My research interests are in innovation in technology-enhanced learning in post-compulsory education (including artificial intelligence in education).  I am particularly interested in online learning in groups, teams and communities, the design-based learning research methodology, and social inclusion of students with dyslexia (and other specific learning differences), ADHD and autism. 

I am interested in supervising research into innovation in technology enhanced learning (TEL) in post-compulsory education and training, particularly related to how educators design learning experiences and/or how they integrate innovative technologies and practices into their teaching. This include an interest in: game-based learning, virtual and augmented reality environments for training, networked learning, design for learning, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and open educational resources (OERs), learning analytics and artificial intelligence in education (chatbots, agents). Methodologies including design-based research, educational design research, participatory research, case studies, action research, phenomenographic studies, phenomenological studies, qualitative and mixed research methods.

I have been teaching and supervising PhD research on the online, distance, Doctoral Programme in e-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning since it began in January 2008, playing a major role in establishing the programme.  Previously, I was Director of the Masters Programme in Advanced Learning Technologies.  I have a wide range of experience in teaching students at undergraduate, masters and doctoral level.

I am an experienced supervisor having supervised over 30 students to completion of their PhDs and have examined over 20 students as internal examiner.  I supervise students, mostly on the Doctoral Programme in e-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning but also on the traditional route PhD programme, the Higher Education: Research, Evaluation & Enhancement Doctoral Programme and on the Master in Education and Social Justice Programme.

I have been an education expert with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) for 7+ years, advising on their funding programme planning and grant monitoring, accreditation and capacity building in HEIs.

I have experience of acting as an international expert for QQI (Ireland) assessing quality of Higher Education Institutions to deliver research degrees.

For 14 years, I have acted as an expert for the European Commission evaluating research project proposals, post-doctoral fellowship proposals and monitoring ongoing reearch projects for European Commission as well as funding bodies in UK, Spain, Denmark, Slovakia and Switzerland.

I am an experienced External Examiner of PhD theses and I have been an External Examiner for 4 Masters degree programmes at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

For over 30 years, I’ve gained funding for large European collaborative research projects (10+ project lasting 2-4 years), working with industrial partners and SMEs to research and design innovative virtual reality learning environments, that use games and simulations for learning, team training, online learning and artificial intelligence in education.

My research focuses on understanding how emerging technologies and pedagogies are used to create innovative learning environments for adult learners, including how to make learning more inclusive for those with autism, ADHD or dyslexia. I have published over 100 papers and commissioned reports in the field of Technology-Enhanced Learning/Artificial Intelligence in Education. 

In 2021 I won a prestigious international award - the British Council Award for Digital Innovation in English Language Teaching (ELTon) - for the CIELL mobile app. In addition, I won a Judges' Commendation award  for the app’s contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.