IDRAK Virtual Academy
Spearheaded the development of an online learning platform for high school students in Kuwait.
About the Project
IDRAK Virtual Academy (IVA) is an online social learning platform dedicated to the academic, professional, and personal development of future generations in the Arab region. The mission is to instil a growth mindset in our students which empowers them to successfully shape their own learning and career paths.
IVA helps students cultivate a growth mindset by adopting an innovative educational approach known as STEAM. The STEAM movement has been taking root over the past several years and is surging forward as a positive mode of action to truly meet the needs of a 21st century economy. It is an educational discipline that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as mental frameworks for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, creative processes, and critical thinking. STEAM aims to spark an interest and lifelong love of the arts and sciences in children from an early age. Through this holistic approach, students are able to exercise both sides of their brain at once, preparing them to become innovators and leaders in an ever-evolving world.
My Role: Lead Project Manager
In 2020, I was tasked by the chairman of Afnan International Holding Company to lead the development of an online learning platform targeting high school students in Kuwait. Though my official title was “Lead Project Manager”, I wore many different hats throughout the process and delivered the following turnkey services:
Branding, Marketing, and Communications
Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify brand opportunities and implemented effective differentiation strategies
Created a brand storytelling strategy to enhance emotional connection with the brand
Developed and executed comprehensive brand guidelines (including logo, emblem, color palette, and fonts) - ensuring consistent brand messaging across all channels
Website Platform Development
Designed and implemented a responsive website layout using WordPress
Integrated a robust learning management system (LMS) with advanced features, enhancing course delivery and student progress tracking
Implemented a secure payment gateway and user registration system, ensuring seamless enrollment and payment processing for students
Researched, analyzed, and implement a stack of plugins to deliver desired functions on the platform
Collaborated with subject matter experts to develop and deliver high-quality online courses, meeting instructional design best practices
Implemented gamification elements, such as badges and leaderboards, to incentivize student participation and enhance motivation
Conducted usability testing and implemented user feedback to continuously improve the website's functionality and user interface
Project Management
Implemented project tracking and reporting systems, providing stakeholders with real-time project status updates and key metrics
Led a cross-functional team of 8 members, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle
Liaised with third party developers to complete specific sections and functions of the platform