Undergraduate Academic Assistant for small TLEF-funded project

Job Posting: Undergraduate Academic Assistant for small TLEF-funded project

Position Title: Undergraduate Academic Assistant

Project Title: Expanding Access to Field-Based Learning through Immersive Virtual Tours: A UDL Approach to Inclusive, Experiential Education in Field Courses

Project Overview:
This project aims to develop immersive, UDL-aligned virtual tours of key sites in Hawaii to support the ISCI 361 field course by advancing accessible, place-based learning. Building on UBC’s commitment to experiential and international learning, it addresses limitations in traditional field courses—such as cost, accessibility, and site fragility—by creating flexible alternatives. The virtual tours will incorporate 360-degree video, interactive mapping, and soundscapes to engage students in complex sustainability issues, providing access to challenging-to-reach locations. Additionally, the project will establish a replicable workflow for instructors, focusing on best practices in UDL and multimedia integration, and assess the efficacy of technology-supported field pedagogies to achieve learning objectives.

Project Outcomes:

1. Comprehensive Lesson Plans for Digital Field Experiences
2. Immersive Virtual Tours of Key Field Sites
3. Student Feedback on Virtual Learning Quality and Accessibility
4. Instructors’ Workflow for Virtual Field-Based Learning

Position Requirements:

• Status: Must be a current undergraduate student. Active registration in the Integrated Sciences Specialization an asset
• Skills: Strong research skills, proficient in both written and oral communication
• Interpersonal Abilities: Excellent interpersonal skills are essential for coordinating with the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT), the Centre for Accessibility (CfA), and UBC Media Studios.
• Recommended Qualifications:
  • Current or past participation in, or familiarity with, ISCI 361 field courses.
  • Familiarity with or interest in storyboarding, curriculum development, and/or media production
  • An interest in or understanding of UDL and accessibility in field-based courses is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Identify sustainability themes within the pre-existing course material and/or develop new pedagogical goals in accordance with themes within the Hawaii field course that can be represented virtually
• Create a Module design for each of two themes (e.g., water access and marine ecosystems) in collaboration with the course instructors
• Create a set of learning objectives for students to consider sustainability within these themes.
• Identify two Hawaiian sites with significant barriers to access, such as the Kaumana Lava Tubes and Kealakekua Bay
• Develop storyboards for virtual experiences that align with the course pedagogical goals and Module learning objectives
• Explore immersive representation options, such as 360° video, spatial mapping, and augmented reality, in consultation with UBC Studios
• Assist the project team in developing the virtual tours to support inclusive learning for all students, focusing on interactive, multimedia-rich experiences to enhance student learning, which may include 360 video tours, instructor-narration, student-guided virtual mapping navigation, soundscapes, points of interest, etc

Position Duration: May 2025-December 2025 (with the possibility of extension based on project needs)

Position Start Date: May 18, 2025
Weekly Commitment: 6-12 hours/week
Compensation: $21.17/hr 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a pioneering project on immersive virtual field learning. If you are passionate about enhancing educational access through innovative solutions and digital media, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions:
Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing relevant experience and interest in the project to gabriel@science.ubc.ca

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025