Dr Colin B. Price

National Teaching Fellow 2010 Colin Price was educated at the University of Cambridge and at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. His entire career has been in education; from the early days, first as a physics teacher in Brussels, then teaching electronic engineering and physics at the University of Leuven, and most recently leading computing at Worcester. He also spent two voluntary years teaching in East Africa. He has always been a keen researcher and has emphasised the need to connect research and teaching. Through research and self-development he has produced a number of innovations, for example two microprocessor teaching platforms, many Java Applets (for example, to simulate computer systems operation, Neural Networks and Image Processing algorithms) and has contributed to the 1985 revision of Nuffield A-Level Physics including a published book. He is currently writing a book on the use of game engine technology to produce science, maths and engineering simulations. Colin is well known for developing innovative modules such as 'The Nature of Computing', where he encourages students to research and reflect on what 'computing' actually is. He is well-known for introducing 'off the beaten track' materials which encourage students to think across various disciplines, such as teaching programming through 20th century abstract art and 'Isometric Tiled Games'. He recognises the need to maintain links with employers but also schoolchildren and their teachers. He runs yearly 'code camps' where regional schools visit during a frantic week of activities, learning how to build computer games. Colin is now establishing a research group in 'Serious Games' and has two PhD students and two research assistants in place. He is currently applying for external funding from various bodies to extend this group, yet he is also aware of the importance of curriculum development, especially in our current economic climate. He is spearheading a new computing course portfolio which will maximise both the employability potential of our graduates and the efficiency of course delivery. The bottom line of Colin's philosophy is that the integration of research and teaching greatly motivates both students and researchers.