Job Description and Person
Specification
Last updated:
8 July 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Learning Technologist
Academic Unit/Service:
Library
Faculty:
Professional Services
Career Pathway:
Management, Specialist and Administrative
(MSA)
*ERE category:
n/a
Posts responsible to:
Academic Engagement & Skills Development Manager
Posts responsible for:
n/a
Post base:
Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Level:
3
Job purpose
Based in the Learning & Skills Development Team within Students Education & Support, the post
applies expert knowledge of learning technologies to support the development of training
materials for skills development delivered by Library teams used in face to face support for
individual students, in student self-directed formative development, as part of embedded delivery
within academic programme or as part of generic support offered from the Academic Skills Hub.
The post holder provides advice and guidance supporting the effective use of appropriate
technologies to address specific learning requirements and to develop virtual solutions to training
and development requirements. The role supports the development of online content, learning
objects and tutorials for use in a wide range of learning contexts taking account of learning
outcomes and varied student learning styles.
The post holder will be working with the Learning and Skills Librarians, Academic Engagement
Librarians and Research Engagement Librarians and other professional Services and academic
colleagues involved in academic skills, digital and information literacy development and training.
An essential element of the role is to keep up to date with changing technologies by horizon
scanning to support future development.
The role contributes to the development of a positive student learning experience and equitable
support for students wherever they are based by innovative development of virtual resources and
support.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
Provide pedagogic advice, guidance, to support the use of technologies by Library staff 30 %
involved in teaching and training using judgement to suggest the most appropriate
technology for the purpose and supporting the development of knowledge of the use
of these technologies.
2.
Create, update and maintain online learning objects, training and support resources 25%
created using a variety of tools to suit the needs of diverse learners supporting the
work of the Academic Engagement and Research Engagement Librarians. This will
include evaluating their effectiveness based on usage data and feedback
3.
Provide support for staff in the use of the University’s virtual learning environment and 5%
Library specialist software such as LibGuides
4.
Keep abreast of developments in learning technologies testing them where appropriate 5 %
and provide advice on their use and implementation.
5.
Engage in networking activities, liaising with other units within the institution that have 5 %
related interests and objectives, increasing colleagues' awareness of existing practice,
enable exchange of ideas and experience in technology-supported learning and
teaching
6.
Contribute to the development of policy, for example by providing expert advice, by
writing or commenting upon draft documentation, through the identification of needs
and opportunities for the development/deployment of learning technologies.
5%
7.
Draw upon and contribute to the development of understanding and practice in the
field of learning technology through engagement with discussions (formal and
informal), conferences, workshops, research and other events
5%
8.
Assist in planning and implementation of technology enhanced learning initiatives,
including contributing to training and development as required.
5%
9.
Work with student focus groups and other student initiatives in the development and
evaluation of virtual solutions.
5%
10. Support development of systems processes and procedures for learning technologies
5%
11. Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post
holder.
5%
Internal and external relationships
Library staff including academic engagement and research engagement librarians
University staff including technology specialists within ILIaD and in other University Professional Services and
Faculties.
Technology and Software suppliers
Students
Other sector agencies relevant to the area of work such as JISC
Special Requirements
Document1MSA Level 3
2
Special Requirements
Post holders are expected to work flexibly to support the work assigned.
Additionally the post holder will be required to:




Show personal commitment to the values of the service: excellence, creativity, community and
integrity
Demonstrate commitment to maintaining professional knowledge and awareness of the information
and higher education environment through continuing personal and professional development
Fulfil the responsibilities for employees set out in the University Health and Safety Policy and
associated procedures
Demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity
Document1MSA Level 3
3
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Qualifications,
knowledge and
experience
Skill level equivalent to achievement Relevant degree (or equivalent
of HNC, A-Level, NVQ3 with proven
qualification or experience).
work experience acquired in relevant
Financial administration/budget
roles and job-related training.
Able to apply a comprehensive
understanding of relevant University
systems and procedures and
procedures, and an awareness of
activities in the broader work area.
Desirable
How to be
assessed
monitoring experience.
Ability to accurately analyse and
interpret complex quantitative and
qualitative data, presenting summary
information in a clear and concise
format.
Knowledge of software, apps, video
and social media used in teaching
and training
Detailed knowledge of technologies
for learning and Learning object
development eg. Articulate, Powtoon,
Prezi
Ability to design systems for analysis
of the use of learning objects
providing reports to inform planning
and strategic developments
Knowledge of IT platforms and
mobile technologies to understand
and support use of technologies on
mobile devices, macs and pcs
Planning and
organising
Able to plan and prioritise a range of
one’s own standard and nonstandard work activities.
Ability to successfully plan and
deliver projects over a given time
period.(e.g. a training session on the
use of technology, implementation of
a new technology)
Problem solving
and initiative
Able to identify and solve problems
by applying judgement and initiative
to tackle some situations in new
ways and by developing improved
work methods.
Management
and teamwork
Able to work within a team in a
positive way.
Able to positively influence and
negotiate approaches on the use of
technology to ensure the use of
specialist knowledge for the outcome
of the design of a learning object or
other product.
Document1MSA Level 3
4
Communicating
and influencing
Able to work with Library and
University staff to elicit information
to identify specific staff and student
needs on the design of a learning
tool and apply the best technology
for the purpose.
Able to offer proactive advice and
guidance.
Ability to communicate technical
issues/concepts to non-technical
staff to get the best outcome
Work with technologists in other
areas of the universities and other
universities to share experience and
to enhance all technology
developments in the Library.
Other skills and
behaviours
Flexibility and adaptability to
changes of technology and ability to
take on board the changes and work
with staff to inform them of the
changes in a positive way
Special
requirements
Document1MSA Level 3
5
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Is this an office-based post?
☒ Yes
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further
information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☐ No
If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more
than use of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure
the safety of the post-holder.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance
is required for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasiona
lly
(<30% of
time)
Frequentl
y
(30-60% of
time)
Constantl
y
(> 60% of
time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents,
liquids, dust, fumes, biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical
necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill,
lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
Document1MSA Level 3
6
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
Document1MSA Level 3
7