University of Bradford >> LSS >> Teaching Quality Enhancement Group >> Profiles >> Ruth Whitfield

Ruth Whitfield MEd, FHEA, CMALT Learning Architect Tel: +44 (0) 1274 233336 Email: R.Whitfield@bradford.ac.uk

Responsibilities:

• Project Manager, NTFS PASS: Programme Assessment Strategies (2009-2012)
• Project Officer, NTFS Out-duction: Improving the final year experience (2008-2011)
• Developing online learning objects and Web resources for ADEPT (Academic Development for Enhancing Professional Teaching)
• Teaching "Communicating in an Information Age", a core module on the BA/BSc Combined Studies programme.
• Co-ordinating Learner Support Services IT teaching, including "ICTs for Academic Study" module for the Compact Summer School
• Managing/Co-ordinating the annual Learning, Teaching and Assessment Conference and other similar events
• Supporting colleagues and facilitating group work on the University's PGCHEP programme.
• Promoting learning, teaching and assessment activities and managing the TQEG web site

Summary biography:

Ruth has over 15 years experience as a staff developer (IT Services) and part-time lecturer (School of Lifelong Education & Development) specialising in IT and Web technologies. She moved to the Educational Development Team (TQEG) in 2007 to develop online learning objects and web resources for Develop Me! following the success of the University's HE Academy Pathfinder programme to support the "extended induction" model being piloted by the Learner Development Unit. She is now a key player in the TQEG team.and was awarded the Baroness Lockwood Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2008 (Video of the VC's citation - requires Quicktime player).

Ruth joined the University in 1985 and was appointed to a new role in 1992 to develop word processing skills. She successfully developed the University's IT NVQ and ECDL test centres and managed the university-wide Web 2000 initiative, a change management process for embracing emerging IT and Web technologies.

From 1998 Ruth extended and complemented her role as a staff trainer by teaching and supporting foundation and undergraduate students to develop their information and communication technology skills, and improve their own learning and performance. She was one of the original teachers on the University of Bradford’s Junior University programme, was involved in a collaborative project with AimHigher teaching a progression module for Gifted & Talented Year 12 children from local schools (http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/pr/pressreleases/2007/progression.php)and since 2004 has taught an accredited module for the Compact Summer School.  In 2006, following a successful bid for HEFCE e-learning funds, Ruth developed the skills module "Communicating in an Information Age" module that she still teaches. From 2005 to 2009 she was a cohort tutor and dissertation supervisor on the School of Lifelong Education & Development's MEd Training & Development programme.

Research interests

Ruth's initial research interests focused on key skills development and the accessibility of electronic information. Her sights later moved towards e-portfolios and social networking tools for personal development planning and informal learning, and led to her involvement with the JISC funded Enhancing Learner Progression project (ELP). She is currently a member of the Centre for Recording Achievement's Inter/National Coalition for Electronic Portfolio Research. Her work on the two NTFS funded projects is now broadening her research experience to the final year experience and programme assessment strategies.

Publications and presentations:

• Currant N, Whitfield R, 2009 ADEPT - the role of e-portfolios in staff CPD, JISC/Flourish Project - Putting the E into Educational Development
• Currant N, Hughes P, Currant B, Whitfield R, 2008, From PDP to CDP? Exploring PDP & Web 2.0 connections at Bradford, CRA Seminar - PDP and Web 2.0 - Opportunity for Partnership?, University of Bradford
• Whitfield R, Currant R, 2008, Anytime, Anywhere, Develop Me!, 7th Annual Learning, Teaching and Assessment Conference, University of Bradford.
• Currant N, Currant R, Whitfield R, Hartley P, 2008, "Defining Generation Y: towards a new typology of digital learners." in Pieterick, J, Ralph, R. & Lawton, M EFYE Conference Proceedings 2008, ISBN 978-0-9560611-1-9
• Currant N, Whitfield R, 2007, Students aren't prepared for web 2.0 learning, are they?, ALT-C 2007: Beyond Control, University of Nottingham
• Currant N, Whitfield R, 2007, Communication in the Information Age: introducing students to Web 2.0 technologies - blogs and wikis etc (ppt 371KB restricted access), Learning, Teaching & Assessment Conference, University of Bradford
• Whitfield R, 2006, A pick'n'mix approach to lifelong learning , (restricted access) Learning, Teaching & Assessment Conference, University of Bradford
• Hartley P, Whitfield R, 2006, E-portfolios with Blackboard (restricted access) Learning, Teaching & Assessment Conference, University of Bradford
• Whitfield R, 2006, Book review: Transforming Training: A Guide to Creating a Flexible Learning Environment - The Rise of the Learning Architects, David Mackey & Sian Livsey, Kogan Page, Industrial and Commercial Training Vol 38, Iss 6/7, p 330
• Whitfield R, 2005, Book review: A practical guide to learning in the workplace, Samuel A Malone, The Liffey Press, Industrial and Commercial Training Vol 38, Iss 4/5, p 217
• Hopkinson P, Whitfield R, 2005, Measuring key skills through progress files, Learning & Teaching Conference, University of Bradford.
• Eyre S, Whitfield R, 2004, Encouraging debate and reflection using Blackboard, Learning & Teaching Conference, University of Bradford.
• Whitfield R, 2003, Should initial professional development for academic staff include accreditation of relevant key skills? MEd Dissertation, University of Bradford
• Hopkinson P, Sharpe E, Whitfield R, 2003, Demonstrating progress in key skills - stories from the front line, Learning & Teaching Conference, University of Bradford
• Whitfield R, 2001, Book review: The E-learning Revolution Martyn Sloman CIPD London, Industrial and Commercial Training. Vol. 34, Iss. 6/7; p. 290

 

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