Meet the Subject Specialists team!

We provide direct support to education institutions right across the UK on transforming practice through the use of technology. A typical day for us might include providing advice and guidance to Jisc members over the phone, delivering training face to face or online or acting as consultants on members’ change projects. We also spend a lot of time speaking at conferences and other events.

We use this blog to share what we’re thinking, what we’re up to and what we’ve discovered. A lot of this is work in progress so we’d love to get your input. Please comment on our posts. If you want us to help you directly then you can either talk to your Jisc Account Manager if you’re a member or call the Jisc contact centre.

Cathie (digital pedagogy, Wales) – I have worked in further education for 20 years and have a passion for digital pedagogy. I have taught a variety of subjects, but my favourite has always been “teaching how to teach”. My previous roles have included supporting teaching practitioners to develop their pedagogical skills including their blended/online delivery. I now focus on digital capability and skills primarily in Wales. You can find me on Twitter.

Chris (team leader) – I’ve worked in the field of education technology since 2005. Before joining this team I was a consultant trainer at Netskills and before that I supported a partnership of schools in Sheffield in developing elearning. In the distant past I studied Geography at St Andrews (and nearly became a teacher – long story) so I’m naturally interested in digital mapping  but you can also talk to me about digital storytelling and other creative uses of technology. I’m quite active on Twitter.

Esther (programme lead, Digital Capability and Skills) – Having trained as an English teacher, I realised the power of technology to support learners when I became an eLearning advisor supporting providers in Wales. Now I focus on digital literacy and capability, working across FE and HE in the UK. My main interests are in digital skills development, employability, engaging blended learning tools and techniques, coaching and neurodiversity. I sometimes share interesting stuff on Twitter.

Kathryn (digital capability and skills) – I have previously worked as a research assistant, product developer and e-developer/ learning technologist. My areas of interest include immersive technology, learning design, content creation and the effective use of digital resources. I am also passionate about accessibility and inclusion, using my own experiences as a person with a sensory disability to advocate for accessible and universal design. I am currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Digital Technologies, Communication and Education and I’ve recently set up a Twitter, so come and say hello!

Lis (teaching, learning and assessment) – I’m subject specialist for libraries and digital resources. I’ve worked in and around Jisc and libraries in HE, FE and research for 30 years, in a variety of roles. I’m particularly interested in how digital technology can help improve and enrich library and learning resources services for students. I joined the student experience team in late 2016 and this has given me a chance to renew my longstanding interest in digital capability for libraries. One of the highlights of my job is travelling the country, discovering the ways that libraries constantly reinvent themselves (often with technology) and sharing these on Twitter @lisparcell.

Scott (teaching, learning and assessment) – I initially studied Classics and Philosophy in Wales, so although I have a passion for technology I also enjoy exploring the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome (sometimes without wifi – can I say that?!). After university I started my career as a librarian and later moved into teaching on a variety of education and IT related subject areas.  My main interests include areas such as digital capability, online delivery and social media to bring communities together (I blog here too and you can also catch up with me on Twitter).

Zac (teaching, learning and assessment) – I’ve worked in HE for over 10 years as a developer and leader in eLearning before joining Jisc.  From working with students through to senior management, my passion for digital tools and user/student experience has played a huge role in this adventure.  I’m a big user of technology in music as well as learning, design and developing.  I’m just as happy to chat about sounds, microphones and hearing through spine  conductivity for drummers!

Blog header image: UFV Graphic and Digital Design program by University of the Fraser Valley CC-BY 2.0