Speakers

O.M.T. (Odile) Wolfs (NL)

Mrs. Wolfs is a member of the regional Government in the Provinz Limburg. She is participating for a second term in the College of Gedeputeerde Staten (executive board). She is leader of the Labour Party in Limburg. She lives in Eijsden, a small village, the most southerly-situated village in the Netherlands.

Before her political carreer she was active as a schoolteacher.
In 1978 she was elected as a member of the Provincial Parliament (Provincale Staten). In 1999 she joined the executive board and is still  a member.

In the political coalition agreement for the next four years, she is responsible for the programm "investing in people"
The main subjects she deals with are rather diverse: education and labour; art and culture; sports; health and youth care; social affairs; media; wellness; disabled people; senior economy.

Rens de Groot, CWI (NL)

Robin Mason, Open University (UK)

Robin Mason is Professor of Educational Technology at The Open University, UK.  Her work spans teaching, research and scholarship in the area of e-learning, including online and distance education.  She is co-author of 'Elearning: The Key Concepts' (Routledge, 2006), 'The Educational Potential of e-Portfolios: Supporting Personal Development and Reflective Learning' (Routledge, 2007) and 'The e-Learning Handbook: Social Networking for Education' (Routledge, forthcoming. She is the leader of several European Union funded projects with universities in developing countries using open content to produce locally appropriate course material.

Darren Cambridge, New Century College (USA)

Darren Cambridge is assistant professor of Internet Studies and Information Literacy at New Century College, which offers integrative studies, first-year experience, and experiential learning programs at George Mason University in the United States. He is associate director of the Inter/National Coalition for Electronic Portfolio Research, facilitating teams researching the impact of ePortfolios on learning from 45 higher education institutions in the USA, Canada, England, Scotland, and Holland. His own research engages both social theory and empirical methods to examine ePortfolios as tools for lifelong learning and leadership development. As a technologist, he co-led the development of the the IMS Global Learning Consortium ePortfolio Specification, crafts functional requirements for the Open Source Portfolio, and directed development of the Learning Record Online ePortfolio system. Prior to coming to George Mason, he headed up academic technology initiatives at the American Association for Higher Education and was an EDUCAUSE National Learning Infrastructure Initiative fellow.

Dr. Helen Barrett, International Researcher and Consultant(USA)

Helen Barrett recently retired from the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage and is living in the Seattle area. She has been researching strategies and technologies for electronic portfolios since 1991, publishing a website (http://electronicportfolios.org), an Apple Learning Interchange exhibit (http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites/ali/exhibits/1000156/), chapters in several books on Electronic Portfolios, and numerous articles.

She was on loan to the International Society for Technology in Education between 2001 and early 2005, working as the Assessment Coordinator for ISTE’s National Educational Technology Standards and providing training and technical assistance on electronic portfolios for teacher education programs throughout the U.S.under a federal PT3 grant. In 2005, Dr. Barrett became the Research Project Director for The REFLECT Initiative, an international research project, underwritten by TaskStream, to assess the impact of electronic portfolios on student learning, motivation and engagement in secondary schools. She is currently working on several book projects on electronic portfolios. She is also an Apple Distinguished Educator and a George Lucas Educational Foundation Faculty Associate.

Evangeline Harris Stefanakis, Boston University (USA)

Dr. Evangeline Harris Stefanakis, Ed.D has recently taken up a post at Boston University. Previously she was Advisor and faculty associate at the National Academy of Teaching Excellence at Teachers College Columbia, New York to spearhead new initiatives in differentiated instruction and inclusive education. Previously, she was a faculty member in the Learning and Teaching area of Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing her research on the assessment and instruction of students with learning challenges: including those who are bilingual and/or with disabilities. Also as a Senior Associate for Programs in Professional Education at Harvard, she developed leadership training programs for educators focused on better serving diverse populations in the US and abroad.  Her teaching and consulting experiences are in bilingual, K12 and special education in both U.S. and international schools, most recently in Greece, Scotland, Norway, Mexico and China.  She actively works with multicultural school communities on projects related to linking curriculum and assessment.  Among the districts she has worked with are the Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, and Somerville [MA] Public Schools, the Massachusetts Schools Network for Harvard Project Zero, the Massachusetts Department of Education, the American School of Amsterdam and the American Community School in Athens, Greece. As a researcher, frequent speaker, and writer, her work focuses on understanding how best to assess and teach children from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. 

Her most recent publications include Whose Judgment Counts?: Assessing Bilingual Children  (Heinemann & Boynton, 1998), Teachers Judgment Do Count: Assessing Bilingual Students ( Harvard Education Publishing, (1999) and Multiple Intelligences and Portfolios: A Window into the Learner’s Mind (Heinemann, 2003).  Dr. Stefanakis is a graduate of Tufts University and earned a M.S. in Special Education, Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders at Lesley College.  Her CAS and Ed. D. are from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education with a concentration in International Education in Administration, Planning and Social Policy and in Teaching and Learning. 

Serge Ravet EIfEL (FR)

Serge Ravet Chief Executive of the European Institute for E-Learning (EIfEL), a cross-sectoral professional body whose mission is to support the development of a knowledge and learning society. EIfEL is at the forefront of the ePortfolio movement in Europe, setting as objective that in 2010, every citizen will have access to an ePortfolio. He is also Vice-President of the European Foundation for Quality in E-Learning (EFQUEL). Combining both technological and pedagogical expertise (20 years experience in training and human resources development) with working experience in Europe and the US, he is retained as an expert and a consultant in learning technology projects. He has published books and articles on eLearning, competencies, quality, learning technologies and ePortfolios - "Technology-based Training" (Kogan Page, 1997) "Valider les Compétences avec les NVQs" (DEMOS, 1999); a Guide to e-learning Solutions (2001).

 Marco Kalz, OUNL (NL)

Marco Kalz is a young researcher at the Educational Technology Expertise Centre of the Open University of the Netherlands. Marco worked in the past in several national and international research and development projects. Currently he is focusing on the assessment and use of prior learning experiences of learners for placement decisions in technology enhanced learning in the framework of the TENCompetence project. His research interest is the use of language technology and social software for self-directed competence development.

Olga Firssova, OUNL (NL)

Dr. Olga Firssova is assistant professor at the Master of Science programme of Active Learning, School of Education of the Open University Netherlands (courses Theoretical frameworks of instructional design, E-learning: what, why and how, Active learning: current trends and issues). Other tasks and responsibilities include curriculum & course design for the Basic Educational Qualification for the staff of the Open University Netherlands, Blackboard LS & CS implementation at the OUNL, assessment of prior learning for the MSc of Active Learning.

Olga Firssova is a graduate from the Moscow Linguistic University, she holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences (Russian Academy of Sciences) and a Master of Science degree Telematics applications for education and training of the University of Twente. Professional interests are competence development, curriculum design, tools for learner's support and assessment

Shane Sutherland, Pebble Learning (UK)

Shane Sutherland is the Development Director at Pebble Learning. He is an active contributor to the eportfolio community being a member of the Becta ePortfolio Experts Group; the International Coalition for ePortfolio Research and the JISC-CETIS eP SIG. Shane has contributed to, or managed, a number of JISC projects including ePISTLE; LIPID; eAPEL; MeLAS and Flourish.

Shane previously worked as a Principal Lecturer at the University of
Wolverhampton with roles in staff development and teacher education. This earlier work brought him into intimate contact with IWBs, VLEs and PDAs -ePs are the perfect two-letter antidote.

Susanne Neumann, University of Vienna (AT)

Susanne Neumann is a research assistant at the University of Vienna, Centre for Teaching and Learning, working for the research and development project PROLIX. Her current research focus is the IMS Learning Design specification, its application to teaching and learning practice and generic pedagogical scenarios. Previously, she had worked in interdisciplinary projects and departments at universities in Germany and the United States.

Ingo Dahn; University of Koblenz (DE)

Dr. Ingo Dahn, the CEO of the Knowledge Media Institute, has a habilitation in Mathematics from Humboldt University Berlin. Being trained as a specialist in Mathematical Logic, he moved in 1998 from Humboldt University Berlin to the Artificial Intelligence Group at the University in Koblenz. He has developed Slicing Book Technology which used AI methods for the semantic search and aggregation of legacy data. Dr. Dahn is a member of the IMS Technical Advisory Board and one of the authors of the IMS Application Profiling Guidelines.

Joke Droste Bio, CINOP (NL)

Drs JFM ( Joke) Droste is senior consultant and programme manager. Since 2004 she has been Program Manager of the Electronic  Learning Dossier. She works at CINOP, the centre of expertise for the innovation of vocational education and training and adult and continuing education in the Netherlands.  CINOP is a consultancy organisation employing over 125 academic trained professionals. Joke has published on e-learning, comparative studies on electronic learning environments, innovation and the use of ICT. She is especially interested in concept development and development of instruments in the field of Competence based learning and Information and Communication Technology in education and competence based learning.

Sandra Kingston, University of Nottingham (UK)

Following a first Degree in Music, Sandra has had a portfolio career spanning academic and commercial non-fiction publishing (including two years as an Open Learning Managing Editor at the Open College), an MSc in Computer Science, time as an analyst/programmer with British Rail Business Systems Computing and a period as a primary school teacher. She has worked on ePortfolio projects led by the University of Nottingham Centre for International ePortfolio Development since 2003, which has allowed her to combine interests in technology and education. She was project manager for the successful JISC-funded ePortfolio Reference Model (eP4LL) and Nottingham regional pilot (RIPPLL) projects and is currently managing two projects in the area of eAdmissions to Higher Education as well as the JOSEPH project.

Don Presant, Learning Agents (CA)

Don Presant is President of Learning Agents, a Canadian multimedia production company with a strategic focus on ePortfolio.

Don's expertise in multimedia learning resource development is the result of 13 years experience in educational television and almost 15 years in computer and Internet technologies. He has developed several successful tools and methods for peer to peer knowledge transfer, based on experiential storytelling by practitioners. Working with partners, Learning Agents distributes these transferrable experiences on public websites and in online learning environments.

Don is the son of a Canadian immigration officer and lived overseas while growing up. His media background began with a BA in Communication Studies at Concordia University. He joined the educational broadcaster TVOntario in 1989 as a video editor and later began writing and directing documentaries.

1n 1993, during a period of fundamental corporate culture change at TVOntario, Don proposed and led the start-up of the Online Group, a self-directed new media "skunk works". In 1994, the Online Group led TVOntario onto the Internet.

Don left TVOntario in 2000 to form Learning Agents, providing multimedia learning resources in English and French for clients and partners such as Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Industry Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada,  Red River College, the Manitoba Sector Training Network, and TFO, la télévision éducative et culturelle de l’Ontario français.

Brendan Tierney, SQA (UK)

Brendan works for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Scottish Government.  It is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees. Brendan Tierney is one of the SQA Academy team which has been developing the whole idea of what SQA Academy is and how it will deliver training packages and support centre staff. Brendan was a secondary school teacher (Business Studies and later Personal and Social Development) for about 15 years and followed this by many years as an External Verifier for SQA working frequently with further education. In his main areas of work, the Understanding Standards website and the SQA Academy there is an expectation to constantly seek innovative approaches.  While both web sites involve the use of technology to improve the quality of assessment the key features are creativity and flexibility. The partnership project with Jewel and Esk Valley College to enhance the delivery of Core Skills through the Personal Planning and Development unit (PDP) can be seen as an example of this.

Sanne Meeder, University of Amsterdam (NL)

Sanne Meeder holds a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Groningen. After 5 years in the department of ICT & Education in Groningen she has been working at the Centre for Educational Training, Assessments and Research (CETAR) of the VU University Amsterdam since 2002. One of her working fields has been the implementation of e-portfolio's, within her university as well as in several (national) portfolio projects.

Sanne Meeder

Sanne Meeder holds a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Groningen. After 5 years in the department of ICT & Education in Groningen she has been working at the Centre for Educational Training, Assessments and Research (CETAR) of the VU University Amsterdam since 2002. One of her working fields has been the implementation of e-portfolio's, within her university as well as in several (national) portfolio projects.

Rob Peterson, University of Wollongong (AU)

Rob Peterson is a PhD (Education) candidate at the University of Wollongong in Australia. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Rob worked as an instructional designer and science and technical writer prior to commencing postgraduate research.

Lex van der Sluijs, Winvision (NL)

Since finishing his degree in Industrial Design Engineering, TU Delft (cum laude), Lex has held various software design and engineering positions, in addition to founding and running a his own web-software development and hosting company for 5 years. His main passion is about solving real problems with software that people love to use. Right now he holds a position as senior consultant and product manager of the Digital Portfolio at Winvision BV in the Netherlands.

Pier Giuseppe Rossi, Macerata University (IT)

I'm teaching General Didactics at Macerata University. My research activity started on multimedia communication semiotics aspects. Then, I focused on multimedia on-line teaching. At the moment I'm studying learning environments and e-portfolios. I'm directing the e-learning and integrated didactics center at Macerata University (CELFI), which is coordinating Macerata University activities on distance learning.

Eric Schiff, University of Oregon (USA)

Eric has served as a technology consultant, coordinator and instructor/trainer for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) Pacific Region both in the US and in Japan. Eric was founder of Premierelink Communications, Inc., a web design and advertising firm in Eugene, Oregon, and served as President/CEO for 7 years. Other experience includes 19 years as director of the University of Oregon Summer Computer Camp, an on-campus emerging technology hands-on experience for students 10-18 years old.

Eric has been teaching Information Design and Presentation, Advanced Information Design and Presentation, and Multimedia & Internet Design and Presentation at the University of Oregon for the past 18 years as an integral part of the Arts and Administration Program. Along with his adjunct status teaching at the UO, Eric currently teaches digital media, journalism, and leadership courses at Cal Young Middle School in Eugene 4J School District.

Sylvia Logar, University of Vienna (AT)

As research assistant at the University of Vienna Centre for Teaching and Learning, Sylvia Logar is engaged in the didactical eLearning education of teachers and tutors. Her focus lies in supporting tutors in implementing blended learning scenarios, community building, educational technology and media competencies.  

Thomas Sporer, University of Augsburg (DE)

Thomas Sporer graduated from the University of Regensburg in Information Science, Pedagogy as well as in Media and Communication Studies. While a student he founded the learning initiative Knowledgebay which places importance on the role of students as co-designers of digital learning and teaching environments. He is currently working at the Institute for Media and Educational Technology and the IT-Service Centre of the University of Augsburg. His work is concerned with the development of a study program that aims at bridging the gap between informal learning experiences and the formal curriculum of higher education institutions. In this context he is pursuing a PhD degree and is teaching courses on knowledge management, organizational learning and emerging technologies.

Francis Brouns, OUNL (NL)

Francis Brouns is an assistant professor at the Educational Technology
Expertise Centre of the Open Universiteit Nederland. The main activities
are in development of innovative e-learning environments, with focus on
new educational and ICT technologies, standards, and specifications, and
the application of new technologies to create efficient and effective
learning environments. The current research focuses on learning networks
and learning in communities.

Anne Jennings-Bramly, SWOOP (UK)

Anne Jennings-Bramly is the Project Development Officer for ePortfolio, with the South West Opportunities for Older People (SWOOP) Project. In this capacity she has worked with a number of pilot sites exploring the effectiveness of ePortfolio with older people. The key aim of the pilots has been to help older people better understand their skills, attitudes and attributes with a view to securing employment. Anne developed a strategy for outreach work, and has been instrumental in finding effective ways of supporting older people in the use of ePortfolio. Working with the project evaluator, Anne has undertaken significant evaluation of the ulitity and impact of the software on this user group.

Anne has an extensive background in IT support primarily in the health sector. She is a trained facilitator and an experienced project manager.

Chris King, SWOOP (UK)

Chris has 18 years experience in Further Education, as a Lecturer, Team Leader and Manager for Business and IT.  During this time she was consistently awarded Grade 1 ‘Outstanding’ teacher status.   In 1997 Chris was a finalist in the Edexcel ‘Award for Educational Excellence’ for her ‘Adopt a Group’ initiative that linked employers with student groups.  She was also nominated for the Barclays Award for ‘Outstanding Outcomes as a result of a Business Placement’. 

Chris has worked as a Unit Writer for Edexcel and RSA Awarding Bodies and has been an External Moderator and Verifier for Edexcel.  She served on the NABSE (National Association for Business Studies Education) Executive for 4 years and has been a guest presenter and Workshop Facilitator for NABSE, South West Education Industry Group and Network Training.  She has frequently been at the forefront of educational initiatives and was involved in a number of pilots and reviews for new qualifications.  Chris has also written successful submissions for three new courses and had a number of articles published in business education journals.

During 2007 Chris has worked with the SWOOP ePortfolio project as the Outreach Trainer and Mentor, delivering workshops to small groups of older people.

Jo Pye, University of Exeter (UK)

Jo Pye is Senior Researcher for the Marchmont Observatory within the University of Exeter's School of Education and Lifelong Learning. She has researched technology based training in the UK and Europe since the mid 1990s and is involved with a range of European e-learning projects promoting good practice. For Marchmont, Jo designs and leads regional and national evaluations of the impact of online learning on adult learners, trainers and small businesses. Jo also works on the South West Regional Observatory's Skills and Learning Intelligence Module (SLIM), gathering and reviewing national and regional evidence to inform policy initiatives in adult learning in the South West. She is currently leading an Impact Analysis of the Objective One European Social Fund in Cornwall.

Tim de Jong, OUNL (NL) 

Drs. Tim de Jong is a PhD student at the Open University of the Netherlands. He received his Master’s degree in Knowledge Engineering from the University of Maastricht in 2005. The topic of his current research and his main research interests are mobile learning, contextualised computing and knowledge engineering. Moreover, he is currently working in the European eContentplus project MACE, which focuses on the metadata enrichment of architectural content.

Colin McCowan, Queensland University of Technology (AU)

Lori Hager, University of Oregon (USA)

Lori Hager, (Ph.D. Theatre for Youth, Arizona State University), is assistant professor in the University of Oregon’s Arts and Administration Program, where she co-directs the master’s program in Community Arts and serves as Associate Director of Community Arts for the UO Center for Community Arts and Cultural Policy. Hager is responsible for the graduate level professional practice internship courses, oversees the undergraduate minor in Community Arts, and the undergraduate practicum program. Dr. Hager founded and directs the ePortfolio project, which supports students in Arts and Administration and the School of Architecture and Allied Arts to develop and maintain ePortfolios as part of their research and professional preparation ((http::// ePortfolio.uoregon.edu). Dr. Hager also presents and conducts research in the area of community youth arts policies and practice, and is currently conducting research, which examines professional development for teaching artists who work with youth in school and afterschool settings.