Robert Michael Spoden

Robert M. Spoden

Istanbul, Türkiye

Educator with nearly a decade of experience teaching adult learners, professionals, and university students in Türkiye. Experienced in educational technology, Moodle, AI-assisted learning tools, and process improvement initiatives that support teaching and learning. Particularly interested in using technology creatively to enhance learning experiences, improve workflows, and solve practical educational challenges.

Professional Highlights

  • Redesigned the Speaking Center recordkeeping workflow adopted by the Teaching and Learning Development department and still in active use.
  • Developed AI-assisted speaking and writing assessment workflows using transcription, speaker diarization, OCR, and rubric-based feedback generation.
  • Independently deployed and administered a Moodle learning management system that attracted institutional interest for broader adoption.
  • Developed a Moodle grammar revision resource adopted by multiple instructors.
  • Conducted educational field research in Ghana resulting in an honors thesis on education and political economy.

Professional Experience

Özyeğin University

Instructor

Istanbul, Türkiye | 2022 – Present

  • Teach academic English to university preparatory students at B1 and B2 levels.
  • Develop Moodle course content, quizzes, assignments, and assessment resources.
  • Utilize Moodle Scheduler, Database, Attendance, and Gradebook tools to support teaching and administration.
  • Develop technology-enhanced learning materials including AI-assisted question banks, browser-based educational games, and Kahoot activities.
  • Implement digital-first teaching practices to reduce reliance on printed materials.
  • Developed a Moodle grammar revision resource later adopted by several instructors.
  • Redesigned and automated the Speaking Center’s Google Sheets-based recordkeeping system, which was adopted by the Teaching and Learning Development department and remains in use.
  • Trained staff in administration and use of the redesigned Speaking Center workflow.
  • Developed attendance and reporting workflows that streamlined administrative processes.
  • Experimented with AI-assisted speaking and writing assessment workflows using transcription, speaker diarization, OCR, and rubric-based feedback generation.
  • Participate in peer observations and ongoing professional development.

Istanbul University Dil Merkezi

EFL Instructor

Istanbul, Türkiye | 2018 – 2022

  • Taught general English courses to adult learners from A1–B2 levels.
  • Worked with professionals, university students, and secondary school students.
  • Conducted placement interviews and speaking assessments.
  • Transitioned instruction to online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Developed portfolio-based assessment systems when traditional testing became impractical.
  • Curated and developed instructional materials aligned with learning objectives and student needs.
  • Independently deployed and administered a Moodle learning management system to support instruction and student engagement.

British Side

EFL Instructor

Istanbul, Türkiye | 2016 – 2018

  • Delivered general and business English instruction to adult learners.
  • Provided one-to-one instruction and off-site training for corporate clients.
  • Developed and curated instructional materials.
  • Facilitated communicative language instruction focused on practical and professional language use.

British Time

EFL Instructor

Istanbul, Türkiye | 2016

  • Taught English to adult learners during and immediately following CELTA certification.
  • Developed foundational experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and communicative language teaching.

Staples

Copy and Print Center Supervisor

Santa Maria, California | 2008 – 2013

  • Managed daily operations of the Copy and Print Center.
  • Maintained relationships with local businesses and consulted on print and marketing projects.
  • Designed and produced business cards and marketing materials.
  • Trained employees and management trainees.
  • Supported departmental growth through consultative sales and customer service.

Selected Educational Technology & Process Improvement Projects

Speaking Center Workflow Redesign

Redesigned the Speaking Center’s Google Sheets-based recordkeeping system using structured data entry, validation rules, dropdown menus, formulas, checkboxes, and workflow automation. The system was adopted by the Teaching and Learning Development department and remains in active use. Provided staff training and later incorporated additional requested features.

Independent Moodle Deployment

Researched, deployed, and administered a Moodle learning management system to support instruction and student engagement. The implementation generated institutional interest and was being considered for wider adoption before departure for a new teaching position.

AI-Assisted Speaking Assessment

Developed a workflow combining local speech-to-text models, speaker diarization, rubric-based evaluation, and AI-assisted feedback generation to support individualized speaking assessment.

AI-Assisted Writing Feedback

Developed workflows using OCR, assessment rubrics, and AI-assisted analysis to support written language assessment and formative feedback.

Moodle Grammar Revision Resource

Created a Moodle-based grammar review resource using AI-assisted content generation. The resource was adopted by multiple instructors to support preparation for departmental assessments.

Attendance Reporting Automation

Developed spreadsheet-based attendance and reporting workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, and administrative recordkeeping.

SpodEnglish (In Development)

SpodEnglish is an ongoing educational technology project focused on gamified language learning, learner analytics, adaptive assessment, and AI-assisted reporting. The project combines educational content, game mechanics, and learner data to create engaging diagnostic and practice experiences.

Education

University of California, Santa Cruz

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Cum Laude

Highest Honors in Major

Cambridge CELTA

Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Allan Hancock College

Associate of Arts, Business Administration

High Honors

Allan Hancock College

Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science

High Honors

Research & International Experience

University of Ghana, Legon

Conducted field research on education and political economy in Ghana, resulting in the honors thesis:

Basic Education in Ghana: A Two-Tiered System

Boğaziçi University

Visiting Student, Political Science

Completed additional political science coursework during a year-long international study experience in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Community Service

Bike Church

Volunteer Bicycle Mechanic and Instructor
Santa Cruz, California | 2013 – 2015

Assisted community members in learning bicycle maintenance and repair skills through hands-on instruction and guided problem solving. Supported a community workshop focused on education, self-sufficiency, and sustainable transportation.

Technical Skills

Educational Technology

  • Moodle
  • Moodle Quiz Development
  • Moodle Question Banks
  • Moodle Scheduler
  • Moodle Database Activity
  • Moodle Gradebook
  • Moodle Attendance

AI & Automation

  • AI-Assisted Content Development
  • AI-Assisted Assessment Workflows
  • Whisper
  • OCR
  • Workflow Automation

Technology

  • Linux
  • WordPress
  • HTML/CSS
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Google Sheets

Languages

  • English (Native)