Sara Williamson

About Sara Williamson

I have always believed that technology should empower learning, not complicate it. As a Business Technology Educator, my primary focus is helping students master the digital tools they need to succeed in the modern workplace. Whether I am teaching in the classroom or developing resources for my peers, my goal is to make complex software accessible, engaging and purposeful. In addition to my full-time teaching, I am working part time as an Associate Faculty Consultant for the Center for Instructional Excellence. In this role, I focus on the Microsoft Education integration within Blackboard Ultra, showing faculty how to use these tools efficiently to save time and streamline their workflows. By combining my expertise in Microsoft software with practical LMS strategy, I help educators navigate these tools so they can focus more on teaching and less on the technical setup. By staying on the cutting edge of educational tools, I bring real-world, classroom-tested insights to my instructional design work. I focus on developing the interpersonal communication and professional skills that adult learners need to thrive in a business environment. I also prioritize the responsible use of AI, teaching students ethical application while using AI tools to help guide and enhance my own curriculum development. I do not just teach technology; I show how it can be used to simplify the teaching and learning experience for everyone. My Core Expertise Includes: Classroom Instruction: Full-time educator specializing in Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, business networking and internship job search readiness. LMS Integration & Efficiency: Expert in Blackboard Ultra and Microsoft Education LTI, focusing on time-saving workflows for faculty. AI Literacy & Curriculum Design: Teaching responsible AI use and utilizing AI-augmented design to develop high-quality learning materials. Instructional Design & Accessibility: Developing course curriculum with high accessibility standards and a focus on summative and formative evaluation for adult learners. Faculty Support: Providing peer-to-peer training that shows educators how to adopt new tools with confidence.

Experience

1. Associate Faculty Consultant Center for Instructional Excellence

   Fox Valley Technical College

   Aug 2024 — Present · Appleton, WI, US

   I provide specialized training and resources for faculty part time on an as needed basis to help them adopt new technologies and course design strategies within the LMS.LMS Integration Training: Deliver both virtual and in person training sessions focused on the Microsoft Education integration with Blackboard Ultra to help faculty implement new tools and improve the digital learning experience.Instructional Design Workshops: Lead sessions such as \"Designing Courses that Help Students Learn\" to apply effective pedagogy to digital course structures.Course Development: Develop training materials and resources that show faculty how to build custom banners and professional images directly in Blackboard Ultra to create engaging course environments.Accessibility Leadership: Collaborate on faculty events and initiatives to ensure course curriculum meets high standards of accessibility and supports a diverse range of learners.

Education

• Franklin University

  Master's degree, Instructional Design and Learning Technologies

• Fox Valley Technical College

  Associate Degree, Administrative Assistant and Legal Secretary

• Lakeland University

  Bachelor's degree, Business Administration & Marketing

  1999 — 2003

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Teaching
• Public Speaking
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Social Networking
• Business Networking
• Social Media
• Higher Education
• Curriculum Development
• Outlook
• Powerpoint
• Access
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Student Affairs
• Training
• Resume Writing
• Cover Letters
• Leadership
• Program Management
• Event Planning
• Administrative Assistants
• Career Development
• Event Management
• Interviews
• Job Search Strategies
• Mock Interviews
• Microsoft Outlook
• Administrative Assistance