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Shane Pachagadu

@shanepachagadu

Message

Experienced instructional designer with a focus on blended learning.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative environment that values innovation and continuous learning.

I am Shane Pachagadu, an accomplished instructional designer with extensive experience in higher education. Currently, I serve as the Unit Head for Instructional Design at the University of Witwatersrand, where I lead a team of five instructional designers. My role involves empowering lecturers to transition from traditional teaching methods to blended learning approaches, ensuring that our educational practices are innovative and effective.

Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my contributions to the field, receiving multiple awards for academic excellence, including Cum Laude honors in both my National Diploma and B. Tech. in Office Management & Technology. My research has been published in various academic journals, and I have presented at international conferences, showcasing my commitment to enhancing the teaching and learning experience through technology.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Unit Head: Instructional Design

Current

University of Witwatersrand

Jan 2016 - Present (9 years 5 months)

Leading a team of instructional designers, providing services to five faculties, and facilitating the transition to blended learning. Responsible for developing online courses and training academics on the Canvas LMS.

Instructional Design Team Leadership

Current

Unit Head: Instructional Design

Current

university of witwatersrand

Jan 2016 - Present (9 years 5 months)

Provide instructional design services to 5 faculties within the institution
Manage and lead a team of 5 Instructional Designers
Empower and skill lecturers in transitioning from traditional face-to-face teaching approaches to blended learning approaches
Manage, lead and coordinate instructional designers and lecturers to develop online courses

Problem Solving Communication Skills

Instructional Designer

University of Johannesburg

Aug 2015 - Dec 2015 (4 months)

Developed and implemented training programs for technology-assisted learning, collaborated with faculties on e-learning solutions, and conducted research on effective practices in higher education.

E Learning Research Collaboration

Learning Designer

Central University of Technology

Jan 2014 - Jul 2015 (1 year 6 months)

Provided instructional design services across seven faculties, trained lecturers in technology use, and coordinated instructional design projects while developing educational technology manuals.

Instructional Design Education Technology Project Coordination Training

Instructional Designer/Training Technologist

Tshwane University of Technology

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013 (11 months)

Delivered instructional design services to the Faculty of ICT, developed training materials, and coordinated projects to enhance teaching and learning through technology.

Instructional Design Training Development Project Management

General Assistant (Cataloguing)

Central University of Technology

Jun 2002 - Nov 2004 (2 years 5 months)

Updated cataloguing data, prepared information sources, and assisted in various library functions while participating in marketing and exhibition activities.

Data Management Library Operations Marketing

Senior Officer: Instructional Designer

University of the Free State

Jan 2011 - Jan 2013 (2 years)

Conducted research on emerging technologies, designed blended learning content, and trained staff and students on the Blackboard LMS while supervising junior staff.

Emerging Technologies Staff Training Curriculum Design

Senior Administrative Officer

Central University of Technology

Nov 2006 - Jan 2011 (4 years 2 months)

Assisted instructional designers with Blackboard, managed office functions, and supported e-learning initiatives while addressing student queries.

Administrative Support Black Board Learn Office Management

Senior Library Assistant (Acquisitions)

Central University of Technology

Nov 2004 - Nov 2006 (2 years)

Managed the information resource budget, ordered educational materials, and supervised student assistants while ensuring efficient library operations.

Budget Management Library Management Vendor Relations

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of the Free State

Magister Artium, Higher Education Studies

2011 -

Activities and societies: Dissertation on podcasting in education.

Pursued Magister Artium in Higher Education Studies with a focus on Higher Education Systems, Learning Facilitation, and E-Learning Environment.

Central University of Technology, Free State

B. Tech., Office Management & Technology

2003 - 2008

Grade: Cum Laude

Completed National Diploma and B. Tech. in Office Management & Technology, covering modules such as Communication, Mercantile Law, and Business Administration.