Ismael Rumzan

Ismael Rumzan

Educational Technologist and Technology Coach

Contact Me

About Me

Ismael is a graduate of Imperial College, London who fell in love with educational technology in the early days of the web in 1996. After completing a post-doctoral research at the University of Alberta in 2001, he was given the opportunity to turn a hobby into a passion by joining the e-learning team at the university. He has not looked back since then. After many years at the University of Alberta, where he was inspired by instructional designers to always focus on the use of technology to solve a real educational need, he travelled to Jordan in 2006 to join an e-learning startup. He has since worked with other educational institutes and helped found new programs and initiatives in Jordan, focused around solving social and educational problems. He embraces the concepts of flipped classroom and calm technology, which are his topics of ongoing research and publications.

Latest Projects

Travel App

A mobile app to expedite the finding of touristic geographic locations

project name
New

Some tourist sites, specially in remote areas around the world are hard to find as they are not well documented, don't have clear signs and sometimes are only known by specific people who are also not easily accessible. Since tourist who would like to visit those sites, often don't have too much time, we thought that an app that would gather the GPS locations of these sites in one place, make it searchable and browsable and easily connect with the phone's directions app would be a good service. The first phase is almost ready for launch. Stay tuned!

project name

Qasid Student Information System - Gather data from multiple systems for meaningful reporting and management

Using Python and other web apps, I am connecting several different systems (including a Python-nginx scheduling system and an Angular JS Student Portal system) to bring all the important data that the organization needs together, including 2-way synchronization so that all systems stay up to date when needed.

project name

Qasid Learning Mobile Apps - Flipped classroom resources for beginner level students of Arabic

Mobile learning apps built in JQuery Mobile/Phonegap and Ionic web platform to help students practise Arabic pronunciation and review grammar concepts on the go.

Find out more

project name

Qasid My Shawarma - Fun Augmented Reality game to explore the learning possibilies with AR

Augmented Reality App using the Zappar web platform and code designer software for an orientation to the Institute fun game with test your Arabic quizzes

Find out more

Workshops and Training

Mobile App and Web Development by building your own app/website Training Course

Training Course that I am delivering in the Fall of 2018 to mainly Syrian refugees through the facilities of Lifelong AI in Amman, Jordan. I am teaching the more advanced students how to build a mobile app from scratch using React Native and the beginner group, how to build their own portfolio site using the Bootstrap framework

Recorded training videos for the course

Using Digital Technology & Media effectively Workshop

Workshop for parents that I held on Aug 25, 2018 in Mauritius. The goal was to present the latest research on the effects of digital media technologies on society and discuss effective ways to use them.

Review the workshop slides

Using the SWIVL Robot for teacher professional development Worskhop

Series of workshops for Arabic as a second language instructors (50-70) that I held in Qasid Institute, Amman, Jordan during the Fall 2016 Term. The goal was to help instructors realize the importance of teacher observation and help them use the SWIVL Robot to conduct their own observations and request for feedback.

View Workshop Videos

Using Canvas LMS for flipped classroom Workshop

Workshop that I designed and trained the instructor to deliver to 50-70 Arabic as a second language instructors in Qasid Institute, Amman, Jordan in Spring-Summer 2016.

View Workshop Videos (in Arabic)

Work Experience

Learning Technologies Strategist - Qasid Institute (2011 - Present)

Managed and integrated CMSs & LMSs. Published digital learning experiences such as mobile apps, responsive websites & augmented reality, using various technologies. Provided reporting tools and analytics for teacher review & administration such as student evaluation reports & metrics, student grades and teacher lateness. Researched, implemented and coached for flipped classroom implementation with 80+ instructoris. Spearheaded the launch of the online learning program

Freelance Learning Consultant - Cordoba Digital Media (2006 - Present)

As a freelancer, I have produced award-winning digital content mainly for educational projects. I work with the client to define the learning experience, then research to find the best solution that I produce with designers and/or media directors. I also maintain and administer the produced digital solutions may them be custom-made like mobile apps or websites or SAAS like LMSs (Canvas, Moodle) and CMSs (Wordpress)

Full Stack Developer & Learning Consultant - LGL Systems (2003 - 2010)

Spearheaded the launch of an online learning institute from a team of 4 volunteers and 1 paid staff to a team of 30 full time staff supporting on average 800 online students a term. Developed, supported and maintained an online learning platform, built on top of Moodle and integrated with various external services. Directed learning services to support production of online learning content and technologies using best instructional design practices.

Learning Solutions Engineer - University of Alberta (2001 - 2006)

Developed a variety of educational technology projects for higher education faculty. Supported a campus of 30,000+ students with phone/e-mail support and digital media solutions.