexity. Able to effectively utilize resources to address student concerns and inquiries. Supports student needs to help them achieve course or program outcomes at the individual student level. Individual follows university and department established policies and best practices.

Communication & Influence: Communicates with students as appropriate to support student questions and needs. This role communicates with fellow faculty members as appropriate within and outside of the department. Expected to provide feedback regarding discipline and practice leadership.

Leadership: Considered a contributing and collegial team member. Individual adheres to learning and operational quality guidance and instructions. Supports initiatives within the area of specialty.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related field of study or equivalent work experience with online university course design, curriculum development, online learning technologies and pedagogies

Preferred Qualifications: Strong experience with distance education and distance learning students is preferred. HTML coding skills with additional skills in CSS, AWS Cloud, Google Cloud, and Azure Background in learner experience design Familiarity of competency-based learning Knowledge of available open educational resources (OERs) Quality assurance training and certification (CBEN, OSCQR, other) Post-secondary teaching and learning experience Experience in developing courses characterized by innovation in instructional design Experience with online assessment and survey tools Knowledge of LMS systems and assessment delivery systems such as Blackboard, Canvas, Smart Author, Brightspace, Moodle, etc. Competency with educational technology and assessment/testing tools

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.