Department of Human Resources
OPSEU Job Description
Job Title:
Job Number:
NOC:
Band:
Department:
Supervisor Title:
Instructional Technologist/LMS
C-047
2281
10
Information Technology
Senior Manager, Client Services
Last Reviewed:
March 18, 2014
Job Purpose
Highly self-motivated, team player, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the
Blackboard Learn9 system, including course management and accounts. Ensures data integrity,
disaster recovery and capacity planning tasks. Troubleshoots technical problems related to the
LMS as well as integrating and supporting new technology into the classroom. Works with
Faculty/Staff and level 1 support analysts to provide end user training, support and consultation.
Generates LMS reports for data review and analysis. As needed escalates technology issues to
vendors and works directly with vendor to solve. Works with vendor and internal resources to
efficiently and effectively implement new or enhanced features. Provides training and
orientation to service desk analysts to ensure most efficient process and tools are understood.
As member of the Learning Technologies workgroup he/she will be prime backup to Video
Conferencing and Room Controls and Training personnel. This position will also be closely linked
with the Network Systems group to develop & distribute end user tools. This is a cross
functional technical design, deploy and support role and will require some rotating shift work
and possible on-call responsibilities
Key Activities
1. An instructional technology specialist integrates technology into the classroom. This
involves working very close with Faculty, Distance Education staff, Online learning staff
in selecting technology-oriented learning tools for classrooms.
2. Instructional technology specialists will work with Faculty/Staff and level 1 support
analysts to provide end user training, support and consultation. They also must train
teachers and administrators, as needed, in the classroom technology.
3. As needed escalates technology issues to vendors and works directly with vendor to
solve. Works with vendor and internal resources to efficiently and effectively
implement new or enhanced features.
4. Provides training and orientation to service desk analysts to ensure most efficient
process and tools are understood.
Job Number: C-047
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Last updated: March 21, 2014
5. Works with other members of the Learning Technologies Group, prime backup for the
Video Conferencing and Room Controls and Training personnel.
6. Plans, designs and implements training programs for faculty and academic support staff
(graduate students) in the design and use of web-based course tools, ensuring that the
proper use of computing technology is encouraged.
7. Provides system administration of the Blackboard Server; including course management
and accounts.
8. Ensures system integrity of Blackboard server by monitoring access logs, error logs and
status email.
9. Responsible for planning & communicating updates to core systems; plans for disaster
recovery by ensuring that proper backup requirements are clearly defined and
communicated to the Network systems team and schedules periodic test restores.
10. Coordinates with Network Systems team to ensure that all necessary server level tasks
are completed such as system upgrades, LMS patching etc.
11. Performs capacity planning tasks by monitoring current usage and planning for the
implementation of future upgrades.
12. Provides secure access to Blackboard resources and prevents unauthorized access to
online course environments by ensuring that only properly registered students gain
access to course materials.
13. Works with the Information Systems team to develop and implement procedures for
the successful transfer of student course registration information from the central
student system into the LMS. Creates other sites on Blackboard as required, including
facilities for online course evaluations, departmental 'intranets' and non-credit skills
training environments such as the Library Skills Program.
14. Ensures that online courses are ready for use and operational by the first day of classes
deadline(s), and that online course evaluation systems are ready for use and operational
by the last day of classes’ deadline(s).
15. Plans, designs and implements training programs for faculty and academic support staff
(graduate students) in the design and use of web-based course tools, ensuring that the
proper use of computing technology is encouraged.
16. Maintains currency in issues associated with online materials such as Digital Copyright,
Intellectual Property Rights and Trent University policies regarding information access
and use and disseminates said information to faculty involved with the creation and use
of online materials.
Analytical Reasoning
Indicate degree of complexity or difficulty of thinking and reasoning required by the job. Provide a
relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job (i.e. not an occasional duty).
Decision Making
Indicate the degree of freedom to exercise initiative or act independently in making day- to-day decisions.
Provide a relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job (i.e. not an
occasional duty).
Job Number: C-047
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Last updated: March 21, 2014
Impact
Indicate the impact or consequence to the department or University of typical actions or decisions taken by
the job incumbent. Provide a relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job
(i.e. not an occasional duty).
Education
Honours University Degree (4 year) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer
Engineering or a related field. Individuals with an equivalent combination of training and
experience may also be considered.
Experience Required
 A minimum of 3 to 5 years hands-on experience managing video capture and video
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conferencing.
Three to five years technical administration experience within Learning Management
Systems.
Three to five years technical experience introducing and integrating classroom
technology.
Three to five years developing and training in the design and use of web-based course
tools.
Demonstrated technical ability with a passion for new technology.
Ability to work independently within a dynamic team, organize time among multiple
tasks and to work on complex problems requiring analysis and in-depth evaluation,
modify established guides, apply existing criteria in new ways, devise new approaches
and draw conclusions from comparative situations.
Advanced understanding of multimedia and audio/visual systems technologies
Ability to perform independent research and analysis in information technologies and
recommend technical directions and updates to video technology and video
conferencing systems
Ability to troubleshoot and quickly resolve technical problems with video technology &
multimedia systems integration. Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate with others to develop solutions and recommendations
Ability to leverage knowledge, skills and abilities to address new challenges
Advanced knowledge and extensive experience with Microsoft operating systems; Mac
OSX, UNIX/Linux
Knowledge of production specifications necessary for the creation and preparation of
audio-visual presentations.
Training and experience in website design and server based programming including
HTML, JavaScript, CSS, PHP and XML.
Advanced analytical & troubleshooting skills, including the ability to visualize
infrastructure and processes.
Ability to classify issues, assign severity, and manage through defined processes based
on the issue’s severity.
Job Number: C-047
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Ability to look beyond the initial symptom of an issue, and instead perform an in-depth
analysis to identify and document the root cause(s).
Ability to provide accurate technical product support to customers, including system
administrators and software developers.
Ability to train & supervise other technical support personnel, while at the same time
engaging them in the overall goal of excellence.
Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail, ability to handle multiple
priorities and meet short deadlines.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships both within and across
organizational boundaries.
Responsibility for the Work of Others
Direct Responsibility
N/A
Indirect Responsibility
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Training and knowledge transfer to Level 1 Service Desk Analyst
Communication
Internal:
 Faculty/Staff
 Students
External:
 Vendor & Colleagues at other educational institutions
Motor/ Sensory Skills
Indicate the level of proficiency or precision in motor or sensory skills required by the job. Examples
include but are not limited to: small/large movement to operate machinery; coordinated movement;
equilibrium to maintain balance; dexterity to grasp, move, assemble objects or operate equipment;
hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste. Provide a brief description of tasks performed that require
motor/sensory skills.
Effort
Indicate the physical and/or mental demands of the position in the ordinary course of performing the role.
Examples include but are not limited to: lifting, moving, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, kneeling,
remaining motionless, sustained concentration or focus. Provide a brief description of the tasks
performed that are physically and/or mentally demanding.
Mental
Physical
Job Number: C-047
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Last updated: March 21, 2014
Working Conditions
Indicate any physical and psychological conditions of the position that make the job unpleasant,
disagreeable and/or hazardous to health and well-being. Describe the nature, frequency and duration of
exposure.
Physical
Psychological
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Job Number: C-047
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Last updated: March 21, 2014