dr. Risa Blair
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Experience

Consultant, Instructional Associates, Miami Shores, FL                                       January 2010 to Present
Project Highlights:
  • Developing and staffing masters programs for start-up university
  • Identifying key tasks and developing administrator and end-user training for television digital media management software.
  • Negotiating contracts and managing projects overseeing the development of online curriculum for healthcare management courses
  • Conducting virtual sales and product training for global client, using consultative selling techniques
  • Developing and editing animated media for publishing industry
  • Developing and presenting focused technology topics to college professors and managers in the publishing industry

Implementation Consultant, Blackboard, Inc., Washington, DC                          
April 2013 to September 2013
  • Developed client-specific implementation project plans and timelines.
  • Developed and presented at meetings with prospects, including executives and individual contributors.
  • Leveled customer sponsors and Collaborate senior leadership.
  • Identified customer risks, implemented risk mitigation plans, and communicated to senior leadership.
  • Monitored, tracked and reported project status and performance.
  • Conducted meetings with client sponsors and stakeholders.
  • Created and delivered detailed implementation reports.

Training Advisor, FedEx Latin America and Caribbean Division, Miami, FL          November 2010 to April 2013
  • Utilized experience in classroom instruction and instructional design experience to develop engaging and timely corporate training
  • Promoted strong human relations through the use of effective verbal and written communications
  • Analyzed content and implemented novel and/or unique approaches to solve complex training problems
  • Consulted with management to determine training needs and subject matter experts to develop client-focused training
  • Customized and maintained training materials and documentation to meet specific and user/client needs
  • Maintained awareness of current educational/training methodologies and ensure quality control for assigned programs
  • Utilized appropriate tools to provide measurement of educational activities, expenses, and productivity
  • Provided project leadership in support of various corporate and departmental projects/programs with responsibility to plan and coordinate resources to achieve projects goals
  • Provided input and feedback to instructional design group on training material and instructional effectiveness and participate as subject matter expert on development design task forces as required
 
Senior Instructional Designer, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL                       November 2007 to October 2010
  • Managed and created the design, development, delivery, and new technology implementation for several online courses.  Developed and modified course HTML content.
  • Created and used multimedia and movies to promote student and faculty learning.
  • Supervised over 50 adjunct instructors.  Responsible for all aspects of their efforts, from the delivery of online courses, to handling technical issues and student problems.
  • Trained faculty to use ANGEL Learning Management Software.  Develop training modules for common tasks.
  • Developed student training modules using Captivate and Camtasia to promote student success.
 
Adjunct Professor, Kaplan University, Fort Lauderdale, FL                                          January 2005 to Present
  • Facilitate online course in software applications, including monitoring classroom message board, counseling and motivating students, and teaching weekly synchronous “hands-on” sessions to a very broad-based student population. 
  • Participate in online professional development and conference calls, both in an effort to improve individual teaching strategies and student success.

Assistant Dean, Kaplan University, Fort Lauderdale, FL                                             April 2006 to August 2007
  • Managed the development, revision, quality, and accuracy of courses in graduate education program.
  • Developed procedures to improve course accuracy by 80%.
  • Interviewed, selected and collaborated with subject matter experts to create and update courses.
  • Negotiated contracts with subject matter experts and worked with legal to negotiate terms.
  • Developed and managed the implementation of a new course design throughout the curriculum to streamline courses, provide ease-of-use of the online platform, and promote retention in our programs to 85%.
  • Evaluated metrics and created reports for the purpose of implementing documented quality improvements based on data (instructor and student feedback).
  • Achieved metric guidelines for courses (4.3/5.0) as established in the strategic plan.
  • Forecasted and managed a $100k budget for curriculum development and technology.
  • Prepared agenda and facilitated monthly online meetings for the Assistant Deans of Curriculum.

Teacher/Assistant Debate Coach, Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale, FL                August 2003 to April 2006
  • Responsible for developing curriculum and teaching classic Darkroom Photography, Digital Photography, Advanced Photography, and English. 
  • Utilized technology to facilitate learning, including Blackboard, software image editing, and video editing programs.
  • Traveled extensively throughout the U.S. with the team. 
  • Integral in managing and administering $50,000+ budget for the debate team. 
  • Systematized organization, logistics, travel planning, and parent communications for active 100-member debate team. 
  • Assisted in the planning and implementation of annual 3-day debate tournament serving 2500 participants.

Assistant Professor, Angley College, DeLand, FL                                                      October 2002 to June 2003
  • Taught a variety of courses including Public Speaking, Communication, Writing, Computer Technology, Management and General Business. 
  • Researched and developed outlines for 25 new courses to form the basis for the 4-year degree program in business administration and to meet academic expectations for the regional accrediting body.

Assistant Professor, Champlain College, Burlington, VT                                         August 1993 to August 2002
  • Taught Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Diversity Awareness, Freshman Experience, Presentation Graphics, skills-based Computer Applications and Web Development. 
  • Selected textbooks and related materials to guide curriculum and used these in creative ways to achieve learning goals through lecture, small group instruction, class projects, case studies and practical application. 
  • Arranged career-based internships and student interviews. 
  • Taught courses in the Middle East (40-45 students per class) for a semester for ESL students, with Hebrew or Arabic as a first language.  Utilized Hebrew version of Microsoft Office to teach students Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
  • Incorporated innovative means to reach the students, including technology, movies, analogies, group work, cases and occasional translation assistance to deliver educational content. 
  • Collaborated with administration to address concerns and to resolve academic and technology issues.
  • Created courses, developed on-line content and facilitated courses in Internet Research, Web Design, Presentation Graphics, Cultural Diversity, Web Storyboarding, Dreamweaver and Enhanced Web Development. 
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