Professional Summary
Seasoned Instructional Designer with broad experience in Higher Education, Customer Service, and Administrative Support. Technologically oriented professional with hands-on experience in designing and delivering learning programs. Strong oral and written communication skills, experience with online survey design, data analysis, evaluation, and possesses the ability to perform autonomously or within small and large groups. Academic experience includes communication, education, hospitality administration, and business management. Professional vision is to implement a distance training initiative (or improve the current initiative) in a corporation. Along the way, this will include consulting businesses and individuals about their training methods and how they can incorporate technology (and e-learning) into their training. With this initiative, I plan to assist them in the development of effective instructional materials, implementing a learning management system as a method of instruction and assessment, incorporating technology into their teaching and learning, and modifying their training system to meet the needs of all learners and their learning styles. Professional interests include E-learning, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Learning Management System Administration, Professional Development, Training Design and Facilitation, and Web & Content Accessibility.
Summary of Experience
Instructional Design and Technology
Experience: 7 years
Employers: DeVry Education Group, Integrated Education Solutions, Purdue University, and AHIMA
Projects
- Adtalem Global Education (DeVry Education Group)
- Integrated Education Solutions (DeVry)
- Office of Instructional Technology (Calumet)
- Office of Learning Technology (North Central)
- ICD-10 Project (AHIMA)
Project Management and Consulting
Experience: 6 years
Employers: DeVry Education Group, Integrated Education Solutions, and Purdue University
Projects
- Adtalem Global Education (DeVry Education Group)
- Integrated Education Solutions (DeVry)
- Center for Learning and Academic Success (Calumet)
- Office of Instructional Technology (Calumet)
- Office of Learning Technology (North Central)
Training Facilitation and Courses
Experience: 9 years
Projects
- Adtalem Global Education (DeVry Education Group)
- Center for Learning and Academic Success (Calumet)
- Office of Instructional Technology (Calumet)
- Office of Learning Technology (North Central)
- Certified Training (Olive Garden)
Accessibility (Document and Web), ADA Compliance, ADDIE Model, Adobe CS6 & CC (Acrobat XI and DC, Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Fireworks, Premiere), Android OS, Blackboard LMS (Vista/WebCT & Learn), Bloom’s Taxonomy, Camtasia (Screen casting), Captivate, Cloud Storage Systems (Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, SharePoint), Consulting, Content Management Systems (WordPress, Joomla), Course Authoring Tools (CourseWriter, Lectora Inspire), CSS, Customer Service, File Management Systems (Equella), Google Docs, HTML, Instructional Design (Best Use, Practices, Guidelines), Information Mapping (Inspiration), Instructional Materials (Handouts, Video, Audio), Instructional Technology, Java (basic), Learning Management Systems (WebCT, Blackboard Vista, Blackboard Learn, eCollege, Moodle, Canvas), MS Office Suite, POS Systems, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Matters, Recordkeeping, Section 508, SnagIt, Storyboarding, Survey Administration, Tablets/Mobile Devices, Technical Writing, Template Management, Training, Website Management, WCAG, Windows OS
Senior Instructional Designer
Adtalem Global Education—Chicago, Illinois
Adtalem Global Education
June 2018-Present
- Conduct needs assessment, identify learner gaps, analyze data, and make recommendations for content enhancements and/or improvements to further increase learner engagement and close learner gaps.
- Advises and assists the curriculum authors and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the most appropriate use of educational media and technology tools to enhance instruction and create new and engaging learning environments.
- Work closely with academic and curriculum partners, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders to manage and support the design and development of online and hybrid course material, with an emphasis on interactive and multimedia technology-driven components.
- Works closely with curriculum authors and subject matter experts to develop storyboards and related instructional elements for incorporation into the courses.
- Communicate regularly and professionally with entire development team.
- Collaborates with colleagues in developing tools and templates for instructional development. Presents recommendations to leadership.
- Collaborates with course development colleagues in developing, continually refining, and disseminating standards and best practices for instructional design and development of instructional media. Presents recommendations to leadership.
- Oversee instructional design contractors as assigned.
- Mentor and coach members of the instructional design team and course development team.
- Participate in the training of subject matter experts and new hires.
Lead efforts to analyze course effectiveness and usability across an entire academic program, college, or institution.
- Researches and stays current with emerging educational technologies.
A quick list of project topics/disciplines I develop or assist with development: Business, Finance, Nursing, Public Health, and Technology.
Senior Instructional Designer formerly known as Instructional Designer III
Instructional Designer II
Adtalem Global Education—Chicago, Illinois
Adtalem Global Education/Integrated Education Solutions
June 2016-June 2018
- Developed and maintained courses in the Equella CMS and Course LMS using responsive design (HTML) templates.
- Created instructional or training materials using multimedia software and participated in development of tools and reusable templates for instructional development.
- Designed and added learning activities ensuring content aligns with learning principles and course objectives.
- Organized content into document-based templates for editing by subject-matter experts, instructors/faculty, and course development team.
- Served as main point of contact (Course-level Project Manager) for program dean, program project manager, subject-matter experts, and instructors. This involves working closely with academic partners, subject matter experts and key stakeholders to support and manage the design and development of online and hybrid courses.
- Conducted needs assessment, analyze data, and make recommendations for course enhancements and/or improvements.
- Advised and assisted Academics in appropriate use of tools and technology and best practices to support active and engaged learning environments.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts and media production team to author storyboards and produced related instructional media pieces for incorporation into courses.
- Completed course-level and/or project-level management tasks as required for tracking and reporting purposes.
- Completed quality reviews to ensure all new or updated course masters comply with all existing design standards.
- Assisted in curriculum process improvement efforts. Worked with others throughout the department to develop, continually refine, and disseminate standards and best practices for course design and for design of instructional media.
- Developed and/or maintained online web-based resources (e.g., tutorials, reference material, design standards, content resources, templates, and announcements).
- Participated as a consultant on special projects within the department and in Institution-wide projects.
A quick list of project topics/disciplines I developed or assisted with development: Business, Health Information Technology, Law, Nursing, and Technology.
Adtalem Global Education was formerly known as DeVry Education Group
Instructional Designer II
LaSalle Network—Chicago, Illinois
DeVry Education Group/Integrated Education Solutions
September 2014-June 2016
- Maintained course templates for production in the eCollege/Pearson LMS while assisting in the development of the courses.
- Worked with subject matter experts (SMEs) and course development colleagues to manage and support the design and development of course materials with a focus on technology-driven components.
- Created instructional or training materials using multimedia software and mentored course development colleagues in Instructional Design Best Practices.
- Advised and assisted the curriculum authors in the most appropriate use of educational media and technology tools to enhance instruction.
- Designed learning activities while incorporating university curriculum design principles.
- Added content to courses ensuring content aligns with learning principles and objectives, created storyboards for media/course development, and assisted with interactive and multimedia content development as needed.
- Participated in course development team meetings and performs other duties as assigned.
Project topics/disciplines I developed or assisted with development: Business, Compliance, Law, and Technology
Formerly contracted with LaSalle Network (LaSalle Staffing, Inc.) with DeVry Education Group
Instructional Designer
Purdue University—Calumet Campus—Hammond, Indiana
Center for Learning and Academic Success (Calumet)
June 2015-August 2015
- Created a training module for current and new Academic Advisors with the focus on recognizing the needs for first generation students, a primary audience of the university’s student body.
- Training module created for in-person facilitation and online delivery.
Formerly contracted with Academic Affairs as a Temporary Administrative Professional Staff Member (ID)
Instructional Designer
Hudson Global Solutions—Chicago, Illinois
American Health Information Management Association
December 2013-July 2014
- Developed Health Information Management (HIM) Courses in the Lectora Authoring Tool
- Focused on creating modules and lessons specific to HIM content and ICD-10 Guidelines, which included creating pages, interactive materials, learning assessments and exams.
- Provided troubleshooting assistance to the team while working the provided template and scripts. Conducted QA testing upon completion of the course section(s).
Instructional Designer, Course Management System Specialist, & Graduate Assistant
Purdue University—Hammond/Westville, Indiana
Calumet (Hammond) and North Central (Westville) campuses*
August 2011-July 2014
Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management (Calumet)
Office of Instructional Technology (Calumet)
Office of Learning Technology (North Central)
*Purdue University Calumet/North Central is now Purdue University Northwest
- Provided the campus community with technical assistance for the university’s Learning Management System (LMS) as a system support administrator. Performed troubleshooting for user enrollments, batch processes and functionality errors, course management.
- Coordinated the overall operation, administration, and functionality testing of the LMS. Assigned nodes, delegated module administration, performed backups and archives of content, and created and merged courses/enrollments. Product testing and service pack testing on development and QA platform.
- Created and revised courses based on instructional principles, navigation and ease of use (Used content to engage learning with discussion forums and other collaboration tools to facilitate communication; quizzes, surveys, and assignment drop boxes to assess learners; and media links for interactivity.).
- Developed, planned, coordinated, and conducted user support, training (workshops and seminars), and documentation for the LMS and other technology software, resources, and instructional technology projects (Worked with individual faculty members one on one and in small groups about their Blackboard courses integrating instructional design practices and effective online course design and curriculum strategies. Managed daily office duties in relation to customer service, maintained website posts and content in the WordPress CMS, and designed instructional materials and videos.
- Assisted in instruction as a learning (graduate) assistant/teaching assistant for one of the capstone courses of a BS program.
Certified Trainer, Server, & Host
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant (Italian Kitchen)—Michigan City, Indiana
June 2009–September 2014
- Sold wines and appetizers, accompanying guests meals.
- Create instructional or training materials using multimedia software.
- Exceptional guest service
- Maintained Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission Permit Log for establishment.
- Trained new employees on specific positions, ensuring goals were met.
Food Server
Blue Chip Casino—Michigan City, Indiana
April 2009–December 2009
VIP Server
Four Winds Casino Resort—New Buffalo, Michigan
April 2008–March 2009
Server / Banquet Server & Prep Cook
Stampede Banquets—Michigan City, Indiana
June 2007–January 2010
Dietary Worker
Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital (Franciscan Alliance)—Michigan City, Indiana
February 2005–July 2007
Purdue University—Calumet Campus—Hammond, Indiana
Master of Science: Education (Instructional Design & Technology)
- August 2011-May 2014
- GPA for Education: 4.0
Master of Arts: Communication
- August 2011-May 2014
- GPA for Communication: 3.5
- Cumulative GPA for both Master’s degrees: 3.71
Bachelor of Science: Hospitality & Tourism Management
- August 2009-May 2011
- GPA: 3.25
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana—Northwest Region
Associate of Applied Science: Hospitality Administration
Associate of Applied Science: Business Administration
- August 2007-May 2009
- Magna Cum Laude, GPA for both degrees: 3.768
Technical Certificate: Business
Copies of college degrees and transcripts available upon request.
Michigan City High School—Michigan City, Indiana
High School Diploma: Core 40 Standards
Copy of high school degree available upon request.
- Presented a concurrent solely at the Indiana Computer Educators (now, Indiana Connected Educators - ICE) Conference—October 2013
- “Reaching student communication and learning needs through Web Accessibility”
- Co-presented at the ICE Conference—October 2012
- “Screen-capturing, screen-casting and screen sharing for the budget friendly teacher”
- Aided professors in undergraduate class instruction as a Lab Assistant at PUC: Fall 2010 & Spring 2011.
- Aided professors in undergraduate class instruction as a Learning Assistant/Teaching Assistant/Graduate Assistant at PUC: Fall 2011, Spring 2012, and Fall 2012.
- Assisted in the organization of 50 person wedding anniversary party for a former university chancellor.
- Aided in food & beverage service for a university vice chancellors holiday party.
- Organized an international dinner for 80 persons which included formulating a Thai dinner menu, designing a banquet floor plan, directing staff, creating event decorations, served as maître 'd, & confirmed event was on scheduled as planned.
- Compiled Criswell-Schlaak family history thorough extensive research utilizing: 1) State Archives, 2) Cemetery Records, 3) Library Research, and 4) Internet & Database Research.
- Volunteered tour guide and lawn care services at Friendship Botanic Gardens, formerly International Friendship Gardens, (Michigan City, Indiana) from 1997-2005.
- American Culinary Federation—Volunteer—2007-2009
- Ivy Tech Culinary Club—Treasurer—2008-2009
- Purdue Calumet HTM Club—Member—2010-2011
- Academic Honor’s Society—Phi Theta Kappa—Inducted April 2009
- Business Honor’s Society—Kappa Beta Delta—Inducted March 2008
Please click the Portfolio link at the top of this page to access my portfolio.
Click below for a printable version (PDF) of this résumé.
For a résumé with my contact information, please use the contact form available on this website.
Online Testimonial
Anastasia Trekles
Alex is, in a word, awesome. He works very hard, seeks a high standard of quality in everything he does, and is committed to any project he starts from the beginning to the end. I have both had him as a student and worked with him as an employee, and he is one of the most competent and self-sufficient young instructional designers I have ever worked with. He has developed a multitude of effective materials for my Office of Learning Technology that we continue to use today on our website and in faculty professional development courses. His learning materials are always very well-produced, thoughtfully designed, and accessible, which are important elements for our office, but in many other industries as well. Any employer would be very happy, and indeed fortunate, to have Alex on staff!
Source: LinkedIn Profile - Dr. Anastasia Trekles
Letters of Recommendation
Entry to Graduate School
Deborah Parker, M.A. - (PDF)
Rosella Golub, Chef - (PDF)
Susan Finke, Ph.D.(c) (In memoriam) - (PDF)
Student Employee of the Year
Magesh Chandramouli, Ph.D. - (PDF)
Bonnie Colon, LMHC - (PDF)
Kathleen Kleefisch, DNP - (PDF)
Lynn Miskovich, DNP - (PDF)
Dolores Huffman, Ph.D. - (PDF)
Professor Testimonials - (PDF)
General Notes
Email Testimonial - (PDF)