Contextual Statement

I have worked as a full time learning technologist for over two years, supporting the use of the web based eportfolio system PebblePad in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. The system was introduced for our nursing and midwifery students to record and reflect on their learning whilst working in healthcare practice placements. I support four programmes who use the system with 800 student users, 4000 healthcare mentors and 70 members of academic staff.

My role is to support the system users by creating online training material, delivering classroom based sessions, and providing telephone and email guidance. I also help to manage the system by performing maintenance and updates. I work with programme leaders to create eportfolios that adhere to their teaching requirements and I collect and respond to user feedback to inform how we use PebblePad. I work collaboratively with other institutions and the PebblePad system developers to explore and highlight opportunities for improvement.

Working to implement a new learning technology has been a rewarding experience and I welcome the opportunity to reflect upon what I have achieved.

My interest in the use of technology for communication stems from my background in media. I studied the subject at undergraduate level and later worked as a sound recordist and editorial assistant at a small television production company. I have recently drawn upon these skills by creating training videos using Camtasia software, helping to vary the support materials for our users.

I was keen to move into an academic setting and have worked in a variety of support roles within the University for the past 10 years. During this time I have been given opportunity to work with learning technologies. I designed and developed a Blackboard VLE module called Preparing to Study, to help the transition of new students to university. This allowed me to collaborate with academic and marketing staff to provide learning materials and course information for new students prior to their arrival. I encouraged interaction with the site by developing a discussion board to enable new students to introduce themselves and post questions to academic and support staff. The module’s aim was to engage new students with learning at the University through the use of technology.

Working towards CMALT status has allowed me to evaluate my work with learning technology and I welcome the chance to share my experience with peers. I hope to gain further insight into the theory and policy that guides the use of technology in higher education and learn more about system analysis. My current role has opened up a career path for me that I'm really enjoying and I hope CMALT will help me develop as I look towards future opportunities.