I am working on a Data Driven Innovation project with Edinburgh University. I am liaising with schools in six local authorities, developing curricular resources on Data Science, and planning the roll out of the eight year program.

TrainDL is a so-called policy experimentation project co-funded by the European Union Erasmus+ program that aims to reduce the digital skills gap by democratizing AI skills and data literacy across educational systems. With this project, new pedagogical approaches to DL and AI Education will be incorporated into school education through teacher trainings to equip teachers of computer science, STEAM subjects, and primary education with methods and tools to address these topics in an accessible… Show more TrainDL is a so-called policy experimentation project co-funded by the European Union Erasmus+ program that aims to reduce the digital skills gap by democratizing AI skills and data literacy across educational systems. With this project, new pedagogical approaches to DL and AI Education will be incorporated into school education through teacher trainings to equip teachers of computer science, STEAM subjects, and primary education with methods and tools to address these topics in an accessible, accurate, and subject-specific way. We will provide recommendations for policy makers within and beyond the project for a better and more efficient teacher training in DL and AI. Show less

I worked with the SQA to develop National Progress Awards in Data Science at Levels 4, 5 and 6 (Secondary school level).

I worked with different organisations to help them develop curricular frameworks, resources and professional learning workshops. I specialise in Computing Science, Data Science, Computational Thinking and Digital Literacy education and pedagogy.In 2016 I supported academics in the University of Edinburgh School of Education to develop a new MSc in Transformative Learning and Teaching, outlining the Computing Science subject pathway. I worked with Primary and Secondary… Show more I worked with different organisations to help them develop curricular frameworks, resources and professional learning workshops. I specialise in Computing Science, Data Science, Computational Thinking and Digital Literacy education and pedagogy.In 2016 I supported academics in the University of Edinburgh School of Education to develop a new MSc in Transformative Learning and Teaching, outlining the Computing Science subject pathway. I worked with Primary and Secondary educators to develop the Curriculum for Excellence outcomes for Computing Science. I then co-authored a book with academics From Edinburgh, Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities to support Primary and Early Years practitioners to teach the new Computing Science outcomes.In 2017 I worked with academics at Edinburgh and Heriot Watt Universities to develop Computational Thinking activities for Girl Guiding UK. Also this year, the School of Philosophy and Psychology at Edinburgh University commissioned me to develop resources on chatbots for Primary and Secondary schools. I also worked with SSERC to develop and deliver a series of professional learning sessions for Primary teachers, in particular working with schools in the Stirling High School cluster.In 2018 I started working on a Data Driven Innovation project with Edinburgh University. I liaised with schools in the City Deal area, developing curricular resources and planning the roll out of the program. Show less

I worked part-time at three schools in Edinburgh Council over two years. I taught Computing Science at Balerno and Tynecastle High Schools. At Leith Academy I supported teachers with using one-to-one devices in class and I redeveloped their S1 interdisciplinary course.

In 2013 I worked with colleagues from various organisations (RSE, BCS, Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh) to lobby the Scottish Government about pressing issues in Computing Science education in Scotland. We successfully gained funding for a project to provide professional development for Computing teachers across the country. This project (PLAN C: Professional Learning and Networking for Computing) has successfully trained Secondary CS teachers in new pedagogies based on current… Show more In 2013 I worked with colleagues from various organisations (RSE, BCS, Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh) to lobby the Scottish Government about pressing issues in Computing Science education in Scotland. We successfully gained funding for a project to provide professional development for Computing teachers across the country. This project (PLAN C: Professional Learning and Networking for Computing) has successfully trained Secondary CS teachers in new pedagogies based on current educational research. There are around 20 'hubs' of teachers meeting regularly across Scotland.I supporting the PLAN C project again in 2016, supporting teachers to develop new content and explore exciting contexts for learning. Show less

I worked with CodeClan to support them to be the first coding bootcamp to offer an accredited qualification. Working with the SQA we developed Professional Development Awards (PDAs) in Software Development. I developed assessments for the new PDA Software Development at Level 8 and I matched those to the CodeClan curriculum. CodeClan needed to become an approved SQA centre in order to deliver the new qualifications. In order to achieve this I wrote policies, standards and marking… Show more I worked with CodeClan to support them to be the first coding bootcamp to offer an accredited qualification. Working with the SQA we developed Professional Development Awards (PDAs) in Software Development. I developed assessments for the new PDA Software Development at Level 8 and I matched those to the CodeClan curriculum. CodeClan needed to become an approved SQA centre in order to deliver the new qualifications. In order to achieve this I wrote policies, standards and marking schemes in order to meet the SQA requirements. I provided academic support for the students and Instructor team. I also provided off-site academic support to students completing their pre-course work. Show less

I am a volunteer for Computing at School Scotland, firstly as the Chair and now as one of four members of the executive committee. I was also a National Board Member for Computing at School from 2011 until 2014. CAS is supported by the BCS, Microsoft and Google.I work with colleagues in Secondary schools across Scotland, representatives from universities, SQA, industry and government to help support Computing teachers in Scotland, provide CPD and advise on curricular… Show more I am a volunteer for Computing at School Scotland, firstly as the Chair and now as one of four members of the executive committee. I was also a National Board Member for Computing at School from 2011 until 2014. CAS is supported by the BCS, Microsoft and Google.I work with colleagues in Secondary schools across Scotland, representatives from universities, SQA, industry and government to help support Computing teachers in Scotland, provide CPD and advise on curricular development.I have conducted research and written reports on the numbers of CS teachers in Scotland, data which has since been used by a number of key organisations. I have written briefing documents for MSPs on the current situation with CS education. I have given evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Education Committee.I organise the annual CS Education conference managing a small team of volunteers to plan and arrange everything required for the day to go smoothly from venue booking, organising speakers, promoting the event and making sure the day runs smoothly. Show less

In this second year of the project (that was previously with Nesta) I focused on trialling computing science activities for primary teachers which I delivered through local hubs. Crucially this involved accessible logical thinking and problem solving activities that teachers could deliver themselves without additional training or equipment. I have worked with a variety of partners in Scottish Government, Education Scotland, local authorities, universities and with non-profit… Show more In this second year of the project (that was previously with Nesta) I focused on trialling computing science activities for primary teachers which I delivered through local hubs. Crucially this involved accessible logical thinking and problem solving activities that teachers could deliver themselves without additional training or equipment. I have worked with a variety of partners in Scottish Government, Education Scotland, local authorities, universities and with non-profit organisations. I am a member of various Boards and advisory groups including the Scottish Forum for Computing Education (ScotForCE), Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA) education group, the Learned Societies group, the Royal Society of Edinburgh CS exemplification project, the Cyber Resilience and Education group, and the Scottish Government's CS reference group.I established a group of academics from a variety of Scottish universities to look at updating the 3-15 curriculum for computing science based on current academic research in computing, cognitive psychology and education. Show less

Representing Computing At School Scotland, I work with representatives from the Scottish Government Cyber Resilience Team, Scottish Government Learning Directorate, Education Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, SICSA to address the issues with cyber resilience and cyber security in education currently.

Representing Computing At School Scotland, I have worked with representatives from the Scottish Government Learning Directorate, Education Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, SICSA and the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland to address the issues facing Computing Science education currently. This group became the Professional Learning and Networking for Computing reference group.

I advised on curricular, pedagogy and policy matters for the Computer Science Exemplification Project. The Exemplification project developed teaching materials for Curriculum for Excellence to assist Computing teachers in teaching computational thinking within the new curriculum.

I am a National Project Officer with the Professional Learning and Networking for Computing (PLAN C) project. Along with my two colleagues, we approached the Scottish Government with concerns about the lack of professional learning opportunities for Computing Science teachers in Scotland. We successfully gained funding from the government and have since worked with over half of all CS teachers in Scotland. Rather than focusing on specific skills (which would then quickly be… Show more I am a National Project Officer with the Professional Learning and Networking for Computing (PLAN C) project. Along with my two colleagues, we approached the Scottish Government with concerns about the lack of professional learning opportunities for Computing Science teachers in Scotland. We successfully gained funding from the government and have since worked with over half of all CS teachers in Scotland. Rather than focusing on specific skills (which would then quickly be out of date), we have instead updated the teachers' pedagogical techniques (the 'how' of teaching) to improve their effectiveness. Our aim is that all pupils will be able to learn challenging Computing Science concepts, not just the 'geeky' students. Teachers learn techniques such as peer instruction, hidden mechanisms, pattern orientated instruction, mechanism visualiser, variable roles, subgoal labelling, and the importance of a positive mindset. Show less

My challenge at Nesta was to investigate how increase the number of teachers using digital making and computing science in class. I organised a number of 'One Day Digital' events for teachers in different locations around Scotland. These featured workshops in animation, 3D printing, app development, game design and web development. I also trained small groups of teachers within schools and supported them to deliver digital creativity lessons.

I introduced a Digital Media Computing course to the school which was so successful that the department expanded. Along with my colleague, I taught games design, video production, image and sound editing, animation, programming and a variety of other topics.I taught S1 and S2 pupils in an interdisciplinary way, working with colleagues across the school to do exciting projects such as interactive stories, games design, bookmaking, animation and online safety.I also had the role… Show more I introduced a Digital Media Computing course to the school which was so successful that the department expanded. Along with my colleague, I taught games design, video production, image and sound editing, animation, programming and a variety of other topics.I taught S1 and S2 pupils in an interdisciplinary way, working with colleagues across the school to do exciting projects such as interactive stories, games design, bookmaking, animation and online safety.I also had the role of ICT Co-ordinator (along with my colleague) with responsibility for all the technology in classrooms in school and supporting staff. Show less

I was the Lead Teacher for Computing Science. This involved organising regular meetings and CPD sessions with all of the Principal Teachers of Computing across the City of Edinburgh Council. I worked with the Quality Improvement Officer for Technologies to support schools in improving attainment and achievement in Computing Science. I also communicated with other neighbouring local authorities and disseminated information to them.

I was seconded to my local authority as a Development Officer. I supported and trained teachers from all around Edinburgh in how to use the Glow national schools intranet in their class. I also had the responsibility for rolling Glow out to the Special Schools in the council. I advised school management teams in the most effective way of rolling out Glow to all staff and pupils. I worked with Quality Improvement Officers to help them work strategically with Glow. I also tested new tools of… Show more I was seconded to my local authority as a Development Officer. I supported and trained teachers from all around Edinburgh in how to use the Glow national schools intranet in their class. I also had the responsibility for rolling Glow out to the Special Schools in the council. I advised school management teams in the most effective way of rolling out Glow to all staff and pupils. I worked with Quality Improvement Officers to help them work strategically with Glow. I also tested new tools of Glow and written guidance documentation that is being used nationally. Show less

I was the sole teacher of Computing at secondary level. I had responsibility for teaching Intermediate 1 and 2 ICT core skills to all S1/S2 pupils as well as teaching Standard Grade Computing, Intermediate 1/2 Media Studies and a new course in Digital Media Computing. We were one of the first schools in Scotland to offer this National Certificate course. I also taught Higher and Intermediate 2 Information Systems and Intermediate 2 Computing.I advised on innovative uses of technology… Show more I was the sole teacher of Computing at secondary level. I had responsibility for teaching Intermediate 1 and 2 ICT core skills to all S1/S2 pupils as well as teaching Standard Grade Computing, Intermediate 1/2 Media Studies and a new course in Digital Media Computing. We were one of the first schools in Scotland to offer this National Certificate course. I also taught Higher and Intermediate 2 Information Systems and Intermediate 2 Computing.I advised on innovative uses of technology across the school. In particular I planned and coordinated a handheld technology trial as part of a ‘Learning Hubs’ project, using mobile phones as handheld learning devices for all senior pupils. I researched mobile phones and PDAs available, pedagogical justification for the trial, gave presentations to outside organisations, planned staff training sessions and worked with mobile phone operators. The school is in an area of high deprivation, so many of the pupils benefitted from the internet data access the devices give them. Show less

I taught Computing at secondary level, particularly Intermediate 1 and 2 ICT core skills, Standard Grade Computing and PC Passport. I also worked with other teachers in the school to teach Intermediate 2 and Advanced Higher Computing, and Education for Sustainable Development. I was also involved with extra-curricular activities through running a sign language club for staff and pupils, teaching first aid to pupils working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award, playing in the wind band, and… Show more I taught Computing at secondary level, particularly Intermediate 1 and 2 ICT core skills, Standard Grade Computing and PC Passport. I also worked with other teachers in the school to teach Intermediate 2 and Advanced Higher Computing, and Education for Sustainable Development. I was also involved with extra-curricular activities through running a sign language club for staff and pupils, teaching first aid to pupils working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award, playing in the wind band, and assisting with musical evenings and school shows. Show less

I worked with the other committee members in planning an annual conference for Media Studies teachers in Scotland. I helped to support and provide guidance to Media teachers and other organisations.

I worked in a small national team planning and writing the National Progress Awards (NPAs) and associated units for Computer Games Development qualification. This award is being taught at schools and colleges across Scotland and the units I wrote are now part of a larger National Certificate qualification.

I worked on a consultancy basis with a large team of professionals from both the education sector and the film industry. We provided training and support to schools and councils in moving image education. We designed the courses to address core priorities especially in language/literacy, ICT and expressive arts. The courses used analytical and creative teaching methods, and combine the analysis and creation of moving images, and the exploration of moving image culture.I worked on a small… Show more I worked on a consultancy basis with a large team of professionals from both the education sector and the film industry. We provided training and support to schools and councils in moving image education. We designed the courses to address core priorities especially in language/literacy, ICT and expressive arts. The courses used analytical and creative teaching methods, and combine the analysis and creation of moving images, and the exploration of moving image culture.I worked on a small team to design and write educational resources for the movingimageeducation.org website. I also worked with other educators designing cross-curricular teaching materials using archive film footage for the scotlandonscreen.org.uk website. Show less

I updated the content of the Standard Grade Computing Studies section of the BBC Bitesize website and wrote new content where the existing content was out of date or no longer relevant.

I worked with Global Kids supporting a Science class being taught in the High School for Global Citizenship, New York. The class used Second Life every day to learn about issues such as sustainability and global warming. I have also been involved in advising on curriculum development.

I worked with Kids Connect training teachers in Tampa, Florida how to use Second Life for educational programs. I previously worked on a summer program teaching Second Life skills and programming in person to young people in Brooklyn, New York.

I taught Media Studies at Higher level to community education students and full-time students at Telford College. This involved teaching practical filmmaking skills, analytical skills, and studying a wide range of films, television programmes and adverts. I also taught filmmaking skills to adults with learning difficulties as part of Telford’s ‘Pathways’ programme.

I was responsible for filming and editing educational videos in sign language. I developed educational resources in a range of formats. I developed a vocabulary bank of British Sign Language photos for use across the whole school to help improve pupils' literacy in written English.I was involved in organising and running exams and prelims, including special assessment arrangements for Deaf candidates. I advised other schools and organisations on technical aspects of providing access for… Show more I was responsible for filming and editing educational videos in sign language. I developed educational resources in a range of formats. I developed a vocabulary bank of British Sign Language photos for use across the whole school to help improve pupils' literacy in written English.I was involved in organising and running exams and prelims, including special assessment arrangements for Deaf candidates. I advised other schools and organisations on technical aspects of providing access for Deaf students, such as subtitling.The working language for this role was British Sign Language, and all meetings with my line manager and colleagues were in BSL. I also assisted with interpreting in the College. Show less

I managed all of COSLA’s Internet and Intranet sites and co-ordinated the planning and design of a new organisational website. At COSLA’s Annual Conference, I arranged the launch of the new website, a live internet broadcast of the three day conference, and an internet cafe for the delegates to view the site. To achieve this, I worked with staff from the Scottish Parliament, BT, Microsoft, Mediawave, and SX3.I trained staff content providers in how to use the content management system… Show more I managed all of COSLA’s Internet and Intranet sites and co-ordinated the planning and design of a new organisational website. At COSLA’s Annual Conference, I arranged the launch of the new website, a live internet broadcast of the three day conference, and an internet cafe for the delegates to view the site. To achieve this, I worked with staff from the Scottish Parliament, BT, Microsoft, Mediawave, and SX3.I trained staff content providers in how to use the content management system and how to understand and write basic HTML. I was also responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive set of design standards and guidelines for the website, and providing regular monitoring reports on the performance and usage. I was also responsible for advising Scottish Councils on web-related issues. Show less

I supported teaching in various settings, assisting with psychological experiments and tutorials. In addition, I taught essential computing and web skills to new students. I designed, developed and maintained the department's web site, as well as maintaining online teaching and flexible learning materials. I was also involved with the setting up of a new research centre, the International Teledemocracy Centre, where I provided technical advice to both major partners in the Centre (Napier… Show more I supported teaching in various settings, assisting with psychological experiments and tutorials. In addition, I taught essential computing and web skills to new students. I designed, developed and maintained the department's web site, as well as maintaining online teaching and flexible learning materials. I was also involved with the setting up of a new research centre, the International Teledemocracy Centre, where I provided technical advice to both major partners in the Centre (Napier University and BT Scotland).Other responsibilities included: training and assisting staff and students with software; resolving computer and network problems; and maintaining the departmental computing and psychology labs. I was a member of the University Health and Safety Committee and the University Communications and Information Technology Infrastructure Committee. In addition, I was a Union Steward with UNISON. Show less

I was primarily in charge of Business IT Support, although I assisted with other areas of IT support including network and telephone support. I developed and maintained Intranet and Internet sites for the company. I was responsible for system support, administration, and IT training, which included writing training materials. Other responsibilities included: purchasing and installing PC hardware and software; server management; and administration of online services.