CV

Benjamin H. Gerhardt, MA

Experienced instructional designer, international educator, and curriculum developer with over 7+ years of insight into diverse teaching methodology, assessing curriculum for enhancement, and supporting students and faculty through active training facilitation.

Educational Technology & LMS Experience

  • Canvas LMS
  • Blackboard & Blackboard Ultra LMS
  • Blackboard Collaborate
  • Schoology LMS
  • Google Classroom LMS
  • Moodle LMS
  • D2L Brightspace LMS
  • Microsoft 365 Suite
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Harmonize            
  • Kahoot!
  • Portfolium
  • Starfish
  • Zoom
  • Screencast-O-Matic
  • Flipgrid
  • Cisco WebEx
  • Canvas Studio
  • Open Educational Resources
  • Kaltura Capture and Media
  • Respondus
  • Turnitin
  • SafeAssign
  • Adobe Suite
  • Articulate 360
    • Rise
    • Storyline
  • Honorlock
  • Salesforce
  • Pearson Education
    • MyLab
  • McGraw-Hill Education
    • Connect
    • Create
    • SimNet
  • Cengage Learning
    • MindTap
    • Cengage Brain
  • Iorad Tutorial Builder
  • SnagIt
  • Panopto
  • Voice Thread
  • CIDI Labs
    • Design Plus
    • Tidy Up

Professional Experience

Instructional Designer

Vermont Law and Graduate School | Online Learning Program | October 2021 – Present

  • Assist faculty in the development of courses for the online learning program.
  • Provide instructional support as it pertains to the universal design for learning theoretical framework and for the leveraging of educational technology in course development to enhance the student (user) experience.
  • Train and assist faculty in the use of educational technology such as: Canvas LMS, Microsoft Teams, or Panopto, for example.
  • Provide ongoing support through a collaborative help desk email service and through hosted professional development sessions every month.
  • Participate in ongoing research and consultation of new educational technology and innovative instructional design techniques to implement into current and future course development.
  • Support the law school as the Quality Matters (QM) Coordinator, acting as a liaison between institutions to support faculty in continued growth and professional development in online course development.
  • Create user-guides for faculty on a variety of topics such as how to utilize their QM membership and leveraging dynamic course design, for example.
  • Review all online courses each semester for consistent UDL framework (i.e., learning objectives, to-do lists, etc.), accessibility (i.e., captioned videos, descriptive links, Alt-text, formatting, etc.) and user experience (i.e., course navigation, dynamic content, interactivity, etc.).
  • Created the law school’s new online course templates for 7 and 14-week courses.
  • Co-created the hybrid course template for the law school’s new program launching in Fall 2022.
  • Currently building the law school’s online courses in the new templates, which include to date:
    • Environmental Dispute Resolution (ADR6415); Sales (BUS6280); Native Americans and the Law (DIV7620); Introduction to the Law and Policy of Local Food and Agriculture (ENV5108); Science for Environmental Law (ENV5112); Environmental Law (ENV5115); Communications, Advocacy, and Leadership (ENV5122); Climate Change and the Law (ENV5212); Climate Change Mitigation (ENV5214); Environmental Economics and Markets (ENV5220); Water Resources Law (ENV5245); Climate Change Adaptations in Human Systems (ENV5343); Sustainable Energy Project Finance and Development (ENV5556); International Environmental Law (INT7421); Legislation and Regulation Survey (REQ7186); New Approaches to Domestic and Sexual Violence (RSJ7320); Youth Justice Re-Imagined (RSJ7371); Energy Efficiency Policy (ENV5547; L.L.M. Seminar (LLM9606); Pleas, Sentencing, and Accountability (CRI7380); Administrative Law (ENV5105); Reforming Criminal Justice (CRI7360); Energy Law and Policy (ENG5226); Natural Resources Law (ENV5235); Global Food Security and Social Justice (ENV5478); Law and Policy of Local Food (ENV5479); International Environmental Law (INT7421); Evidence (LIT7210); Origins, Evolution, and Critical Issues in Restorative Justice (RSJ7120); Applied Criminal Justice (RSJ7140); Adversity, Trauma, and Victimization (RSJ7210); Narrative Writing Seminar (RSJ7215); Restorative Justice in Indigenous Communities (RSJ7230); Truth and Reconciliation (RSJ7260); Clemency, Pardon, and Expungements (RSJ7270); Drug Policy Reform (RSJ7280); Restorative Justice in Educational Institutions (RSJ7330); Advanced Victim Rights Seminar (RSJ7360).

Editing Assistant and Technology Consultant

Dr. Kristin B. Waters | January 2020 – Present                    

  • Copyedited her scholarly manuscript entitled: Maria W. Stewart and the Roots of Black Political Thought, set for publication on November 15, 2021.
  • Created proper citation and format of endnotes in Chicago/Turabian style.
  • Fact-checked quotes and information throughout the text.
  • Set up the bibliography of all sources referenced and continued to add sources as they were integrated into the manuscript.
  • Developed a website using WordPress for Dr. Waters to promote her scholarship and career.
  • Provide ongoing training and assistance on how to best use WordPress.
  • Make updates to the website as needed.
  • Create presentations that are ADA compliant for her book lectures, talks, and conferences.

LMS Operations Analyst

Southern New Hampshire University | LMS Operations | July 2021 – September 2021

  • Created monthly LMS operational reports for various stakeholders in academic leadership.
  • Collected data from a variety of sources to compile into reporting that looked at metrics such as the overall usage of the LMS through log-in and user data, as well as quantitative data that tracks projects such as an LTI integration, for example.
  • Used Microsoft Power BI for an interactive experience to display the metrics when applicable.
  • Completed various stages of data compilation throughout a month to produce a report by the second week of the following month for distribution.
  • Reviewed the institution’s Employee Accessibility Training for critical feedback on design and eventual implementation.

Instructional Technologist

Johnson and Wales University | College of Online Education | November 2020 – July 2021

  • Developed online courses for universal design (UDL) using Blackboard Ultra LMS.
  • Implemented and leveraged innovative educational technology into course design and development.
  • Built eight and 16-week master course shells to create quality assurance across all courses in the college.
  • Consulted with Instructional Designers and Subject Matter Experts on online course development.
  • Supported about 40 faculty in the college and provide assistance through our email help desk and with 1-on-1 training.
  • Assessed the college’s online courses for accessibility, equity, and copyright.
  • Co-created an asynchronous faculty training course on making course content accessible.
  • Courses built included:
    • ACCT2220- Intermediate Accounting Theory and Practice II
    • ACCT3035- Cost Accounting
    • ACCT3045- Internal Auditing
    • ACCT3050- Advanced Accounting
    • ACCT4040- Auditing
    • ADVC1010- Marketing Communications
    • ANTH1050- Cultural Anthropology
    • BUS3010- Business Analytics
    • COMM1001- Introduction to Communications
    • CJS5630- Advanced Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
    • EMGT5005- New Product Development
    • ENG3016- Advanced Business Communications
    • FSM2010- Medical Food Service
    • FSM2033- Food Service in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
    • FISV5420- Estate Planning
    • FISV5430- Principles of Risk and Insurance
    • ITEC3070- Systems Modeling and Simulation
    • MATH1030- Pre-Calculus
    • MATH2001- Statistics I
    • MGMT3015- Labor Relations
    • MGMT3040- Process and Quality Management
    • MGMT4140- Human Resource Management Seminar
    • MGMT5800- Effective Leadership
    • MGMT6330- Global Logistics
    • MGMT7070- Business Analytics and Intelligence
    • MRKT1002- Consumer Behavior
    • MRKT3011- Data Driven Marketing
    • MRKT3033- Product and Brand Management
    • MRKT3085- Marketing Analytics
    • MRKT6035- Brand Management
    • PHIL3015- History of Philosophy
    • PSYC3001- Social Psychology
    • PSYC3040- Introduction to Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology
    • PSYC3350- Psychology of Motivation and Leadership in the Workplace
    • RSCH7110- Research Design
    • RTL2063- Retail Industry Seminar
    • RTL2122- Retail and Fashion Lab
    • RTL3065- Forecasting
    • RTL3240- Retail Math
    • SEE6040- Sustainable Event Management
    • SMW4010- Senior Capstone I

Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instructional Support

Becker College | Teaching, Learning, and Technology Office | May 2020 – November 2020

  • Developed courses for remote design using Canvas LMS by integrating researched practices of digital pedagogy and implementing educational technology.
  • Developed and designed the college’s professional development course within the framework of universal design.
  • Assessed courses for accessibility, equity, content, copyediting, and the like to increase student retention.
  • Compiled relevant resources for faculty in their transition to remote learning whilst co-developing and facilitating professional development for faculty during Summer and Fall 2020 using Microsoft Teams.
  • Provided 1-on-1 training and drop-in sessions for faculty to facilitate solutions to their specific questions and concerns.
  • Scheduled and hosted three or more faculty professional development sessions for all faculty per week on utilization of educational technology and digital pedagogy with topics that have included: Utilizing Microsoft Teams as the Virtual Classroom, Navigating the LMS, the Implementation of Open Educational Resources, and Best Practices in Digital Pedagogy.
  • Assisted faculty on utilizing Microsoft Teams being the school’s educational technology administrator for the platform, as well as the liaison with Information Technology, to isolate issues and facilitate solutions for both students and faculty.
  • Participated in grant-funded research related to open educational resources for adaptation, assessing marginalized groups in higher education, examining the college’s overall response during Covid-19, and the application of the “Agile Mindset” in higher education.
  • Monitored the Teaching, Learning, and Technology (TLT) office’s shared email as the primary contact and assisted faculty with requests such as assistance in course development or help with technology questions.
  • Drafted research reports and analyzed findings for the TLT office to present to academic leadership.      

Research Advisory Board Graduate Assistant

Worcester State University| September 2018 – August 2019

  • Researched the university’s internal and external grant process, institutional research policies, and resources available for faculty.
  • Drafted written reports and research findings for the advisory board and faculty.
  • Co-developed and co-facilitated grant workshops for faculty in two distinct phases: researching potential grants for specific faculty and an open format grant workshop(s) facilitating assistance to faculty in any stage of their research/grant process.
  • Co-wrote a grants office proposal for the university based on comparable research of universities in the area
  • Designed a preliminary website overhaul proposal focusing on the institution’s research capabilities.
  • Supported the redevelopment of the university’s research and grant policies.

Assistant Manager; Head Banquet Waiter; Waiter

Wachusett Country Club | August 2017 – May 2020

  • Lead wait staff for banquets such as weddings and golf outings.
  • Oversaw the food service staff of 2-15 employees; depending on the function.
  • Responsible for all employee training and communication with staff.
  • Delegated responsibilities to staff members to ensure customer satisfaction and provide attention to detail.
  • Prepared and served the food.
  • Set up and broke down banquet room.
  • Supervised and closed the restaurant and banquet hall.

Float Teller; Teller; Teller Intern

Leominster Credit Union | May 2010 – October 2015

  • Assisted members in banking transactions such as: deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, cashier’s checks, etc.
  • Responsible for at least four referred products in sales per month.
  • Acquired general banking and finance knowledge.

Teaching Experience

English Learner Summer Program Teacher

Jaworek Elementary School | July 2017 – August 2017

  • Taught level 2 English language learners entering the 2nd grade.
  • Worked with students on expanding their vocabulary through manipulatives.
  • Expanded students’ reading capabilities through improvement of phonics.
  • Improved students’ recognition of letters and sounds, and their spelling capabilities.

Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Tutor

Oak Middle School | September 2016 – June 2017

  • Acted as a liaison between the ESL (English as Second Language) teacher and the core classroom teachers (i.e. History, Science, and Math).
  • Encouraged ESL students to be successful in their core classes through scaffolding, modification, and preparing study materials such as study guides and/or summaries.
  • Co-taught an after-school program called Not Just Numbers designed to help ELL’s with mathematical skills, concepts, vocabulary and overall support.
  • Assessed ESL learning through examination of equity in secondary education to ensure students from diverse backgrounds were provided with equal opportunity.

ELL Tutor

Woodland Elementary School | January 2016 – June 2016

  • Facilitated English language learners’ transition from English language development to their core classes i.e. Math, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Collaborated with teachers in the classroom with organizing and implementing lesson plans.
  • Aided ELL students in a pull-aside environment as well.

Substitute Teacher

Wachusett Regional High School | October 2015 – June 2016

  • Substituted and managed various grade levels.
  • Adapted lesson plans as needed or designed new ones on the spot if necessary.
  • Developed classroom presence and public speaking skills.

Education

Master of Arts in World History

Worcester State University | January 2018 – August 2019

  • Completed graduate program focusing on world history, specifically identity in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and East Asia.
  • Concluded degree with a master’s thesis entitled: “The Effects of Christian Rhetoric on Black and Mixed-Race Peoples During the Late Abolition and Early Emancipation Periods in the British Caribbean, 1820-1840.”
  • Fulfilled a Graduate Assistantship for the institution’s Research Advisory Board from September 2018-August 2019.
  • Graduate GPA: 3.97

Bachelor of Arts in History with dual minor in Political Science and Philosophy and Law

Worcester State University | September 2011 – December 2014.

  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude. GPA: 3.77
  • Awarded the Professor Cheng and Christina Yuan Academic Achievement Award for History in 2014 for having the highest GPA (3.9) of any history matriculated student.
  • Presented senior thesis entitled: “Diplomacy between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa” at the New England Historical Association 2015 Bi-Annual Conference on Saturday April 18th, 2015.

International & Volunteer Experience

Co-Facilitator of Delegation to Cuba

Witness for Peace | January 4, 2020 – January 13, 2020

  • Co-coordinated a delegation to Cuba, whose focus was racial justice and identity through examination of the arts and their implications for social change.
  • Interacted with Cubans daily and learned about the unique country from a hands-on approach through a plethora of methods that included:
    • Pre-trip initial required readings and coursework to further our background knowledge on Cuba.
    • Daily lectures, cross-cultural seminars, and guided-tours of multiple museums (i.e. the House of Africa, or the San Severino Museum) and of downtown Havana and Matanzas.
    • Interactions with Cubans from the universities, the government, the healthcare industry, and other professionals such as artists, musicians, and performers on the overall topic of race and identity in Cuba.

Refugee Mentor

Ascentria Care Alliance | September 2016 – Present

  • Volunteer as a mentor for two teenagers, Emmanuel and Muhoza, originally from Kenya.
  • Assist them in their transition to the US by helping with social/emotional support, tutoring/schoolwork, English language learning, and cultural adaptation.
  • Have learned basic phrases in Swahili and have learnt extensively about Kenya.
  • Helped both teenagers obtain part-time jobs and assist in taking them to extra-curricular activities.

Volunteer Tutor for Intensive English Language Institute

Worcester State University | January 2015 – May 2015

  • Volunteered at the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) as an ELL tutor after graduating in 2014. 
  • Tutored a young international student named Mohammed from Saudi Arabia during my time at IELI.
  • Assisted Mohammed in 1-on-1 sessions three times a week for two hours during the three months of the intensive course.
  • Helped him achieve the goals within the course with a passing grade and receiving the certificate of completion.

Study Abroad in Ghana

Projects Abroad | July 14, 2014 – September 1, 2014

  • Volunteered at a human rights office, orphanage, and soccer project in greater Accra.
  • Prepared and led teaching outreaches to schools, slums, and other areas of need.
  • Conducted research on Ghanaian history and philosophy to write two research papers for university.
  • Experienced Ghana first-hand including material culture, living with a host family, volunteering in the capital, and traveling on weekends.

Study Abroad in Morocco

The Morocco Program | May 24, 2014 – June 3, 2014

  • Learnt extensive knowledge of Arab and Muslim culture including minimal Arabic.
  • Brought donations such as school supplies and clothes to give to children at an orphanage, under resourced schools, and rural areas which lacked resources and infrastructure. 
  • Experienced Morocco first-hand including material culture, exploring the Sahara Desert, tours of major cities, and learning what it’s like to be Moroccan. 

Licenses

(QM) Online Teaching Certification for Higher Education

Quality Matters | September 2020 – November 2020

  • Successfully completed the Quality Matters Online Teaching Certification which includes seven courses in instructional design.
  • The courses are as follows:
    • Gauging Your Technology Skills
    • Evaluating Your Course Design
    • Exploring Your Institution’s Policies
    • Orienting Your Online Learners
    • Connecting Learning Theories to Your Teaching Strategies
    • Creating Presence in Your Online Course
    • Assessing Your Learners

Languages

  • English (fluent)
  • Spanish (intermediate)

Technical Skills

  • UDL online course design with an emphasis on accessible and equitable learning
  • Basic HTML Coding & WordPress
  • APA, Chicago/Turabian, and MLA formatting styles
  • Screen Casting and Recording
  • Video and Photo Editing
  • Web-Conferencing Facilitation
  • LMS Admin. Navigation
  • Database Navigation for Research Initiatives

References Furnished Upon Request