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About the Role
We are seeking enthusiastic and innovative colleagues to support the development of technology-enhanced learning and simulation across the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care.
Working in partnership with the Lecturer in Technology-Enhanced Learning in Health and Social Care, successful candidates will utilise a range of Open University resources, including XR Studios, Anatomage and other digital simulation technologies, to create and implement engaging learning experiences.
The ideal candidate will have experience of technology-enhanced learning in a healthcare environment, with a strong understanding of digital simulation and emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR). They will be confident working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders across the University to develop innovative, high-quality educational resources.
Candidates should also possess a good understanding of the pedagogical and/or regulatory considerations that underpin the development of learning assets and simulation-based learning within health and social care education.
If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Gemma Ryan-Blackwell on:
gemma.ryan-blackwell@open.ac.uk.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement technology-enhanced learning and simulation activities across the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care using OU resources such as XR Studios and Anatomage.
- Identify, evaluate and apply technologies such as:
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Extended Reality (XR)
- AI-supported learning tools
- Digital simulation technologies
- Work with academics, learning designers, technical specialists and other stakeholders across the OU to develop learning assets.
- Ensure all resources are pedagogically sound, constructively aligned and support assessment requirements.
- Produce innovative, accessible and inclusive digital learning materials suitable for distance-learning students.
- Contribute expertise on educational technology, simulation and AI to curriculum development projects.
- Deliver project outputs to agreed timescales and within project parameters.
This role is primarily about technology innovation and educational design. The successful candidate could come from digital learning, simulation or AI backgrounds. Active professional registration is desirable but not essential.
About You
Essential:
- Minimum of a Master’s degree (or equivalent professional qualification) in nursing, health, social care, education or a discipline relevant to digital technologies, simulation or AI.
- A postgraduate teaching qualification and/or membership of Advance HE.
- Recent and relevant experience of designing, delivering or evaluating technology-based learning or development and implementation of simulation in education.
- Demonstrable experience of applying educational theory and constructive alignment in the design of learning activities and assessment‑aligned teaching materials.
- Practical experience of working with digital learning technologies, such as virtual/extended reality, XR studios, online simulations, gamified learning, or AI‑supported educational tools.
- Experience of working effectively within higher education or an educational setting, including collaboration with multidisciplinary academic and professional teams.
- Evidence of relevant and ongoing continuing professional development in education, digital learning, simulation or nursing practice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accessible learning materials for diverse student audiences in a distance‑learning context.
- An understanding of supported open and distance learning, and the ability to design materials appropriate for learners studying flexibly.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and meet deadlines, working independently and collaboratively within resource constraints.
- Evidence of experience of working within project parameters/briefs, problem-solving and successfully delivering to time and target.
- Evidence or provision of examples of innovative/effective practice related to simulation, AI or digital technologies transferable to distance education.
- An ability to work in a way that is inclusive, accessible and student‑centred, including awareness of digital accessibility and health literacy considerations.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to Milton Keynes or other OU locations as required.
Desirable
- Current, active registration with a health or social care regulator (e.g., NMC)
- Knowledge and understanding of NMC regulatory standards, including proficiencies for registered nurses and requirements relevant to simulated practice learning.
- Demonstrable understanding and experience of OU production approaches.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Working Location: It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes Office, it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be 2 or 3 times per year, but this could be more often if business needs dictate. Full-time working based from our Milton Keynes site is also supported if this is preferred by the candidate. Expenses associated with travel to our Milton Keynes site are not reimbursable.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
Interviews are likely to take place in early November. As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver a 10-15 minute presentation, details of which will be provided in interview invites.
Early closing date notification
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.
If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following documents:
- A Supporting Statement of up to 800 words. You should set out in your statement why you are interested in the role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the essential criteria for this role as detailed above.
- CV
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
