About Me

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” Alvin Toffler

Skills

  • Microsoft Desktop applications

  • Authoring and LMS software including Storyline, Rise and Moodle

  • Graphic design in Canva

Education

  • Certificate in Facilitating Online: University of Cape Town

  • Certificate in Instructional Design: Bhird Consulting

  • Certificate in Project Management (Distinction): University of Pretoria

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education, Media Science: University of KwaZulu-Natal

  • National Teachers’ Diploma in Art: Technikon Natal (4 year) Sculpture Major


Work experience

Presently: Freelance Instructional Designer


Previously: National Department of Basic Education:

  • Head Librarian Information Resource Centre

  • Manager of the national Thutong curriculum portal


KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education:

  • Education Libraries & Information Technology Services: Deputy Chief Education Specialist

  • School Librarian and Art Teacher in primary and secondary schools

Background


My love of life-long learning and design of learning experiences came about as a result of a career as a teacher librarian. As a child I lived in Zimbabwe, England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The single common denominator was the school library in which I found refuge and a love of reading, books, information and enquiry. It was a result of this that after following a qualification in art teaching (majoring in sculpture) that I pursued library science as a career.

In 1988, I was employed at St Marys' DSG in Kloof KwaZulu-Natal as Director of Learning Resources specifically to establish and run a flexible learning programme called Supported Self-Study. The purpose was to develop curriculum-based learning modules with teachers as well as modules on demand for the students. Students and teachers could choose any topic and I would develop a module and appoint a tutor to manage the learning process. I went to the United Kingdom to meet, amongst others in the field, Philip Waterhouse who coined the term Flexible Learning. This visit reinforced what teacher-librarians have known since the early ‘70s; creating a scaffold which allows learners of any age to choose what they want to learn, at their own pace and ability – this is what underpins motivated and authentic learning.

I continued on this path but moved into the field of adult education, initially co-creating a series of online courses called the Educators' Network. I also ran workshops on the creation of learning modules – Scaffolded Learning – for teachers and subject matter specialists at school advisory level. In 2006 I was invited to present on this at the University of Indiana in the USA. In 2008, whilst at the National Department of Basic Education, I again went to the United Kingdom to attend a Commonwealth of Learning conference and had the privilege of attending a presentation by Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the Internet – truly a highlight of my life. His vision has singularly changed the world of learning and communication globally.

After retirement from formal employment and wanting to consolidate my range of skills and put them to practical use, I studied with BIHRD Consulting in order to qualify as an instructional designer. I am now with the IDOLS Academy with the intention of furthering my skills and earning the IDOLS Badges.

My personal passion and where I see my social responsibility, is with anything to do with the welfare of animals. So much education is needed in this area. On a personal note, another passion is my two beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniels!