Helen Keegan

National Teaching Fellow 2012 Helen Keegan's expertise lies in curriculum innovation and the development of new pedagogies through participatory media. She has led and participated in numerous research projects involving technology and learning and is a regular international speaker in the area of educational technologies, digital identity, digital culture and learning innovation. A passionate and energetic educator, Helen uses her varied disciplinary background across arts and sciences to develop innovative and imaginative curricula using social technologies to foster greater disciplinary/epistemological awareness and critical media literacies. Constantly inspired by the commitment and imagination of her learners, Helen focuses on stimulating their curiosity in ways which inspire commitment to learning and place the learner at the centre of the curriculum. She engages learners through creativity and co-production, treating modules as sites for communities of inquiry where learners not only work together, but develop their online networks, learning inside and outside the classroom, sharing with and learning from peers and industry practitioners. "Helen is an unbelievable source of knowledge and enthusiasm and is a massive credit to the University on a number of levels. She goes the extra several miles when it comes to helping, inspiring and supporting students, even helping students from other courses and departments around the University whilst balancing a hectic schedule." (Former student) Helen has a reputation for outstanding delivery and support of learning. She has gained "national and international recognition for her support and enhancement of the student learning experience through numerous innovations in curriculum development such as kinaesthetic acoustic simulations, professionalised digital identity development, introducing reflective practice to the sciences, mobile phone filmmaking, cross-disciplinary/multi-level international collaborations and alternate reality gaming. "Her work in applying innovative teaching and learning methods, and the esteem in which she is held by both her students, colleagues and externally within the wider educational community, is outstanding." (Senior Faculty) Through her innovations using emerging technologies to bridge formal and informal learning, underpinned by sound pedagogic principles and educational theory, Helen has empowered students, transformed curricula and made an outstanding contribution which has had a transformative impact on student learning.