eLearning Consultant - 3 posts in Omagh

Primary Location: Antrim-Antrim-Antrim Board Centre

Other Locations: Down-Dundonald-Dundonald Office, Armagh-Portadown-Clounagh Centre, Tyrone-Omagh-Omagh Office

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (May be subject to extension or reduced for any valid reason)

Duration of Contract/Contract End Date: 31 August 2029

Status: Full-Time

Hours per Week: 36 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Grade/Scale: Assistant Advisory Officer | EIP Scale Pts 7 - 10/*13 | £49,764 - £54,125/*£58,400 per annum

Additional Allowance(s): Not Applicable

Anticipated Interview Date(s): Early July

Additional Information:

• Post 1 - Locality North (based in Antrim Board Centre)
• Post 2 - Locality East (based in Dundonald)
• Post 3 - Locality South West (based in Omagh / Clounagh)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to: Locality Lead

Background: C2k represents one of the largest and most comprehensive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) projects emanating from the education sector within the United Kingdom. It is governed by the Education Authority and incorporates the administration and management information system formerly known as CLASS. C2k is concerned to ensure the design, development, installation and operation of an ICT infrastructure, delivered through an integrated internal service in order to meet the curricular, administrative and management information needs of educational and other establishments within the responsibility of the Education Service in Northern Ireland.

The scope of C2k includes system configuration and integration, software development, maintenance and support of the infrastructure together with other relevant and related services. In addition, C2k provides a high quality client focused support service to principals, senior managers and school administrators in all of the areas addressed by the system including the Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum, school and academic records and local managed finance, and produces a comprehensive range of statistical and management reports. C2k provides a range of key services which support and enhance management decision making in special, primary and secondary schools.

Key Purpose of Role: The role includes research, development and training and the eLearning Consultant will be part of a team developing a range of systemic models of uptake to help support the embedding of education technologies in all schools. In this role, she/he will be expected to work closely with schools and members of the various teams within C2k and to liaise, as appropriate, with other officers from across the education sector, private sector suppliers and with employees of the C2k Service Providers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and understand schools’ and users’ needs in relation to using education technologies to help raise achievement.
• Design and implement training and/or pilot projects to address these needs.
• Evaluate effectiveness of any training and pilot projects and share findings with teams and senior management as appropriate.
• Research and keep current with all Education policies and strategies in Northern Ireland and beyond as appropriate.
• Research and keep current with studies in the area of technology in learning and teaching.
• Create materials and resources as required to support the promotion, development and deployment of the C2k services.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of on-line services associated with eLearning.
• Provide advice and guidance to C2k on the potential of the eLearning services to support the delivery of training to schools.
• Contribute, as required, to any ongoing development work on the eLearning services.
• Work closely with the Senior Management Team within C2k and liaise, as appropriate, with partners across the education community and with the C2k Service providers.
• Represent C2k at conferences and exhibitions in support of the development and deployment of its services and report back to the team and line manager.
• Liaise with staff of external organisations and agencies so that all relevant parties are kept abreast of developments associated with C2k.
• Undertake any other duties which may, from time to time, be required by the Line Manager.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS:

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria:

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Qualifications: Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools; OR Hold a Recognised Teaching Qualification within FE or HE sectors; OR Hold a Masters Qualification in eLearning.
• Experience: Have five years’ experience of working within education, using technologies which support classroom practice, to include innovative use of technology and including online delivery of courses. Demonstrable experience in using a range of computer applications and Internet technologies to enhance learning and teaching including at least 2 eLearning software applications currently available within the C2k suite of tools; Demonstrable experience within the education sector of developing and implementing eLearning projects for whole school improvement.
• Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of current and anticipated challenges in education.
• Other: The successful candidate will be required to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria:

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

• Knowledge: A clear understanding of current education guidance, including but not limited to, the Revised Curriculum, Every School a Good School. Learning Leaders, and The Strategy for Education Technology. An understanding of the opportunities offered by eLearning services to improve the quality of learning and teaching within schools. An understanding of how data can be used to help teachers offer more targeted learning to pupils and help schools to plan and implement change more effectively. Demonstrable knowledge of evaluating effective practice in eLearning.
• Skills/Abilities: In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Build effective working relationships, lead and co-ordinate teams and work collaboratively with colleagues and a wide range of stakeholders. Work autonomously with drive, determination and resilience, make sound decisions, negotiate and influence at a range of levels. Explain clearly how schools can utilise eLearning in a blended or remote method to enable learning to continue from home. Manage time and workloads effectively, creatively and efficiently, working under pressure and to strict deadlines, when required. Present and communicate effectively to a range of audiences, clearly demonstrating integrity, initiative, discernment and excellent interpersonal skills.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria:

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Experience: Have developed eLearning strategies within School Development Plan. Have lead eLearning developments within school, learning communities or wider areas.
• Qualification: Have a recognised qualification in eLearning or related field i.e Education with Specialisms – Med.

Our Values: Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND: The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.