As a Learning Technologist, I’m deeply committed to enhancing the educational experience for both staff and students. I support a wide range of academic programmes, including the highly innovative “Exploring Entrepreneurial Thinking” module, MBA modules, and online learning programme. My work is driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
My role requires a diverse and evolving skill set. I bring extensive pedagogical knowledge, technological proficiency, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Whether working independently or as part of a team, I manage complex projects and contribute meaningfully to the success of the Digital Learning (DL) Team. I collaborate widely across the Business School and the broader university community to deliver high-quality learning materials and implement strategic digital solutions.
I am dedicated to my own professional development. In November 2024, I graduated with a Master’s degree in Online and Digital Education from the Open University, which has provided me with a strong theoretical foundation to support my practical work. I regularly participate in university-led training and external educational opportunities to ensure my expertise remains current and impactful.
Over the past year, I’ve made numerous contributions to SBS and the DL Team. During a transitional period without a Digital Learning Manager (DLM), I stepped up to take on key responsibilities, ensuring continuity and stability within the team. I also supported the incoming DLM, helping her navigate the processes and personnel across the Business School.
I have been proactively involved in strategic initiatives and committee work. As a member of the Faculty Digital Learning Committee, I provide expert guidance on learning and assessment innovations. I played a key role in the development of the university-wide, AI-powered “Exploring Entrepreneurial Thinking” module, working closely with academics and library staff to ensure its successful integration into the curriculum of hundreds of students across all university faculties.
My technical skills and problem-solving abilities have been especially valuable in my work with MyPlace, the university’s virtual learning environment. I identified and resolved numerous issues during the platform’s continued development, collaborating with the central MyPlace team to implement practical solutions.
I have explored and promoted the use of automation tools like Power Automate to streamline teaching and learning tasks. I’ve worked with the Educational Enhancement Team to advocate for new MyPlace features, such as timed assignments and Turnitin integration for essay questions. I also led the deployment of Safe Exam Browser (SEB) across university computer labs and liaised with central IT staff to configure the necessary software.
In terms of operational support, I consistently resolve more complex MyPlace-related support tickets than any other staff member, showcasing my deep understanding of the platform and commitment to user support. I provided extensive assistance for group video assessments on the “Leadership for Change & Innovation” module, ensuring the smooth execution of an innovative assessment method.
I have also been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into course development. My use of AI generation tools was crucial in creating the new “Exploring Entrepreneurial Thinking” module. These initiatives reflect my forward-thinking approach and ability to leverage emerging technologies for educational benefit.
I maintain a strong on-campus presence, consistently exceeding the minimum working requirements to support face-to-face queries and raise the visibility of the DL Team. I have championed the use of the Business School Standard Template across departments, promoting consistency and usability in MyPlace course design.
My contributions to student induction and access are also significant where I have provided expert advice to the Induction Working Group and delivered online induction presentations to all new Business School students, giving the DL Team a strong and visible presence. I have supported the development of a new system for creating and enrolling temporary IT accounts on the IFM platform, in collaboration with the Educational Enhancement Team.
I continue to support the MSc in Applied Economics programme and the Academic Skills programme for college students, helping the Business School maintain a robust online learning presence. I’ve also contributed to widening access initiatives, such as the Business Studies with Enable Scotland programme, helping diverse learners engage with higher education.
I play a key role in upholding academic integrity. I provide expert guidance on plagiarism and academic honesty, supporting both staff and students in understanding and applying ethical standards. I help students use Turnitin to self-evaluate their work, and I’ve supported high-stakes plagiarism investigations to ensure the university maintains its rigorous academic standards.
I am a passionate and impactful professional whose work traverses pedagogy, technology, and strategic innovation. My contributions to the Business School and the wider university community reflect a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, and I’m proud to be part of a team that drives meaningful educational change.
My professional interest in helping realise the potential of TEL in the HE sector goes back to 1996 when, after completing a master’s degree in Information Management, I was the lead researcher on the collaborative Catriona II project, examining approaches to the creation and management of electronic research and teaching resources at Scottish universities. After completion of the Catriona II project, I worked as a Learning Technology Adviser. I also worked for several years with the European Concerted Action on Lyme Borreliosis (EUCALB) project, as a consultant information science researcher investigating the feasibility of the development of an online medical expert system to assist clinicians with the diagnosis of Lyme Disease throughout Europe.
Martin Smith BSc DipM MSc MA ODE
My main roles and recent responsibilities as a faculty Learning Technologist include…
AI-Driven Module Development
Used AI generation tools to develop new modules and formative assessments, including the highly innovative “Exploring Entrepreneurial Thinking”.Course Development Support
Supported Business School academic staff in designing and delivering engaging courses across MBA, Applied Economics, and Entrepreneurship modules.Digital Learning Leadership
Took on key responsibilities during the interim period without a Digital Learning Manager, ensuring team continuity and operational stability.Safe Exam Browser Implementation
Led the rollout and configuration of Safe Exam Browser (SEB) across the Business School computer labs in collaboration with central IT.MyPlace Platform Optimisation
Identified and resolved complex issues during MyPlace system upgrades, improving platform reliability and user experience.Induction Programme Delivery
Delivered online induction presentations and created orientation materials for new SBS students, enhancing their onboarding experience.Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Support
Provided expert guidance on academic honesty, supported plagiarism investigations, and trained students in Turnitin self-evaluation.Template Standardisation
Promoted and implemented the Business School Standard Template across departments to improve consistency and usability in MyPlace courses.Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Maintained proactive working relationships with university teams including Library, Inspire, Science Faculty, and Educational Enhancement.Accreditation Support
Managed MyPlace access and support for AMBA and AACSB accreditation panels, contributing to successful reaccreditation outcomes.Digital Learning Committee Contributions
Provided strategic input and support for learning and assessment initiatives as part of the Faculty Digital Learning Committee.Student Support and Access
Created and managed MyPlace accounts for college students and supported access issues, contributing to widening participation efforts.Group Assessment Facilitation
Supported innovative group video assessments for the “Leadership for Change & Innovation” module.Online Course Maintenance
Developed and maintained MyPlace courses for MSc in Applied Economics and MyMBA programmes, ensuring high-quality online learning.Professional Development
Completed a Master’s degree in Online and Digital Education, enhancing theoretical and practical expertise in digital pedagogy.Automation Exploration
Investigated Power Automate solutions to streamline teaching and learning tasks within the Business School.Induction Working Group Advisory
Advised on induction planning and delivery, helping overcome challenges and improve student engagement.Video Content Production
Helped with the production of online introduction videos for MyMBA students, improving accessibility and reducing staff workload.On-Campus Support Presence
Maintained a strong on-campus presence to assist with face-to-face queries and raise the profile of the Digital Learning Team.Enable Scotland Programme Support
Directed and supported students in the Business Studies with Enable Scotland initiative, contributing to the university’s access and inclusion strategy.
As an inspirational, active, committed and reflective Learning Technologist, I continue to successfully deliver research-informed, innovative and effective educational developments that make a direct contribution to the Business School/University strategic intents in areas of significant institutional, organisational and technological complexity.
Negotiating the considerable challenges and barriers resulting from this complexity, I have contributed to improvements, refinements and transformations to online postgraduate teaching, learning, assessment and feedback practices in a way that delivers educational processes that provide online students with the opportunity to engage in collaborative, deep and meaningful learning experiences that are crucial for them to excel in a rapidly-changing, increasingly-competitive, diverse and connected world of work. In addition, I successfully employ relevant, practical and focused technology innovations to deliver more efficient academic and administrative processes to support on-campus education across the Business School’s face-to-face educational programmes.
My professional approach to work is driven by the key university themes of being bold, collaborative, ambitious and innovative, to deliver operational excellence that enhances the student experience in a way that will help foster engaged, analytical, critical and inspirational learners. Recent innovations I have worked on include cutting-edge TEL developments such as collaborative-constructivist online learning, AI-powered module development, learning analytics, and greater use of technology in formative assessment practices that drive productive blended learning.
Motivating my contribution to more effective educational offerings is my commitment to my self-directed continuing professional development to better understand and apply the fundamental epistemological and pedagogical transformations required in higher education. In doing so, I strive to move the educational paradigm from a largely transmission model to one that delivers the sound instructional/facilitation approaches that promote the structured, organised and sustained discourse and reflection required for successful knowledge assimilation and accommodation. Fundamental to my continuing professional development has been my studies on the Open University’s MA in Online and Distance Education, where I recently graduated from.
- BSc in Physical Science (Chemistry)
- Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing
- MSc in Information Management
- MA in Online and Distance Education
Martin has the knowledge and skills to help me to develop our online learning platform so we can use this to best support the needs of staff and students. Martin provides an invaluable support to me in both exploring new ways to use our technology and also with problem solving for any issues that arise.
I have worked with Martin for many years and together we have devised ways to engage entrepreneurship students who are not financially literate (and who often don’t want to be) with the basics of financial management. Our experiments have pushed up against the limits of what is possible in technology, but Martin has always remained calm and come up with solutions that work.
I am an academic involved primarily with part-time postgraduate programmes running in the Middle East, S.E. Asia and Europe, and have known and worked with Martin for many years. He is very knowledgeable about new developments in technology and learning platforms, and has been exceptionally helpful in helping us think about how we can innovate and exploit technology to deliver better value to both our part-time international students (many of who are technologically savvy) and our academics.
I have worked closely with Martin on a variety of online learning programmes over a large number of years. Most recently, this has included an online elective module on the Strathclyde Business School MBA programme covering the dynamic topic of ‘Digital Leadership’. During this time, I have always found Martin to be a pleasure to work with, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his areas of expertise, always working hard to push forward the rate of innovation in this area. In an era of rapid and dynamic change in the way people learn, we need more “Martin Smith’s” working closely with academics to drive change.
I am a Professor of Economics at the University of Strathclyde. Over the past year, I have worked closely with Martin to implement online testing for both under-graduate and post-graduate students in economics. This has been extremely successful innovation, with students particularly liking the “instant” feedback they get. It is clear that there are trade-offs between different testing methods. However, on balance, I believe on-line testing is a big positive step forward. Much of this success is due to advice and support received from Martin. He helped with the design and implementation of the tests (not a trivial task). He provided feedback that helped avoid problems. With his oversight, I have experienced no difficulties at all that could not be easily fixed. He is a reliable, thorough, knowledgeable, flexible and innovative educator. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.
I have worked with Martin over the past years in my capacity as the (former) course director of the LLM in Internet Law and Policy. The distance learning version of the course underwent a very innovative and highly successful revamp following Martin’s advice and guidance. Martin has been heavily involved in the delivery of this LLM programme and he has proved to be an exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive colleague. Martin is proactive, punctual and inspirational, and has clearly made a very positive impact on our distance learning students. His inputs have resulted in better social cohesion among the distance learners (who are spread across the world), which he initiated right from the online induction week at the start of the year. Martin has really made virtual learning a lot more fun and enjoyable as well as productive for our students. It has been a pleasure working with such an innovative and knowledgeable educator, and I have learnt a lot from him in the process.
I have collaborated with Martin for a number of years, particularly with respect to the delivery of an online MSc. During that time Martin has demonstrated significant knowledge requiring the delivery of online courses. He continually encourages online tutors to consider different innovations to support the delivery of their material with the aim to support and engage students during their learning process. Martin has brought knowledge, creativity and a huge passion for online teaching to the delivery of our MSc. Both staff and students have gained significant amounts from his involvement and we hope to continue working closely with Martin as we continue to develop and innovate in our online delivery.
I have worked with Martin since the late 1990’s. We launched a blended learning degree in International Marketing (MSc) and Martin was instrumental in designing a virtual environment which was ahead of its time in terms of “ease-of-use” and features. This was before the term came into popular use. Martin designed the site with students and moderators in mind. In more recent years I have continued to work with him on various online projects. Again his empathy with student’s needs and requirements is second to none.
Martin has continued to seek out new ideas and has pursued post-graduate courses in the quest for learning. He is a pleasure to work with and I rate him highly.
I have worked with Martin for a number of years now setting up online tests for first year and third year students. These tests are very different and require different set up configurations. Martin is immensely knowledgeable in this area and collaborating with him has helped us achieve our learning objectives for the different classes. We will also be exploring different ways of conducting some of these tests as the technology improves as Martin is very generous with his time running workshops to apprise us of new developments in the technology and the opportunities thereof. Martin is generally a highly valuable and resourceful colleague.
I worked with Martin for less than three years and in that time he demonstrated a passion and attention to detail in the delivery and support of the modules online. Martin’s ability to anticipate future challenges to the students’ learning experience is particularly commendable. In summary, my job would have been a lot more challenging without Martin’s help.