Background information

Over the last twelve years I have worked as an eLearning Content Technician (with Citizens Advice Scotland), an Instructional Designer (for ICAS, the professional body of CAs) and as a Learning Technologist at the University of Edinburgh (firstly for Edinburgh College of Art, presently for the School of Informatics). This work has incorporated, amongst other things:

  • developing digital media assets for online learning
  • developing appropriate  programmes  for study incorporating a blended learning approach
  • supporting an Online Distance Learning Masters  programme
  • supporting colleagues (academic and professional services) delivering on-campus courses and programmes in using learning technologies.

Like many learning technologists, I did not train to become one. I completed my undergraduate degree 20+ years ago with an MA History of Art / English Literature. Alongside working in a bar (great training for a learning technologist as it teaches you how to talk to all kinds of people) I worked for Queen Margaret University supporting a CPD training programme for arts professionals in Scotland. I then went on to become Company Manager for a small and emerging design and multi-media company called 59 Ltd (later 59 Productions). Fifty Nine Productions moved to London, I wanted to stay in Edinburgh. Not having a clue what to do with my experience in both training, and design, I stumbled across a job with Citizens Advice Scotland which seemed to combine the two. I haven’t looked back since.

Why CMALT?

I am confident in my technical abilities and in my communication and relationship building. I have built a sound understanding of the different approaches to delivering learning and teaching both in the classroom and online. However, I feel that my practice would improve significantly if I was able to  prioritise  critical reflection and, crucially, documenting this reflection. I have, for some time now, kept promising myself I will find the time to blog about my practice on a regular basis (the assessment by blogging aspect of a recent postgraduate course was a particular highlight for me). However, perhaps predictably, I find that if there is not a framework already in place in which to practice this, it is easy to find other demands on my time taking priority. I was therefore delighted to learn of CMALT which provides this framework and encourages me to improve my critical reflection skills and document my practice.

Career History

February 2018 – present

Learning technologist: School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh

General Responsibilities

  • I provide training to academic and professional services staff in the effective use of the VLE and other, related learning technologies (Blackboard Learn, Panopto and Echo360 for lecture recording, Turnitin for originality checking and marking online, TopHat for in-class polling amongst others)
  • I provide high-quality input to the pedagogical and technical designs of world-class courses and programmes (via training sessions and one-to-one clinics)
  • I keep up-to-date with research and take a technical lead project role in the development of learning technologies and their use, to support quality teaching and effective learning for on-campus, online, and blended programmes
  • I provide advice, assistance, and facilitation for course and programme (re)design to create more flexible delivery modes and improve student satisfaction
  • I work as part of the Informatics IT team to diagnose, analyse and solve technical problems with TEL systems to provide 2nd line support to students and staff.

Dec 2014 – February 2018

Learning technologist: Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh

General Responsibilities

Relevant Training

  • Completed (and passed with distinction) 60 credits towards MSc Digital Education (Introduction to Digital Environments for Learning and Course Design for Digital Environments)
  • Agile Project Management Foundation
  • ITIL(R) Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management
  • ELDeR Learning Design Facilitator

Mar 2010 – Nov 2014

e-learning instructional designer: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

General Responsibilities

  • I worked with subject matter experts to develop consistent, high quality online learning materials for the graduate level CA qualification.
  • I worked with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to create the digital media assets which formed the online component of our blended learning approach. A sound knowledge of adult learning theories was required for this post.
  • I managed the upload of materials to the LMS, and the update of content on the site.
  • I maintained a database of all online materials, recording live times, expiry times and availability to students. This also included maintaining records of keywords within educational material allowing searching of materials.
  • I acted as the first point of contact for student questions arising from the learning website. I communicated with students, colleagues and clients across all levels of experience and expertise.

Dec 2007 – Apr 2010

e-learning content technician: Citizens Advice Scotland

General Responsibilities

  • I converted static learning materials into a multimedia format, and supported and developed this learning approach within the service
  • I planned, developed and implemented e-learning materials using an authoring tool (Lectora), ensuring consistent appearance, terminology and functionality across e-learning materials, and allowing post learning evaluation
  • I sourced/created, maintained and organised multimedia assets and e-learning materials including managing the web space allocated to e-learning materials and their interconnectivity
  • I supported e-learning end users by developing and maintaining help and support pages and answering general and technical support questions relating to e-learning
  • I documented internal procedures for e-learning creation, maintenance and administration, and designed and delivered internal training and follow up coaching in the authoring software
  • I maintained awareness of good e-learning practice and developments and highlighted potential action required in relation to e-learning
  • I provided corporate multimedia services (e.g. filming, editing, etc)
  • I produced marketing material for print and screen.

May 2006 – Nov 2007

Company Secretary: Fifty Nine Productions Ltd

  • Company Secretary for ‘video for live performance’ specialists 59 Productions. Helped oversee the expansion of the company and the move from Edinburgh to London.

May 2004 – Nov 2007

Commercial Manager: Fifty Nine Ltd

  • My responsibilities at Fifty Nine Ltd were fascinating and diverse. Initially brought in to develop new and existing relationships for our web, video and print design portfolio, my role grew to incorporate general manager duties as well as some artworking and producing roles.

Sep 1998 – May 2004

Project Officer: Queen Margaret University

  • Managed a short course training programme for Arts professionals in Scotland. Funded by the Arts Council and based at Queen Margaret University, the programme also included an MSc Programme in Cultural Management.

Jul 1994 – Sep 1996

Administrative Assistant: HM Customs & Excise

  • Temporary contracts with the IT and Training teams within the Investigations Division