As a Digital Learning and Teaching Consultant I am submitting my portfolio for CMALT to further reflect on, and develop, my understanding of how pedagogy and technology interact. I hope to enhance my practice by preparing a portfolio that demonstrates the four CMALT core principles and values, including “a commitment to communicate and disseminate effective practice” (ALT, 2019).
Since November 2021, I have been a Digital Learning and Teaching Consultant, as part of the Digital Learning and Teaching (DLAT) team in the Centre for Academic Innovation and Teaching Excellence (CAITE) at De Montfort University (DMU). Much of my time over the past of couple of years has been spent on a large learning technology project as DMU moves to a new virtual learning environment (VLE).
Previously, from September 2020 until October 2021, I was an ELT Project Officer – Online Learning. This was within, the Centre for Enhancing Learning through Technology (CELT), which was part of the Directorate of Library and Learning Services (LLS) at De Montfort University. As a member of CELT, I led the embedding of online, blended and distance learning technologies and associated pedagogies across the curriculum, supporting the delivery of the university’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy (ULTAS). I was also responsible for supporting staff in the innovation, development and delivery of relevant strategic projects linked to the provision of online, blended and distance learning.
Prior to this role, I was a Distance Learning Developer, both for CELT from 2017 and the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) at De Montfort University. In this role, I had specific responsibility for the development and delivery of materials for postgraduate and distance learning courses for FHLS. I liaised with academic and administrative staff, and was responsible for the design and production of module guides and handbooks and for the delivery of materials on the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. My responsibilities also included supporting staff and students with technological and pedagogical queries. I planned and ran induction workshops for both students and staff.
In 2018 I was awarded Associate Fellow of Advance HE (AFHEA). Last year, I reviewed my areas of activity, core knowledge and professional values against the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in Higher Education (UKPSF) and decided to apply for fellowship. In August 2023, I was awarded Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA).
In 2016, I was awarded an MA in Online and Distance Education, from The Open University, UK. Module titles included: Technology-enhanced Learning; Education for Development; Accessible Online Learning; Practice-based Research in Ed Tech; and The Networked Practitioner. I also hold a Certificate in Web Application Development, from The Open University, UK, awarded in 2007.
In 2010, I was awarded an MA in Creative Technologies, from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. Modules titles included: Creative Digital Media Design; Digital Cultures; Interactive Media; and Fused Media.
My professional development aims in the short to medium term focus on exploring how pedagogy and technology can together provide a creative and interactive learning experience for all students.
Reference
ALT (2019) CMALT Accreditation Framework, Association for Learning Technology. Available at ALT CMALT Prospectus 2019. (accessed 21 December 2021).