Steve Wright

Learning Technologist

Research Interests

My work:

I work developing materials and providing technical support for the Masters / Diploma / Certificate in Health Research by Distance Online Learning course.

I also provide advice on learning technology for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and PGDip Improving Access to Psychological Therapies through the SPECTRUM centre.

As Learning Technologist my role is to try and ensure that the VLE works smoothly and help the academic members of staff in setting up and running their learning activities and modules. I'm also keen to experiment with new technologies and try and look 'beyond the VLE' to using a good suite of tools that are appropriate and do the job well rather than being restricted to the tools we are given. I've also created simulations and guides to the different aspects of the technology used on the course.

Research interests:

I am interested in researching technology-enhanced learning support for Problem-Based Learning and uses of Social Networking to support distance learning and its potential to promote inter-cultural communication in particular for exchange/elective modules in medical education. From February 2010 I'll be studying on the Doctoral Programme in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning.

Career Details

I have an MSc in TESOL from the University of Stirling in which I specialised in Computer Applications for Language Learning. I have previously worked for the BBC as an Interactive Course Developer and as web designer in the UK, South Africa and Australia.