Employability at GCU: The Real WoRLD Project

Steering Group

The Steering Group for this project is as follows:

• Professor Sue Scott; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Learning Innovation (Head of this Steering Group)
  view Professor Scott's profile page.

  
  

• Professor Allison Littlejohn; Director of The Caledonian Academy
  Professor Allison Littlejohn is Chair of Learning Technology and Director of the Caledonian Academy at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK: an academic support centre integrating research, advanced scholarship and transformational change in learning innovation. Allison leads a range of research and learning development initiatives exploring learning innovation. As Shell Senior Researcher, Allison is leading an action research partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University and Shell International exploring new approaches to work based and collective learning. In 2003 she published the first international textbook in sustainable e-learning: Reusing Online Resources (Routledge, London), published 'Preparing for Blended eLearning' in 2007 and co-launched a new book series for Routledge, 'Connecting with eLearning'. As a fellow and associate scholar of the UK Higher Education Academy, Allison co-chaired the UK Forum on Supporting Sustainable eLearning (2003-2006). In 2005 she was awarded a scholarship by the Australasian learning technology organisation ASCILITE. Allison was previously Chair of Learning Technology and Director of the International Centre for Research on Learning at the University of Dundee, Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice at the University of Strathclyde and has held academic positions at the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, Thurso College (UK) and the University of Northern Colorado (USA).

  
  

• Professor Mike Mannion, Pro Vice Chancellor International
  Professor Mike Mannion gained his first degree from Brunel University, and went on to graduate with an MBA from the Open University and a PhD from Bristol University. After a period working as a software developer and programmer, Mike took up the roles of Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at Napier University, Edinburgh from 1992 to 2000. Professor Mannion joined the Department of Computing at Glasgow Caledonian University and became Dean of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences in 2002. He led the merger of the school with the School of Engineering, Science and Design to form the School of Engineering and Computing. During his time at Glasgow Caledonian University, Professor Mannion has made a significant contribution to the university’s research profile, has demonstrated his commitment to the student experience, and has played a significant role in leading learning and teaching initiatives across the university, including serving as Principal Investigator on the SFC Aiming University @ Work project in collaboration with the universities of Glasgow and St Andrews. view Professor Mannion's profile page.

  
  

• Professor Malcolm Allan; Dean of School of Engineering and Computing
  

  
  

• Professor David McConnell; Professor of Learning Innovation in the Caledonian Academy
  David McConnell is Professor of Learning Innovation at Glasgow Caledonian University's Caledonian Academy. Professor McConnell, a pioneer of online learning and teaching, leads academic professional development across the university. He joined the Academy, which develops and researches innovative forms of learning and teaching, on October 2008 from Lancaster University's Department of Educational Research where he was Director of the Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technologies. Professor McConnell has been at the forefront of computer mediated communications in distance learning in the UK and co-created the first UK online Masters in Management Learning. He is a visiting professor at South China Normal University. He will be leading the Academy Learning Development Team, and leading transformational change across the university through the integration of a portfolio of professional development initiatives, as well as leading the implementation and annual monitoring of the GCU Learning and Teaching Strategy and ensuring that GCU is at the forefront of innovative practice.

  
  

• Deborah Houston; Head of Careers Service
  

  Deborah is a practising careers adviser, and as the Head of Careers Service, is also responsible for managing Glasgow Caledonian University Careers Service

  She graduated from the University of Glasgow and went on to do a post- graduate Diploma in Careers Guidance at the then Paisley College of Technology (now the University of the West of Scotland).

  Before joining Glasgow Caledonian University in January 2002, she worked as a local authority careers adviser, initially and briefly in Central Region before spending the next 20 years working in Glasgow. There she gained experience of working with school and college students and long term unemployed young people both as an adviser and latterly as a depute district manager.

  Her current work includes supporting students and graduates to recognise their skills, qualities and personal achievements thereby increasing their chances of gaining employment and success in their chosen occupations. She is actively involved with her professional body AGCAS and has helped to organise and run careers events and conferences for both students and graduates and professional careers practitioners.

  She helped to develop the SVQ level 3 in guidance for use with Careers Service staff and is an SVQ assessor and internal verifier for the award. In addition, she is accredited with the BPS (British Psychological Society) to administer, score and interpret psychometric tests

  Deborah believes that impartial careers information, advice and guidance can empower individuals to make informed decisions that help them to plan and manage their own careers and to participate in life long learning.

(view Archive page)

Real WoRLD Project email: realworld@gcal.ac.uk

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