Academic Programme and Digital Learning Lead

Job title: Academic Programme and Digital Learning Lead Department/Faculty: Department for Health Faculty of Humanities & Social Science Responsible to: Head of Department Grade: Location: Claverton Down Campus Job purpose This is a new post, and the Academic Programme and Digital Learning Lead (APDLL) will have a dual purpose: 1) To make a significant contribution to the day to day management of three distance learning programmes: MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine, MSc Sports Physiotherapy, and a new MSc in Football Medicine in association with FIFA Working in partnership with the Director of Studies for each programme, the APDLL will act as a key contact for students, provide support to clinical tutors and Professional Development Advisors, and work with the programme administrators to ensure positive student experience and smooth transition and support through the programme 2) To lead the use, review and enhancement of learning technologies in teaching and learning on our three distance learning programmes This will involve driving the implementation of innovative teaching and assessment methods using technology enhanced learning across the programmes, providing support and advice to clinical and academic teaching staff on digital scholarship, and working directly with others to support the development of unit, and programme-wide virtual learning platforms (including content production and media) Support for professional development in technology enhanced learning will be provided, and the APDLL will be expected to work closely with the central University Centre for Learning and Teaching, which provides a network of learning technologists from whom to share good practice and learn about new developments that can be brought to the programmes The three programmes are delivered through blended learning, with teaching being delivered primarily online alongside annual face to face residential teaching weeks, and clinical assessments The post will require depth of understanding of current best practice in postgraduate medical education, and will have a fundamental role in the success of our programmes, and in ensuring they keep pace with technological advances The workload required by the dual roles may vary over time Some contribution to teaching and assessment may also be expected when this can be accommodated within the workload Source and nature of management provided Director of Teaching Staff management responsibility N/A Special conditions The post-holder will be required to meet tight deadlines The post holder will ensure full compliance with all University policies and guidelines Main duties and responsibilities Programme management Work closely with the Directors of Studies and Clinical Directors of the Department for Health’s distance learning programmes to co-ordinate and manage the development and delivery of teaching Provide management and administrative support to the programmes, including attending meetings, unit and programme boards, report writing and monitoring of engagement Take a lead on providing effective and timely communication with staff and students enrolled in the Department for Health’s distance learning postgraduate education programmes Ensure that the timely recruitment and induction of PDAs takes place, that PDAs are matched with mentors from among the clinical team, and monitor PDA engagement with students and units Oversee the timely enrolment of students onto relevant units, monitor and troubleshoot student progression, co-ordinate and communicate assessment and moderation deadlines to staff and students Assist with the organisation of residential teaching weeks and exams as required Develop and lead the implementation of suitable Induction programmes for students, PDAs and new clinical tutors Technology enhanced learning support Take a lead in developing plans for ongoing curriculum review and development 10 Be proactive in identifying issues and barriers to the successful development and operation of the on-line provision, and develop and operationalise appropriate mitigation strategies 11 Liaise with the University’s Technology Enhanced Learning team (TEL) to ensure effective provision of up to date e-learning resources and support for staff and students on our distance learning programmes 12 Leadership in developing efficient e-assessment solutions for digital assessment (including video and audio, related to clinical exams), and showcase new pedagogical approaches and digital skills to using technology in teaching and learning 13 Provide one-to-one guidance to staff and students, in the context of their wider TEL skills development 14 Bring knowledge and experience to the improvement of online learning delivery on our distance learning programmes 15 Be adaptive and responsive to the dynamics of demand in the online provision Teaching Prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes and online learning activities – as appropriate to the department and discipline - on a defined, specific and sometimes specialist subject (either undergraduate or postgraduate), with associated assessments, within an existing course framework Includes preparing teaching materials, communicating subject matter clearly, supporting students’ studies and encouraging debate to develop rational thinking as appropriate to the unit being taught 16 Participate in the review of undergraduate and taught postgraduate units and programmes and contribute to the review and updating of programmes as appropriate within the Department/School 17 Supervise the project work of undergraduate students and Masters project students, where appropriate 18 Take responsibility for setting and assessment of coursework and examinations, including marking and providing written/oral feedback across all years of the programmes 19 Carry out course evaluation including facilitating student feedback, reflecting on own teaching design and delivery and implementing ideas for improving own performance in line with University and Department policy 20 Deal with student queries about the content and delivery of a unit as well as providing advice and ideas to them where necessary 21 Co-ordinate the work of teaching assistants and professional development advisors (PDAs), where applicable 22 Plan and prioritise own work and forward plan for teaching You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as reasonably required by your line manager You are required to follow all University policies and procedures at all times and take account of University guidance Person Specification Criteria: Qualifications and Training PhD in a relevant subject or some relevant academic teaching experience or relevant professional knowledge x UG degree or equivalent level qualification or equivalent professional expertise x Higher education teaching qualification or professional recognition (e.g PGCert, FHEA or equivalent) Criteria: Knowledge and Experience x Essential A background in a postgraduate education applied to health care professionals x Experience of managing academic development projects x Experience of successfully following QA procedures in Higher Education x Excellent knowledge and application of Standard IT packages x Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams x Experience in a higher education environment working with postgraduate students x Experience in the use of virtual learning environments and in the use of technology to support learners x Sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge to contribute to course development and scholarship activities x Demonstrates good teaching technique x Capable of frameworks context setting and handling Desirable conceptual Criteria: Skills and Aptitudes Excellent interpersonal skills used for developing and sustaining productive working relationships with internal and external colleagues x Essential x Desirable Advanced computer and software skills, including MS Office and web-based suites x Ability to motivate and enthuse team members and students x Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team x Ability to think strategically and to contribute to strategic direction x Personal drive and desire to achieve excellent results x Good understanding of on-line programme delivery, the process of online programme development and the challenges this presents x Excellent organisational skills, including ability to prioritise own work x Willing to work flexibly, and to progress multiple strands of work in parallel x Ability to assess and market student coursework and provide feedback x Ability to recognise those having difficulties, intervene and provide help and support x Self-motivated x ... co-ordinate and manage the development and delivery of teaching Provide management and administrative support to the programmes, including attending meetings, unit and programme boards, report writing and. .. Technology Enhanced Learning team (TEL) to ensure effective provision of up to date e -learning resources and support for staff and students on our distance learning programmes 12 Leadership in developing... solutions for digital assessment (including video and audio, related to clinical exams), and showcase new pedagogical approaches and digital skills to using technology in teaching and learning 13