Biography

I am interested in the opportunities that digital approaches provide for collaboration and boundary crossing to support innovative teaching, learning and professional development of educators, particularly those in the Further Education sector. My work has contributed to the design of study programmes and professional development of educators locally and internationally. Research in this area has resulted in over 20 journal articles and a co-authored book on strategies for live online learning. I have also led the University of Aberdeen's contributions to European partnership projects addressing effective preparation of teachers, issues of inclusion and digital practice.

Since joining the University of Aberdeen in 2004 I have contributed to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the School of Education. I have been Programme Director for the TQFE (Teaching Qualification for Further Education) and Director of Postgraduate Programmes (in this role overseeing the redesign of Masters provision across the School). I have also made significant contributions to online and digital projects across the University, including the development of FutureLearn MOOCs and online strategy. I am a qualified Coach offering coaching within the University's internal scheme. 

I am co-author of an internationally successful textbook on Geographical Information Systems, and previously held posts in GIS at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Free University of Amsterdam. I also have extensive experience of distance learning, gained through tutoring for the UK Open University, as a freelance Consultant in Online and Distance Learning, and as a distance and online learner.

Prizes and Awards

2021 Advance HE CATE (Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence) awarded to TQFE/BAPD team. Award Team Leader (with Aileen Ackland, Chris Aldred, Christine Calder, Rachel Shanks, Mary Stephen, Stephanie Thomson) https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/awards/teaching-excellence-awards/collaborative-award-for-teaching-excellence

2012 4th International Conference on Computer Supported Education (Porto, Portugal): Best paper award for 'Effective teaching with web conferencing: recommendations based on learners' experiences' co-authored with Carole Gordon (School of Education) http://www.csedu.org/PreviousAwards.aspx

2010 Scottish e-assessment awards: http://soffed.co.uk/eassess/ Innovation award for SMS Disaster Simulation and Best Poster Prize (voted by 250 delegates) with Alastair Gemmell (School of Geosciences) and Phil Marston (School of Education)

Research Overview

Research interests

• Vocational teacher training
• Professional learning and development
• Learners’ and teachers’ experiences of digital learning
• Inclusive and innovative digital practice
• Professional learning through boundary crossing

Current and recent funded projects

• ERASMUS+ RAPIDE: Reimaging a postive direction for education (2021-2023) 
• ERASMUS+ PROMISE: Promoting inclusion in society through education: professional dilemmas in practice (2018-2021)
• ERASMUS+ MINE: Mobile learning in higher education (2015-2019)
• ERASMUS+ PROLEA: Professional learning through reflection and portfolios (2014-2018)
• ESRC Sharing all our stories
• Aberdeenshire Council: Mobile devices in Schools

Teaching Responsibilities

Current and recent teaching responsbilities:

• Teaching Qualification Further Education (TQFE) - degree and masters level (online and blended modes)
• Successful Learing in Further Education
• Change and Innovation in Further Education
• PgCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (including eLearning module)
• MEd, MSc, MRes, EdD and PhD supervision (including work based projects)