Leadership - Data and Innovation

Context

With extensive experience as both a Senior Instructional Designer and Instructional Design Supervisor, I lead initiatives that advance course quality, accessibility, and student success across FIU Online. My leadership integrates data-informed decision-making, emerging learning technologies, and Quality Matters (QM) standards to support scalable, high-impact online learning environments.

Problem

Online course development and maintenance at scale present several challenges:

• Inconsistent use of data to inform course improvements

• Gaps in accessibility, engagement, and alignment with QM standards

• Limited adoption or ineffective use of instructional technologies

• Disconnected communication across faculty, SMEs, and instructional teams

• Need for structured professional development and mentorship for instructional designers

• Balancing quality, efficiency, and scalability across multiple course builds and recertifications

Leadership, Teamwork, and Strategy

Actions Taken

• Leveraged analytics from Blackboard Ally and Canvas New Analytics to guide targeted course improvements

• Promoted strategic integration of instructional tools, including:

  • Turnitin

  • H5P

  • Harmonize

  • PlayPosit

• Led cross-functional collaboration using Microsoft Teams and Zoom to coordinate course development and faculty engagement

• Facilitated QM certification and recertification efforts in partnership with faculty and stakeholders

• Mentored instructional designers through individualized Learning and Professional Development (LDPD) plans, coaching, and structured skill-building opportunities

• Established clear expectations, transparent communication practices, and strong team culture rooted in trust and accountability

• Applied project management strategies to ensure efficient workflows, timely delivery, and high-quality outcomes

• Maintained ongoing professional development (20+ hours annually) focused on data literacy, technology, and human-centered design

  
  

Framework

Applied a Data-Driven Instructional Leadership Framework grounded in:

• Quality Matters (QM) Standards – Ensuring course quality, alignment, and consistency

• Data-Informed Decision Making – Using analytics to guide improvements in accessibility and engagement

• Human-Centered Design – Prioritizing learner and faculty experience

• Collaborative Leadership – Building partnerships across faculty, SMEs, and instructional teams

• Continuous Professional Development – Supporting growth in data, technology, and instructional practices

• Agile Project Management – Balancing quality, efficiency, and scalability

  
  

Impact

• Increased course quality and QM certification success rates

• Improved accessibility, engagement, and student performance through data-informed enhancements

• Strengthened faculty partnerships and collaboration across units

• Elevated team performance and professional growth through structured mentorship and development

• Enabled scalable, efficient course development and maintenance processes

• Reinforced FIU Online’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and student success

  
  

Key Takeaway

Effective instructional design leadership requires a balance of data, innovation, and human connection. By aligning analytics, technology, and team development, I drive sustainable improvements in course quality and learner success at scale.