Firstly thank you for taking the time to read by blog and hear about me! This blog has been set up for me to experience web 2.0 and how it can be used in education; the discussion and critique of virtual learning environments; to discuss and debate critically the new and emerging technology for education. This is required to support me in completing my MA in Education with an Educational Technology specialism.
About me: I returned to education as a mature student to fulfil a lifelong ambition of completing a degree. Prior to this endeavour, I worked as a Contracts Officer for local government in the Finance Directorate, where I was employed for 25 years, as a Housing and Council Benefits and Contracts Officer.
After which, I wished to change career and direction (due to family and personal circumstances), so started my epic journey in education. Hence, I now have my BA Hons 1st class in Business with Human Resources Management completed at Greenwich University. Furthermore, I continued to train as a teacher obtaining my Prof GCE (Numeracy) and Qualified Teacher Training and Skills (QTLS), via Canterbury Christ Church University and the Society of Education and Skills. Here I chose the specialism of numeracy for adult education and functional skills because there was a shortage of maths teachers.
Whilst I studied I continued to work for the local authority and as a supply teacher. continuing, I have now taught in Further and Higher Education colleges, Adult Education, on apprenticeship schemes and Adult Education Budget contracts, as a functional skills maths and English tutor. During my time teaching I became a member of the Society of Education and Training and thus, completed my QTLS, for my continued professional development, obtaining the Member of the society of Education and Employment (MSET).
Furthermore, I felt the need to continue my studies, because I had something further to offer and contribute to education. Hence, I started the full-time master’s course in education. I completed this with a distinction in Education in Technology with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) students. This resulted in my application as a supporter member to the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS). resulting in me being a Mentor and tutor for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) in Higher Education sector at Universities, delivering mentoring to Autism Spectrum Condition students (having completed the National Autistic Societies Ask Autism Modules) and those allocated Educational Technology for Dyslexia and other needs.
Furthermore, following on from the MA Ed Tech, my proposal and ethics for the Educational Doctorate have been accepted and I have now start my final education and research journey in Education with a specialism of Autism and study skills.
Ann Dean FSET
Please contact me at: ad@anndean.uk