Phil Whitehead Email & Phone Number

Doncaster, Gb

As the Director of Academic Services and Digital Learning at DN Colleges Group, I support the Curriculum by enhancing skills and delivery through comprehensive library and research functions, as well as digital teaching and learning across all pillars of the Group’s educational offerings. My role involves strategically aligning digital, learning resources and services to empower both staff and students with the tools they need for academic and professional success.A significant aspect of my position is leading a dedicated team to deliver innovative digital literacy, academic skills and information specialist programs, manage academic resources, and develop blended learning resources. By integrating advanced digital tools and resources such as Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) and related technologies, I ensure that the Group remains at the forefront of modern education. Through strategic planning and the implementation of measurable KPIs, I drive continuous improvement in service quality and resource management. My efforts are directed at not only enhancing the learning experience but also ensuring that our initiatives align with industry demands and future workforce expectations. This commitment to innovation, excellence, and collaboration underpins all aspects of my role, supporting DN Colleges Group’s mission to deliver outstanding educational outcomes.

Scunthorpe, England, United Kingdom

I led the digital skills development of all staff—both business support and academic—across DN Colleges Group, ensuring they were equipped with the six core digital capabilities identified by JISC. This included designing and delivering training programs, creating online learning resources for students and staff, and providing essential CPD opportunities. I also identified new technologies, such as Articulate and Creative Cloud, to further digitize learning and enhance the educational experience.In this role, I managed digital support assistants and digital champions, fostering a collaborative approach to embedding digital skills across the college group. I was responsible for shaping the college’s digital vision and principles, selecting the digital learning systems staff used, and optimising technology to enrich all aspects of college life for both staff and students.As a member of the middle leadership team, I contributed to strategic priorities, including curriculum planning and safeguarding. I worked closely with the middle leadership team to support quality assurance processes, such as observing staff and providing tailored support to tutors, ensuring continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.

I developed and led staff training and created resources to ensure that teachers, assessors, and support staff had the skills necessary to effectively embed e-learning within their teaching practices and integrate blended learning into college courses. This involved delivering training programs focused on learning technologies and e-learning strategies, enhancing the student experience and optimizing attainment.In this role, I worked closely with teaching, learning, and assessment staff to promote best practices in blended learning, ensuring its effective use across the College. I spearheaded the sharing of good practices in learning technologies and e-learning resources, providing reports on the utilization of tools such as the College’s virtual learning environment to guide the strategic development of e-learning.Additionally, I researched emerging technologies to evaluate and integrate systems that could enhance teaching and learning. Collaborating with Heads and Curriculum Leaders, I identified and addressed curriculum-specific priorities related to e-learning. I also evaluated the quality of online and blended learning resources, providing support to improve their effectiveness. Engaging in external networks, I ensured the College’s e-learning practices aligned with sector standards and identified opportunities to secure external funding for further development.

Creator & Owner of Teachblend. YouTube channel that demonstrates and informs on the use of educational technology in the classroom

1 of 2 UK Microsoft Learning Consultants for FE & HE. Working with Microsoft and FE / HE institutions helping to introduce a range of educational apps and tools to institutions around the UK. Responsible for combining an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft tools with classroom experience, to provide relevant and customised training and support for colleges adopting Microsoft Tools and Microsoft Teams as a VLE. To Teach teachers strategies and techniques for using Microsoft tools in their classrooms effectivelyRunning social media, Podcasts, YouTube Channels and Webinars to showcase the latest in education technologies and to conduct free professional development sessions for educators in the UK. Working with partner organisations such as the BLC and ClickView to establish links with Microsoft to improve outcomes for learners.

United Kingdom

Responsible for delivering and planning ICT and Computer Science lessons across Key stage 3, 4 and 5; using student data to target and appropriately differentiate resources and teaching style to meet student needs. Participated in the development of appropriate syllabus materials and schemes of work for ICT/ Computer Science and often take the leading role.To perform pastoral duties as a form tutor, responsible for student conduct, behaviour, well-being, and attitude in school. Communicating regularly with parents and carers regarding their child’s progress.Attending & delivering training (became an Advanced Skills Teacher). Including delivering and attending courses to develop teaching skills and keep up to date with the curriculum and collaborate with other colleagues and practitioners to collectively develop whole school learning. ISupport the development of creating electronic and paper-based tracking sheets to monitor student progress and organise and support a range of extra-curricular activities. Lead in ensuring that students are safe online by being responsible for E-safety across the school as well as using digital tools to improve teaching, learning and assessment. Responsible for training NQT & PGCE members of staff.

United Kingdom

Designing, building, and developing the school virtual learning environment and the learning materials that are presented on it. This was created in FROG, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, and various other technologies. Responsible for maintaining user accounts, troubleshooting issues, and creating electronic learning resources for teachers such as: websites, blogs, video casts, quizzes, animations, and videos. Communicating with various senior members’ staff about E-learning developments and how to take advantage of them to improve outcomes for learners and evaluate the impact they would have. Providing training sessions to staff, students, parents, and associate schools on E-Learning and was awarded specialist status by FROG VLE.Creating advertisement material for the school that was hosted on local websites and newspapers and developed various interactive learning materials for staff.

United Kingdom

Responsible for building and maintaining computers and networks within the school. Supporting and maintaining a database for examination results including creating queries and reports. Developing school website and graphics. Providing lesson support for ECDL ICT qualifications and maintaining the administration.

Bachelor'S Degree, Web Information Systems And Services, First Class Honours

Pgce, Computing Teacher, Outstanding (Grade 7)