Dr Martin Oliver

National Teaching Fellow 2011 Dr Martin Oliver's work spans teaching, research and academic development - areas that he sees as closely connected rather than separate. His work focuses on developing these connections, using critical perspectives on technology and a process that helps individuals to think differently about themselves and their use of technology. This process places people rather than technology at the heart of Martin's work: he is interested in how people make sense of the technologies they encounter, what they choose to do with them, and how these uses enhance their educational experiences. His teaching draws on learners' biographies as an educational asset, encouraging individuals to relate topics to their personal and professional experiences in an informed way. Martin is known for his focus on theorising this approach, drawing on social accounts of learning and identity, including communities of practice and perspectives from science and technology studies. Martin also leads the Learning Technologies Unit at the University of London, supporting curriculum development involving technology across the institution. He teaches about, and with, new technologies on the MA in ICT in Education, introducing learners to topics such as learning design and evaluation, while they try out virtual learning environments, podcasts, wikis and virtual worlds. He also supervises doctoral students studying technology and learning. One of Martin's PhD students said: "Martin has given me the intellectual courage I needed... Studying with his support I have become able to develop not just my knowledge but also my sense of academic self-worth. His feedback is always detailed, incisive and challenging and when listening he always makes me feel that what I am saying is of importance. I am a very different person thanks to his very professional but friendly engagement with my work." Martin is chair of the Association for Learning Technology, a member of SEDA's Scholarship, Research and Evaluation Committee, an editor of the journal Learning, Media and Technology, and serves on four other editorial boards. His research has been widely published and has been cited in Wikipedia.