Saadia Ali
Blacksburg,VA
Summary
Resourceful and innovative Instructional Designer with over 15 years of experience in e-learning and curriculum development for wide variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Offering insightful analysis of content and design to create value-added learning programs that achieve desired business outcomes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders and assess learning needs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tech Savvy Instructional Design Intern
US Department of State
08.2024 - Current
- Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Foreign Service institute (FSI) 10 hours per week unpaid
- Developed comprehensive storyboards that clearly communicated design concepts to stakeholders and developers alike via Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT) for Curriculum Alignment Initiative (CAI).
- Sought opportunities for continuous improvement by staying informed about new technologies, application of AI tools, and approaches in the field of instructional design.
- Incorporated branching scenarios into e-learning modules, allowing learners to explore different paths based on their choices throughout the course experience.
- Maintained organized project documentation, ensuring all relevant information was readily available for team members and stakeholders.
Graduate Assistant, GEER (Global Engagement, Engineering and Research)
College of Engineering (COE), Virginia Tech
03.2024 - Current
- Managed 10-30 incoming emails for GEER projects and programs correspondence.
- Coordinated IRES & Rolls-Royce international internship program logistics, including travel coordination and participant support.
- Created reports on program evaluation and global competencies.
- Managed social media (Facebook/ Instagram) and GEER website content (Ensemble). Developed engaging eLearning content and assessments for COIL on RISE.
- Managed administrative tasks such as scheduling, and record-keeping to ensure smooth operations within COE GEER internships.
Adjunct Faculty
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)
01.2019 - 09.2024
- Designed and delivered content for 4 different undergraduate and IEP (Intensive English Programs) courses in various formats for blended, flipped, synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid learning environments.
- Graded assignments and evaluated assessments with innovative assessment methods for 20-50 students per semester.
- Created inclusive learning environments to boost engagement and motivation.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Served as guest speaker in Educational Trends Across the World program and shared perspective on Pakistan's educational trends several times.
- Served as a committee member for Reauthorization Campaign.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Instructional Designer
Center for Enhancement, Engineering and Diversity (CEED)
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Created evaluation framework based on CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) Model for Step 2 Doctorate program to meet the needs of the programs and continuous improvement.
Global Engagement Coordinator
GEER, College of Engineering (COE), Virginia Tech
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Collaborated with SMEs, managers, and executives to align training goals. Adapted communication styles for diverse audiences. Developed project plans and timelines for training initiatives.
- Developed and implemented dynamic communication strategies while managing 10-30 incoming emails per day from students, colleagues and administrators.
- Summarized complicated topics into simple formats for better understanding.
- Monitored industry social media trends, adapting engagement approaches as needed to remain current and competitive in the market.
- Optimized use of digital tools such as social media platforms or email campaigns to increase reach and exposure of engagement efforts.
- Maintained detailed records of past events, utilizing information to inform future planning decisions.
- Developed creative marketing materials to promote engagement initiatives and drive attendance rates.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues to ensure client satisfaction.
Project Manager
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)
06.2021 - 01.2024
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large project of Open Textbook "Content Area Language and Literacy" project based on a small grant from Colorado Department of Education at University of Northern Colorado.
- Coordinated Call for Papers and gathered blind peer reviews by 30 graduate student teaching during Summer 2023.
- Established effective communication among 3-15 team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, and milestones ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Published textbook Jan 2024 with around 700 downloads currently.
Graduate Assistant
College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences (CLAHS), VT
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed administrative tasks such as grading, scheduling, and record-keeping to ensure smooth operations within academic departments.
- Served as a liaison between 2 faculty members and more than 50 students for addressing concerns or issues related to coursework or academic policies.
- Administered coursework, graded assignments and provided constructive feedback.
- Developed strong communication skills by presenting research findings at conferences, meetings, and academic gatherings.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The Graduate School, Virginia Tech
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Assisted in teaching a graduate course in synchronous and asynchronous learning environments.
- Addressed more than 30 students' issues professionally by utilizing conflict resolution.
- Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
- Conducted office hours for supplemental tutoring sessions, helping students understand complex concepts more clearly.
Graduate Research Assistant
UNCO, Greeley, CO
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Open Education Resources, Educational Technology. Adult Learning Theories, Pedagogy, Assessment
- Participated in regular meetings with 2 project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
- Assisted in manuscript preparation with 8 faculty members/ graduate students, contributing to the publication of Open Textbook project Content Area Language and Literacy in peer-reviewed journals.
- Gathered blind reviews on manuscripts from 30 graduate students during teaching a Summer 2023 course.
- Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Presented research findings at 3 conferences and 2 workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
- Completed administrative and research duties per professor request.
- Conducted document review, organization and quality control of data acquisition to draw relevant conclusions and direct research activities.
Associate ESL Instructor
ELS Educational Services, New Haven, CT
06.2015 - 01.2018
- Designed, developed and delivered lectures for lessons on English language proficiency courses to prepare 20-40 undergraduate, graduate & adult international students enrolled in university degree programs, for the academic English with a focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
- Incorporated adult education principles and experiential learning techniques via Content-based Instruction (CBI) in a motivated environment.
- Assessed, evaluated and provided feedback to students using formative and summative assessments.
- Involved students in healthy practice of career and professional development along with the acquisition of English as a Second Language (ESL).
- Trained students to show confidence in themselves by self-correction, peer-correction and cooperative learning strategies to help raise student's motivation to effectively communicate and reach their potentials.
- Tailored lesson plans to accommodate differences in learning styles and speeds.
- Expanded students'' vocabulary knowledge through targeted activities, increasing their ability to communicate effectively in English.
Coordinator Human Resources, Extracurricular Activities, Faculty & Student Counselor
National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Planned, designed lesson plans and curriculum for more than 50 students in undergraduate and graduate courses in English Linguistics and Literature program and ESL for adults.
- Coordinated extra-curricular activities for students in English department.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by posting jobs, conducted qualification determination, coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall university's mission, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
Education
Ph.D. - Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Design and Technology (IDT)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA01.2026
M.S. - Bilingual, Multicultural Education and TESOL
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
New Haven, CT05.2018
M.A. - English Linguistics and Literature
National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad
Islamabad, Pakistan06.2005
Skills
- Instructional Design: ADDIE & Kirkpatrick Models
- Curriculum Design Authoring Tools: Articulate 360, RISE
- Project Management: Trello, Notion, Sutori, AI Content Generation & Customization: AI Tools: Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek
- Evaluation: CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) Model, RFG3 (Ravid Feedback Generator 3rd edition)
- OER (Open Education Resources): OTB (Open Textbook), Open-Source Deck of Cards (in progress)
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Social Justice Platforms: Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, Skype
- Learning Environment: Synchronous, asynchronous, blended, collaborative, flipped & audience centered
- Audience: Faculty, Students, Immigrants/ English as a Second Language (ESL) K-12, undergraduate, graduate and Adults
- User Engagement & Data Analytics: Google, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Constant Contact, Surveys (Google Forms), Needs Assessment
- Graphic, Social Media & Web Content Management: Ensemble, Constant Contact, PowerPoint, Canva, InShot, Anchor, PicCollage, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Certification
- Outreach & Marketing Program Leader Training, Virginia Tech Feb 2025
- Certification in Accessible Core Competencies (CPACC), TLOS, VT Jan-April 2024
- New Program Leader Training, Virginia Tech Feb 2024
- Measuring Learning Effectiveness, LinkedIn Learning Dec 2021
- Human Resources Foundations, LinkedIn Learning Nov 2021
- Kumon Instructional Design Training Apr 2019-Jan 2021
- Keys to Beginning Reading (ReadAct) Training, Colorado Department of Education, CO, Feb 2021
- Reading 101: A Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing by Reading Rockets, Dec 2020
- TESOL Certification, K-12 & Adults, Dean’s List, Gateway Community College, CT, Dec 2010
Languages
English
Full Professional
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Punjabi
Professional Working
Hindi
Professional Working
Timeline
Tech Savvy Instructional Design Intern
US Department of State
08.2024 - Current
Instructional Designer
Center for Enhancement, Engineering and Diversity (CEED)
06.2024 - 08.2024
Global Engagement Coordinator
GEER, College of Engineering (COE), Virginia Tech
05.2024 - 08.2024
Graduate Assistant, GEER (Global Engagement, Engineering and Research)
College of Engineering (COE), Virginia Tech
03.2024 - Current
Graduate Assistant
College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences (CLAHS), VT
08.2023 - 12.2023
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The Graduate School, Virginia Tech
01.2023 - 05.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
UNCO, Greeley, CO
08.2021 - 12.2022
Project Manager
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)
06.2021 - 01.2024
Adjunct Faculty
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)
01.2019 - 09.2024
Associate ESL Instructor
ELS Educational Services, New Haven, CT
06.2015 - 01.2018
Coordinator Human Resources, Extracurricular Activities, Faculty & Student Counselor
National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan
08.2006 - 06.2007
M.S. - Bilingual, Multicultural Education and TESOL
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
Ph.D. - Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Design and Technology (IDT)
Virginia Tech
M.A. - English Linguistics and Literature
National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad
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