Lecturer in Interactive Development & Creative Computing

Website Open Window

Fully accredited Private Higher Education offering Postgraduate, Degree and Higher Certificates qualifications in Creative Fields.

OPEN WINDOW STELLENBOSCH
Vacancy: Lecturer in Interactive Development & Creative Computing (full-time)

(Intended starting date, January 2025)

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of creative developers? The Open Window’s School of Creative Technologies in Stellenbosch is searching for an innovative Lecturer in Interactive Development and Creative Computing. Join a vibrant team of educators and professionals committed to merging creativity with cutting-edge technology. If you’re ready to inspire and mentor students in the fields of web, mobile development, and smart object creation, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

 

About The Open Window

The Open Window (OW) is an accredited private higher education institution recognised for setting innovative standards in the field of visual arts and digital sciences. Founded in 1994, OW has a focus on providing a unique tertiary platform where practice-led tuition links traditional fine art practice with the applied arts. Emphasis is placed on continual innovation within curricula so as to maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving creative arts industries. Many Open Window lecturers, in addition to their academic roles, are actively engaged in creative practice – and we encourage our lecturers to maintain their links to industry. Our investment in highly qualified and industry relevant staff is deemed critical in directing our students in work-integrated learning projects of value. 

Open Window is known for:

  • Various Higher Certificates
  • Bachelor of Creative Technologies
  • Bachelor of Film Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

 

About Creative Computing and Interactive Development  at The Open Window (Department of Creative Technologies)

Creative Computing is a subject that combines a variety of technologies and skills including 3D modelling, electronics, fabrication & programming in order to create smart objects and electrical products. Students are led to learn and engage with these skills from a fundamental level over the course of two years.
Interactive Development introduces students to a vast range of web and mobile languages that allow them to program and develop functional digital solutions that include websites and mobile applications. The course covers both front-end and back-end technologies. The ultimate aim is to provide students with a professional and multi-faceted development skill set that allows them to solve real-world problems and create intuitive, human-centred systems in any product team. Open Window introduces students to Development at Higher Certificate level (HC in Web Development) and continues until Honours and Postgraduate level. 

Role Description:
We are interested in appointing a candidate that possesses skills in BOTH Creative Computing and Development (coding). The candidate must be interested in making meaningful connection through the facilitation of learning and student mentorship. The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic group of academics and professionals in Open Window’s Department of Creative Technologies – an interdisciplinary department that blends creativity and technicality.

On a broad level the candidate will be responsible for teaching both Interactive Development and Creative Computing and its various components to certificate level and undergraduate students across different year levels. This role entails the following:

General Lecturer responsibilities:

  • Facilitation of learning: Teach at an undergraduate level in the subjects Interactive Development AND Creative computing in both physical and virtually-mediated environments
  • Curriculum development: Maintain and develop existing course content
  • Course content and documentation: Create and provide course-related notes, briefs and other documents
  • Student support: Mentor students and provide ongoing support through contact sessions and digital channels and fostering a dynamic learning environment and nurturing students’ growth.
  • Assessment: Conduct formative and summative assessments and record and finalise student achievements within the subject
  • Event participation: Attend and participate in Open Window related events and initiatives such as open days and graduation ceremonies,  as well as supplementary opportunities where relevant
  • Ideation and discussion: Participation in strategic initiatives related to teaching, creative production, research and social engagement within the Open window environment
  • Subject administration: Setup, send, record, file and backup subject-related documentation and processes
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with other lecturers, subjects and departments in order to facilitate growth and development. Liaise with the MakerSpace technicians, and assist where possible to ensure that Creative Computing students benefit fully from the potentials of the Maker Space at The Open Window. 
  • Subject specialist: In-depth knowledge of current trends in the industry, a progressive attitude in the field and a willingness to see the field develop from an education perspective
  • Maintenance: Sourcing electronic components and maintaining – within the structures of the Maker Space, a library of electronic components relevant to Creative Computing’s needs. 

Role-related software knowledge requirements:

Programming and Development:

  • C++ (Arduino)
  • Python (RaspberryPi)
  • Internet of things

Electronics:

  • Building Circuit Boards
  • Applying and understanding various electronic components (controls, input, output, sensors etc)
  • Programming of Microcontrollers either using C++ (Arduino) or Python (RaspberryPi)
  • Soldering

3D Modelling:

  • Basic drawing techniques for 3D modelling ideation
  • Basic 3d modelling skills in programs like Fusion or CAD

Fabrication:

  • 3D Printing
  • Laser Cutting
  • Assembly
  • Robotic considerations

Supporting skills:

  • Visual Studio Code
  • HTML & CSS
  • JavaScript 
  • PHP & SQL
  • MEAN, MERN or MEVN stack (Mongo, Express.js, Node.js, Vue.js, Angular.js, React.js)
  • Command Line / Bash terminal abilities
  • Version control skills (Git or similar)
  • Unit Testing framework (Jasmine, JUnit, PHPUnit etc.)
  • Experience in industry and a clear understanding of application or web development and different workflow methodologies

GENERAL BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Good interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivation and regulation
  • Strong visual intelligence and aesthetic sensibility
  • Enthusiasm towards the subject(s) and field(s)
  • Display a good grasp of the industry (locally and internationally) as well as the discourse related to the field
  • Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
  • Capable of working in a team (very important)
  • Emotional maturity and soft skills for interpersonal development of both colleagues and students
  • Problem solving and problem framing skills / ideation and conceptual abilities
  • Be able to cope under pressure, and meet deadlines
  • Be dynamic, adaptable, and a creative thinker with administrative skills
  • Enthusiastic about the field of software development and a good grasp of the industry
  • Willingness to research and learn new tools, skills, and programming languages
  • Inquisitive and explorative interest in technological advances
  • Ability to learn quickly and a passion for new technologies

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • A minimum NQF Level 8 qualification (honours degree or equivalent) in design, UX design, multimedia, or related fields. Preference for candidates with a master’s degree.
  • An up-to-date portfolio showing relevant practical work

Added advantages for this position:

  • Experience in facilitation of learning at tertiary level / curriculum development
  • Teaching qualification / Masters qualification
  • The ability to supervise Honours level students
  • Exposure to UX methodologies and practices
  • Exposure to C# & .NET Frameworks

Remuneration

R320 000 – R400 000 per annum 

(negotiable within the indicated annual remuneration range, as commensurate with the incumbent’s overall experience and qualification level)

No additional benefits are on offer, other than a Retirement Annuity of which Open Window contributes towards.

Application Process:

To apply please send  a motivational cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, your CV, and a portfolio to:

Head of School: Morne Venter

morne@openwindow.co.za

Closing Date for applications is 12 November 2024.

Please note

  • The Open Window reserves the right to retract the position advertised without notice. 
  • In support of the company’s Employment Equity plan, applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply. 
  • No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. 
  • Should you not receive a response within two months after the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful. 
  • As your application is likely to contain personal information, the documents will be handled according to OW POPIA policies, and the information will be shared with HR, interview panel members,, and the Academic Executive.

To apply for this job email your details to morne@openwindow.co.za.