Learning Technologies & EdTech Specialist

SADAF ASHRAF

Cambridge, MA 617-***-**** *****.*****@*****.***

CAREER SUMMARY

Learning technologies specialist with 10+ years in tech, higher education, corporate, and technology-driven environments. Experienced in partnering with faculty and cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize digital learning experiences that elevate teaching quality and student engagement.

Graduating from Ed.M. in Learning, Design, Innovation & Technology at Harvard Graduate School of Education, with a focus on inclusive design, active learning, and emerging EdTech tools, including generative AI. Skilled in translating learning science and instructional design principles into concrete course structures, toolkits, and resources that scale across programs and modalities.

COMPETENCIES

Educational Technology & Platforms

LMS: Canvas (primary), Miro; eLearning platforms: Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning

AI-informed learning tools and generative AI (e.g., for feedback, content support)

Classroom and collaboration tools: Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace

Authoring & media: Adobe Suite; basic HTML; data visualization tools

Project & Stakeholder Management

Cross-functional collaboration with faculty, product, engineering, and IT

Agile/iterative design, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement

Requirements gathering, documentation, process improvement

Technical troubleshooting and user support for digital learning environments

Project management using Scrum

Technical & Data Skills

Basic Python, HTML, TCP/IP concepts

Learning and interaction data collection for improvement

CRM & IT tools: Salesforce, NetSuite, Siebel, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Jira, Asana, Monday.com

Tools: Jira, Asana, Monday.com, Google Workspace, SharePoint, Canvas, Miro

Instructional Design & EdTech: Inclusive Pedagogy, Content Development, Learning Design, Data Visualization

LMS: Canvas, Miro.

eLearning Platforms: Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning.

Technical & Coding Skills: TCP/IP, HTML, Python, Scratch, Software Installation and Debugging, Equipment Maintenance, Imaging laptops.

EDUCATION

Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA May 2026

Master’s in education (Ed.M.), Learning, Design, Innovation & Technology

Related Coursework: Advanced Ed-tech Design Studio Negotiations Data Visualization Workplace Learning

Tufts University, Medford, MA May 2019

Master’s Certificate in Microwave & Wireless Engineering

Related Coursework: Wireless Engineering, Silicon RF IC Design, Microwave Circuit Design, Data Communication, iPv4, iPv6

Bay Path University, Longmeadow, MA May 2017

Master’s in Science in Information Management & Communication

Related Coursework: Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, Project Management, Fiscal Management

Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan March 2013

Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Engineering

Related Coursework: Computer Networks, System Engineering, Network Security, Microcontroller, Instrumentation, Optical Fiber Communication, Database, Wireless Communications, Digital Signal Processing, Signals & Systems

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA

IT Support Technician (Jan’2022 - Present)

Instructional & Technology Support

Partner with faculty and staff to integrate instructional media and emerging educational technologies, including AI-powered tools and chatbots, into on-campus courses.

Advise on the design and implementation of inclusive, research-backed teaching practices that promote active learning and improved student outcomes.

Support faculty in aligning digital tools with instructional goals, ensuring accessibility and usability for diverse learners.

Direct and manage projects that implement AI-powered learning tools, supporting use cases such as feedback generation, content support, and learner assistance.

Collaborate cross-functionally with faculty, IT, and content teams to pilot and scale new tools; document processes, track deliverables, and communicate progress to leadership.

Contribute to continuous improvement of academic technology services by refining processes, knowledge assets, and support resources for faculty and students.

Provide Tier 1 support for macOS and Windows, email, and desktop applications in a complex academic environment.

Build, configure, deploy, and maintain instructional devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, research workstations), supporting classroom and research activities.

Participate in IT Academy training on digital accessibility foundations, service mindset, information security, Agile, ITIL 4 (in progress), and generative AI (LinkedIn Learning).

Build, configuring, deploying and maintaining devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, research workstations, and mobile devices

Supported faculty in adopting inclusive, research-backed teaching practices; created project documentation and tracked deliverables for leadership updates.

Collaborated cross-functionally with faculty, IT, and content teams to implement new tools, ensuring on-time delivery and risk mitigation.

Working together with management and senior peers to implement necessary changes for existing processes, policies, knowledge assets, and services for improvement opportunities.

IT Academy Courses: IT Service Mindset I & II, Information Security Foundations, Prince Agile Foundation, Trusted Advisor Level I & II, Digital Accessibility Foundations, ITIL 4 Foundations (in-progress), Generative AI LinkedIn eLearning.

IT Support Center Analyst (August 2021-Dec 2021)

Efficiently diagnosing and resolving computer-related problems in hardware, applications, and operating systems, including issues related to installations and configurations

Provided primary support to resolve issues relating to computer and printer repair issues

Maintained teaching laptops by installing, testing, and debugging programs.

Conducted regular equipment inventory checks and ensured accurate records were maintained.

Collaborated with team members to recommend equipment purchases based on user needs.

Responded promptly to customer inquiries, resolving technical issues in a timely and efficient manner.

Documented and maintained records of support requests and resolutions.

Facilitate the migration of Windows local server to Active directory by conducting testing

Provided knowledgeable technical support via the phone, walkup, remote tools, and escalating when appropriate

Efficiently maintained accurate technical documentation and knowledge management content (internal and customer facing).

Deloitte, Dulles, TX

System Administrator – Remote (Feb’2021 to July’2021)

Provided technical support on the zoom to the users having issues with the web-based scheduling tool.

Contract to do remote dial in software installs and VPN software installations.

Assisted the team with provisioning and deprovisioning of the user accounts on Active directory.

Created reports on SQL Management Server of the agent’s billing reconciliation.

Provided timely, accurate and efficient support to the users via email and remote sessions with MFA & Duo app issues.

Supported Salesforce and VMware environments, managing VPN software installations and account provisioning.

Created reports in SQL Management Server for billing reconciliation and system tracking.

Partnered with distributed teams to ensure network and system reliability.

ID. me, McLean, VA

Helpdesk Support Specialist (May’2020 to June’2021)

Assisted end users with application issues on their account and issues with the identity verification process.

Facilitated with JIRA updates when necessary to address software issues on the account or occurring more generally on the platform.

Coordinated with the Product team and Engineering team to adapt to updates and also to escalate relevant tickets when necessary.

Tracked daily metrics by the hour to help improve daily productivity, and to keep track of events that occur when productivity decreases.

Baystate Health Technology Innovation Center - Tech Spring, Springfield, MA

IT Associate – Internship (May’2016 to August’2017)

Delivered general and technical support to the members, guests and provided support for the delivery of live events to the technicians for the backend Skype issues

Co-Work Springfield, Springfield, MA

CRM & Digital Media Marketing Intern (Jan’2016 to August ‘2016)

Developed and managed online marketing campaigns for the company; effectively driving brand awareness, engagement and traffic to social media pages

Tracked key social media analytics monthly basis, including Google Analytics, Bitly statistics, LinkedIn company stats

Tele Card Pvt. Ltd, Karachi, Pakistan

NOC Engineer (Sept’2013 to Aug’2015)

Monitored the performance of the network infrastructure and escalate the issue to the next level of support for resolution

Ensured smooth operation of the company’s National Wide Dialing (NWD) Enterprise calling service

Resolved call routing issues with Operations Maintenance Center (OMC) and (LDI) Long-distance & International. Also ensure a backup resource for functional service of calling operation

Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Limited, Karachi, Pakistan

Technical Support Engineer - DSL Broadband Department (July’2012 to Sept’2013)

Troubleshot and rectified user-end technical issues of multimedia and DSL broadband services

Supported Domain hosting services, configured remote-end ADSL broadband and wireless routers of different vendors mainly Linksys, TP Link, Huawei, ZTE, and ZyXEL

Attended seasonal trainings and regular staff-meetings to discuss top issues and open cases and system issues through information sharing practices

Trainee Engineer - Switching, Wireless Local Loop, Transmission Department (Feb’2012 to Apr’2012)

Understood telecom service provisioning and faults rectifications

Monitored PTCL’s Wireless Local Loop Network

Exposed to the network design and operations in WLL Network and maintenance of PSTN

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Ivy Child International

Learning Designer, January 2026 -Present

Led end-to-end learning experience design for K–12 teachers, integrating mental health, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices into professional development curricula.

Translated research on child development and mental health into accessible learning materials, toolkits, and classroom activities for educators in diverse school settings.

Collaborated with program leaders, school partners, and facilitators to align learning objectives, activities, and assessments with district priorities and student outcomes.

Collected and analyzed teacher feedback and participation data to iterate on program content, refine delivery methods, and improve overall learning impact.

Created digital and print resources (guides, slide decks, handouts) that supported ongoing teacher implementation of mindfulness and mental health practices in their classrooms.

Designed learning objectives, microlearning paths, and assessment strategies to support spaced practice and real-world application.

The Cambridge Homes, September 2024 – Present

Technical Instructor & Tech Consultant (Digital Literacy Workshop for Elderly learners)

Facilitated technology workshops for adult and senior learners, focusing on building foundational IT skills to support digital confidence and independence.

Designed and delivered accessible, age-appropriate instruction tailored to the needs of aging learners seeking to engage meaningfully in a technology-driven society.

Emphasized inclusive teaching strategies, patience, and practical application to foster lifelong learning and digital inclusion.

Provided Tier 1 and II support for macOS and Windows, email, and desktop applications to elderly learners.

Art Exhibition Lead, Pakistan Conference @Harvard University, Theme: “Echoes of Tomorrow” Conference- April 2026

Directed the end-to-end planning and delivery of an art exhibition featuring physical, digital, and immersive works

Collaborated with a diverse group of artists and stakeholders to create a cohesive thematic experience

Advanced visibility for Pakistani artists by creating an inclusive platform within an international conference setting

Panel & Programming Lead, Women in Power – Harvard Kennedy School Workshop: “Communicating in Catastrophic Times” – April 2026

Prepared and managed presentation setup, ensuring slides and AV were ready prior to session start

Delivered concise opening and closing remarks to set context and maintain audience engagement

Served as primary point of contact for the speaker, maintaining clear and timely communication before and during the event

Monitored session timing using structured cues to keep the program on schedule

Facilitated audience participation by managing Q and A and encouraging balanced engagement across the room

Adapted in real time to schedule or logistical changes to ensure a smooth attendee experience

Collaborated with event organizers to align session flow with overall conference programming

Ensured timely room turnover and smooth transition to the next scheduled session

Maintained a professional and organized environment for both speaker and attendees

Supported attendee experience by providing clear directions for next sessions and event flow

Directed planning and execution of a live workshop featuring a former Director of Communications at the World Health Organization.

Coordinated and managed event flow and time management while moderating Q&A by selecting diverse participants and maintaining an inclusive environment

Harvard University, Cambridge, January to May 2025

Learning Design Lead & Project Manager - Language Learning App (JetSpeak)

Directed the end-to-end project strategy for a language-learning travel app, coordinating across Product, Engineering, and UX teams.

Built project plans, managed timelines, and facilitated communication to integrate gamification, AI-driven feedback, and culturally responsive content.

Conducted learner testing, analyzed data, and iterated design to ensure user success.

Collaborated cross-functionally with product, engineering, and UX teams to integrate gamification, microlearning, and AI-driven feedback.

Presenter – Alumni of Color Conference, Harvard Graduate School of Education - March 2025

Delivered an interactive session on inclusive learning and educational technology, highlighting culturally responsive design practices and learner-centered pedagogy. Co-facilitated a hands-on workshop in partnership with Edm8ker (ed-tech firm) to build participant’s maker mindsets and problem-solving skills through equity-driven design approaches.

Co-Lead Facilitator – PACE Conference, Harvard Graduate School of Education - April 2025

Facilitated a collaborative session on inclusive education strategies, featuring panelist Sumbul Siddiqui, former mayor of Cambridge. The session explored the intersection of equity, design, and educational practice, engaging participants in dialogue and hands-on activities that advanced access, agency, and culturally grounded learning across K–12 and higher education settings.

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