Since completing my CMALT portfolio in 2017 I have changed roles at the University of York. I now work as a member of the Programme Design and Learning Technology (PDLT) team as an Online Learning Application Support Officer. My new role is to support staff and students in the delivery of a portfolio of fully online postgraduate programmes delivered via Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). I initially started on a part-time basis in the role and also continued in my previous role supporting the use of PebblePad ePortfolio system in the Department of Health Sciences. I gradually passed on my responsibilities in Health Sciences to others and from 9th March 2020 I now work full time in my new role in PDLT.
The opportunity to change roles has allowed me to work with new systems and broaden my professional development. In addition to Canvas (which is new to the University of York) I also work with systems linked to Canvas via LTI integration, including Panopto, Leganto, Turnitin, Blackboard Collaborate and Padlet. It's been important that I have an understanding of the functionality and requirements for each system to be able to help support the end users.
The online learning programmes have introduced a flexible enrolment method to the University using a carousel method with six entries and jumping off points during a calendar year . The online programmes also introduced a new LMS platform in Canvas. I contributed to the planning discussions to help develop and implement the new approaches required for the new system and enrolment process, as well as documenting new support processes. This has required me to develop an understanding of the programmes and find ways to support their online delivery using the tool-set available within Canvas. I work closely with teaching and instructional design colleagues to deliver new modules in Canvas. I advise on set up processes within the system and am responsible for testing material so that errors can be corrected before release.
In addition to supporting Canvas, I have also continued to support staff and students in the Department of Health Sciences in their use of PebblePad prior to going full-time in my new role. In the past year I have helped develop and launch a new portfolio structure within PebblePad following the implementation of new nursing curriculums for pre-registration and apprenticeship students. I also helped to launch PebblePad in the Department of Education by training staff to produce and manage content in the system for Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students.
As mentioned previously, my role in the PDLT team eventually moved towards a full time post, so I spent time in Health Sciences handing over responsibilities and training staff on how to manage PebblePad. This has included documenting processes in standard operating procedures and training relevant staff members in the system’s use.