Role Description for School Academic Champion for eLearning v1.2
The University of Manchester
Role Description
Role:
Reports To:
Organisation Unit :
Date :
Appointment:
School Academic Champion for eLearning
Head of School (or designate)
School
January 2011
In the order of 0.5 days per week (approx 21.5 days per annum)
(to be agreed with Head of School)
Overall Purpose of the Role:
The School Academic Champion for eLearning (School ACe) is responsible for:

ensuring key messages regarding e-learning are communicated across the School

promoting the use of e-learning to enhance the student experience and increase effectiveness of
teaching and administration

developing and monitoring a School plan for e-learning reflecting the needs of Programmes and/or
disciplines across the School (appendix to the School Teaching and Learning Plan)

identifying opportunities for innovation in e- learning, with the support of the Faculty eLearning
Team and Teaching & Learning staff

promoting opportunities for using eLearning resources and eLearning activities to enhance the
learning experience of students throughout the School

feeding back the School’s response to the e-learning goals set by University, Faculty and School
Teaching and Learning strategies
 dissemination of best e-learning practice across the School and Faculty.
The School ACe will work closely with key colleagues to implement, manage and monitor the School plan
for eLearning, in particular:

the Faculty eLearning team

Associate Dean for Teaching & Learning (AD T&L), Head of School, Directors of Teaching and
Learning, Learning Enhancement Officers (LEOs), Programme Directors, and other key Academic
and Administrative colleagues within the School
The post-holder will be a member of the Faculty eLearning Steering Group (eLSG), chaired by the AD T&L,
and will report on progress and represent the view of the School in discussions with AD T&L, Faculty
eLearning Manager and at Faculty eLearning Steering Group meetings.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience :

A commitment to the University’s e-learning agenda.

Knowledge of e-learning technologies.

An enthusiastic and proactive approach, and a desire to make a step-change in use of e-learning.

The ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of staff and stimulate discussion.

Leadership skills and an ability to motivate colleagues.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience :

Understanding/awareness of pedagogical theory and structures in online education/ e-learning.

Experience of developing e-learning resources.

Experience of researching educational resources to support e-learning.
Following consultation with the eLearning Steering Group
Role Description for School Academic Champion for eLearning v1.2
Communication Channels for eLearning in EPS
Head
of School
Director of
Teaching /
Director of Studies
(UG / PG)
Strategic
Planning
School
Academic
Champion for
eLearning
Programme
Director
Programme
Director
Associate
Dean Teaching &
Learning
Strategic Planning and
Liaison
Faculty
eLearning
Manager
Operational Support
Operational Support
Faculty
eLearning Team
Programme
Director
Operational Support
Programme
Director
Following consultation with the eLearning Steering Group
Role Description for School Academic Champion for eLearning v1.2
Examples of the work that may be undertaken:
1. Work with HoS to develop a plan for embedding e-learning within the teaching, learning
and administrative activities of the School.
2. Prioritise activity, set targets and identify resources required to meet the e-learning needs
of the School (in consultation with key colleagues).
3. Engage Programme Directors in ongoing discussions regarding use of e-learning across their
programmes.
4. Work with Programme Directors and other colleagues within the School to implement the
e-learning plan and monitor progress.
5. Work with Programme Directors and eLearning Team to prioritise areas where:
a. high quality interactive activities can be introduced into core areas of programme
b. e-learning activities can help retention and recruitment
c. opportunities exist for Distance Learning, CPD and Executive Education activities to
be delivered through e-learning
6. Monitor progress and evaluate impact of key e-learning projects in the School (in
conjunction with eLearning Team).
7. Review the effectiveness of existing e-learning activity, and communicate the findings
across the School.
8. Make recommendations to feed into school policy / guidelines on how e-learning tools can
be used to support administrative processes (e.g. Coursework submissions, student tracking
etc.)
9. Work with the Faculty eLearning Team to embed e-learning into the School’s QA and
curriculum development processes.
10. Ensure key messages regarding e-learning are communicated across and within Schools.
11. Lead on and contribute to School activities to embed e-learning, e.g. special interest
group/community of practice, dissemination activities across the School, the Faculty
eLearning Steering Group, and the wider eLearning community.
12. Ensure that e-learning is included in discussion at School Teaching and Learning meetings.
13. Arrange for a member of the eLearning team to be invited to School Teaching and Learning
meetings, annual review meetings etc.
14. Report on progress and represent the view of the School in discussions with ADT&L, Faculty
eLearning Team and at Faculty eLearning Steering Group meetings.
15. Undertake professional development activity to continually update e-learning knowledge
and skills and maintain awareness of current issues in eLearning.
Following consultation with the eLearning Steering Group