Richard Wright Email & Phone Number

I am an instructional systems designer and Digital Learning Advisor by profession at the University of South Africa. With nearly a decade worth of experience in the ambit of teaching and learning, my focus areas include designing academic development courses and instructional materials. In addition, I also provide expert consultative support, advice and guidance to professional staff on the appropriate use of technologies to enhance and transform the learning and teaching experience of open-distance learning students.I am currently seconded on the Student Support and 4IR Readiness Project (SS4IR) at Unisa as an Educational Technologist working on strategically aligned projects as part of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) mandate. In the role of an Educational Technologist, I am involved in curriculum design and technological implementations of innovative projects to improve the e-readiness of academics and students for the current and future technological developments, as accelerated by the 4th Industrial Revolution. This has been achieved through the design, development, implementation, and facilitation of digital literacy programmes incorporating modern digital learning principles such as gamification, gamified elements and testing innovative technology for the creation of a community of inquiry in online educational spaces. In using advanced data analytics, I assist with research in determining the impact of project initiatives which contributes to the needs analysis and conceptualization of future initiatives.My innovative work and involvement with the DigitTech CoP and Academic Development Open Virtual Hub (ADOVH) gave me unique opportunities to work across various institutional departments in collaborative work and the sharing of knowledge and skills through workshops. For a summary of some of my innovations, please visit my portfolio of work at: https://sway.office.com/15ek1w2CtxGsF1By?ref=Link My involvement with various DHET funded projects offered me the opportunity to develop and conduct multiple synchronous and asynchronous courses for students, permanent staff and e-tutors.My personal skills in creativity, problem-solving and collegiality ensures my ability to create an inclusive and collaborative professional development environment.

Listed skills include Autocad, Photoshop, and Research.