eLearning Specialist (Indigenous Learning Bundles)

About Western

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

About Us

Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives leads system-wide change required to advance truth and reconciliation efforts, achieve equitable outcomes for Indigenous peoples, and implement Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan. The Office will be committed to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally, and fostering an academic environment, where all students, staff, faculty, and community members experience the university as a welcoming, supportive, culturally safe environment in which Indigenous languages, ways of knowing, being and doing, are respected and supported.

By placing Indigenous Peoples and worldviews at the forefront of the curriculum development process, Maatookiiying gaa-miinigoowiziying seeks to create “ethical space” (Ermine, 2007) where Indigenous and Western ways of knowing can be brought into conversation in the university classroom, a space where Indigenous educators can synergistically collaborate with, prepare, and guide Western instructors in taking up Indigenous ways of knowing in ways that adhere to Indigenous protocols for sharing and learning. The Specialist will ensure that all culturally relevant protocols and processes and ways of knowing, as outlined within the guiding principles listed below, are observed within all work that pertains to Indigenous initiatives.

Maatookiiying gaa-miinigoowiziying is guided by 7 principles based in Indigenous ways of knowing:

• Gifting
• Respect
• Relevance
• Reciprocity
• Responsibility
• Relationality
• Refusal

Responsibilities

The eLearning Specialist will facilitate the implementation of the Maatookiiying gaa-miinigoowiziying (Sharing Our Gifts): Indigenous Learning Bundles curriculum initiative at Western. The purpose of Maatookiiying gaa-miinigoowiziying is to advance, collaboratively, the respectful inclusion of Indigenous ways of knowing in the university by embedding a digital repository of Indigenous curriculum resources for use by instructors at Western and its Affiliates across disciplines. The role will research and identify best practices in learning technologies, Indigenous pedagogical practices, and learner engagement, and facilitate the implementation of these online learning experiences. The Specialist will collaborate with Indigenous community partners and inter-university departments to support faculty embedding Learning Bundles into their courses and ensure the course design is reflective and respectful of Indigenous pedagogies. The role will also support the coordination of additional Indigenous curriculum supports.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree with a major in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Indigenous Studies or related field
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience with eLearning applications in an eLearning or Instructional Design role 
• Experience developing online training, courses and eLearning materials
• Experience applying universal design for learning principles in an online learning environment
• Experience in a higher education institution developing and implementing eLearning solutions for Indigenous courses is preferred
• Experience with assessing learning outcomes in an online learning environment would be an asset 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Indigenous pedagogies, methodologies and ways of knowing at the university level, such as decolonizing and Indigenizing pedagogies, land-based learning, storytelling, experiential and intergenerational and relational ways to learning
• In-depth knowledge of course design and adult learning principles 
• Demonstrated knowledge of eLearning principles, strategies and tools and instructional design methods to deliver instructional programs and courses suited to an online learning environment 
• Ability to research, evaluate and advise on the viability of new technologies and innovations in eLearning
• Ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of courses and learning resources based on promising practices
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate technical and procedural documentation
• Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations
• Ability to understand learner needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
• Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges
• Computer skills with the ability to creatively use and integrate technology to improve quality and productivity
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office and software and applications related to eLearning and instructional design (e.g. Camtasia, Captivate, Adobe Photoshop, Articulate 360, Cascade Content Management System)
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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