I am currently working in the Teaching and Learning Directorate where my role is that of Co-Principal Investigator on the JISC funded Seedpod Project. Seedpod is one of 11 projects across England and Wales which are concerned with developing and implementing institutional approaches to digital literacies.
Previous projects in which I have been involved include:
Pineapple APEL project - creating a tool to support the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning in higher education.
Uplace Repository - a digital repository to store a range of teaching, learning, research and administration materials
UsPaCe Web2.0 - introducing and evaluating the use of a range of Web2.0 tools in Plymouth University partner colleges.
HELP CETL - work supporting UPC Faculty and partner institutions.
Although these projects are no longer funded, support for their outputs continues. Please get in touch if you have any enquiries.
Qualifications & background
Higher Education
2002 University of Plymouth: Research entitled "Internet Based Learning for the Continuing Professional Development of the Marine Engineer". PhD awarded November 1992.
1996 University of Plymouth: Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health).
1992 University of Plymouth: BSc. (Hons) Psychology (2:1).
Further Education
1989 Ealing College of Higher Education: Access course, non-examinable.
1979 Hounslow Borough College: Ordinary National Certificate in Public Administration.
Professional and Vocational Qualifications
2009 Association of Learning Technology: Certified Membership of the Association of Learning Technology.
2002 University of Plymouth: General Teaching Associate Certificate of Professional Development.
1997 Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People: Certificate in Deaf Awareness.
1996 United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery & Health Visiting: Registered Mental Health Nurse (Qualifiied).
Employment History
2006 - 2010 Research Fellow: Higher Education Learning Partnerships Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (HELP CETL).
2005 - 2006 Research Fellow: SHELL-FISH2: beta code development and piloting of SHELL-FISH online feedback management system for electronically submitted coursework.
2004 - 2005 Research Fellow: SHELL-FISH: an online feedback management system for electronically submitted coursework (JISC e-Learning Tools for Learners and Teachers Distributed E-learning Programme).
2004 Part-Time Lecturer: University of Plymouth Faculty of Science Summer School.
2004 Research Fellow: LearnerAid: An investigation into student needs and staff perceptions of the necessary skills of learning. (University of Plymouth Teaching Fellowship Award).
2004 Research Fellow: MINERVA - Promotion of Open and Distance Learning - Information and Communication Technologies in the field of education. University of Plymouth, Czech University of Agriculture,
and the Universities of Thessalonica and Kosice (EU funded project).
2003 Research Fellow:
- Auditing of online materials to achieve compliance with SENDA (University of Plymouth Learning and Teaching Fund).
- Appraisal of accessibility software tools (University of Plymouth Learning and Teaching Fund).
- Using Outlook shared folders for student reflection (e-reflection) (University of Plymouth Learning and Teaching Fund).
- An illustrative guide to demonstrate the concepts and processes in bringing web-based materials in line with SENDA legislation, (GEES project).
2003 Part-Time Lecturer: University of Plymouth Faculty of Science Summer School.
2003 Research Fellow: Student Progression and Transfer Project (SPAT) (HEFCE funded project under the FDTL initiative).
2002 Project Worker: TAMAR II - Targeted Modules for the Marine Sector Learning environment design for website (EU funded project sub-contracted from WEGEMT: Learning and Accreditation Issues in Online Training for Engineers in the Maritime Transport Sector).
2003 Project Worker: Probabilistic Rules Based Design of Passenger Ships (ROROPROB) Data coordination, quality control and updating of project website (EU funded project, WEGEMT sub-contractor).
2002 Project Worker: Added Value Network Concerning European Shipping (ADVANCES) Data-mining, questionnaire development and report writing for the project. (EU funded project).
2001 Project Worker: Targeted Modules for the Marine Sector (TAMAR) Data co-ordination and quality control for website (EU funded project sub-contracted from WEGEMT: Learning and Accreditation Issues in Online Training for Engineers in the Maritime Transport Sector).
2001 Temporary Account Manager, ICO3 Ltd
2001 Research Assistant: Data collation for a key skills assessment funded by the University of Plymouth.
1999 Research Assistant: Key to Key Skills - an online project by Sheffield Hallam University and Leeds Metropolitan University (funded by Sheffield Hallam University).
1998 Research Assistant: Updating Short Courses in International Shipping and Logistics – Market Research. Postal survey data collection and analysis.
1997 Resource Worker, Hearing and Sight Centre, Plymouth
1991 Administrative Assistant, Examinations Office, University of Plymouth
1990;1991 Student Registry, Acton College, W3
1982-1989 Further Education Awards Administrator, London Borough of Ealing.
1978-1982 Information and Advice Worker, London Borough of Ealing.
1977-1978 Office Trainee, London Borough of Ealing.
Research interests
Communications and learning technologies TEL (technology enhanced learning) Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Learning object economy Digital repositories Web 2.0 Communities of practice Continuing professional development issues Reflection and its role in professional practice Porfolios and PDP Accessibility issues eReflection
Grants & contracts
Witt, N.A.J. &
McDermott, A.P. (2009) PINEAPPLE - Partnership Investigations into Accredited Prior/PreviousLearning (Pineapple) a web-based tool
to support academic and support staff with the Accreditation of Prior
Experiential Learning (APEL).Awarded by the JISC (Joint Information Services
Committee) Institutional
innovation projects in lifelong learning and workforce development, £300,000.
Witt, N.A.J.
& McDermott, A.P. (2007) UsPaCe The use of Web 2.0 technologies to
support work based foundation degree students and their mentors. Awarded by the
JISC (Joint Information
Services Committee) eLearning Capital Programme: Cross Institutional Support of
Lifelong Learning (phase 2), £199,788.
Witt, N.A.J. & McDermott, A.P. (2007) UPlaCe. A regional
repository for University of Plymouth Colleges. Awarded by the JISC (Joint Information Services Committee) Repositories and Preservation Programme: Repository
Start-up and Enhancement projects. £30,000.
Witt,
N.A.J., McDermott, A.P. & Peters, M. (2007) The impact of Web 2.0 Tools on reflection, JISC Users and Innovation: Personalising
Technologies, £10,000.
Witt,
N.A.J., McDermott, A.P., Crust, G. & Croot, D. (2005) SHELL-FISH
2: an online feedback management
system for electronically submitted coursework: beta code development and
piloting. Awarded by the JISC (Joint Information Services Committee)
E-learning Tools for Learners and Teachers Distributed E-learning Programme £59,000.
Witt,
N.A.J., McDermott, A.P., Crust, G. & Croot, D. (2004) SHELL-FISH:
an online feedback management
system for electronically submitted coursework. Awarded by the JISC
(Joint Information Services Committee) E-learning Tools for Learners and
Teachers Distributed E-learning Programme £98,053.
Witt, N.A.J. &
McDermott, A.P. (2003) University of Plymouth Teaching Fellowship, £5000.
Publications
DISMORE, H.. MCDERMOTT, A., WITT, N., NEVILLE, S., STILLWELL, R. & STONE, M. (2010) Accrediting prior experiential learning (APEL): perceptions of higher education in further education lecturers. Paper presented at the British Education Research Association Annual Conference, University of Warwick, 3rd September.
MCDERMOTT, A., SWAIN, J., STONE, M., & WITT, N. (2010) Knowledge management across a dispersed HE in FE network: Extending blended learning community activity through a focus on project management. Fifth International Blended Learning Conference "Developing Blended Learning Communities". University of Hertfordshire, 16-17 March.
STILLWELL, R., MCDERMOTT, A., WITT, N. & DISMORE, H. (2010) Pineapple Project (presentation). UPC Adminstrators' Community Forum. Plymouth, Jury’s Inn, 23 March.
TURNER, R., MCKENZIE, L., MCDERMOTT, A. &
STONE, S. (2009) Emerging HE cultures: perspectives from CETL Award Holders in
a partner college network. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 33, 3, 255-263.
HSU, H., WITT, N.A.J., HOOPER, J.B. & MCDERMOTT, A.P. (2009) AIS-assisted
Collision Avoidance. Journal of Navigation – in publication.
WITT, N.A.J., MCDERMOTT, A.P., PETERS, M. & STONE, M. (2008) Community
Experience: Success Factors for Communities of Practice. Online Educa Berlin,
14th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning and Training,
3-5 December.
STILLWELL, R., MCDERMOTT, A. & WITT, N. (2008) Designing a system with Work
Based Learning Students. The Vice Chancellor's Teaching and Learning
Conference: making connections. 4th July
2008. WITT, N., MCDERMOTT, A., & STILLWELL, R.
(2008) Web2.0 for Work Based Learning Support, the UsPaCe and UPlaCe JISC
funded projects (refereed). Plymouth
e-Learning Conference: Digital Learning: Repurposing Education. 4 April, Plymouth, Devon.
WITT, N., MCDERMOTT, A., & STILLWELL, R. (2008), UsPaCe and
Repository developments (JISC), JISC Regional Support Centre South West Higher Education Conference
2008: Innovation Through Partnership, 8 April,
BristoL.
WITT, N., MCDERMOTT, A., & PETERS, M.. (2008) HELP CETL-Video
Conferencing across the Network, JISC Regional Support Centre South West Higher Education Conference
2008: Innovation Through Partnership, 8 April,
Bristol.
turner, R., McKenzie, L.,
McDermott, A., Witt, N.A.J. & Stone, M.(2007) Promoting
The Capacity For Research And Scholarly Activity Within The Context Of Higher
Education In Further Education. Society for Research into Higher Education Annual Conference, 11-13 December, Brighton, Sussex. McDermott, A. & Witt, N.
(2007) A Multi Functional Regional Digital Repository for Teaching Higher
Education in Further Education Colleges.In R.J. Atkinson, C. McBeath, S. K. A. Soong, and
C. Cheers (Eds.) ICT:
Providing choices for learners and learning. Proceedings ascilite Singapore
2007. Centre for Educational Development, Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore, 2-5 December, pp662-663. ISBN 978-981-05-9578-4.
Witt, N., McDermott, A., Peters, M.
& Stone, M. (2007) A Knowledge Management Approach to Developing
Communities of Practice Amongst University and College Staff. In R.J. Atkinson,
C. McBeath, S. K. A. Soong, and C. Cheers (Eds.) ICT: Providing choices for learners and learning.
Proceedings ascilite Singapore 2007.
Centre for Educational Development, Nanyang Technological University,
Singapore, 2-5 December, pp1099-1103. ISBN 978-981-05-9578-4.
Stone, M.A.H. & McDermott, A.P.
(2007) Higher
Education Learning Partnerships Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
(HELP CETL) Phase One evaluation. Interim
Evaluation Report for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
July 2007.
Hsu, H., Witt, N.A.J. & McDermott,
A.P. (2007) AIS: From the Deck Officers’ Perspective. Maritime Quarterly, 16, 3, pp21-52. McDermott, A.P.
& Witt, N. (2006) Experiences of developing and evaluating
SHELL-FISH, a web-based marking and feedback tool. Australian Computers in
Education Conference - ACEC 2006: October 1-4 Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Witt, N & McDermott, A. (2006) Issues
involved in setting up a regional e-learning Digital Repository. Australian Computers in Education Conference -
ACEC 2006: October 1-4 Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
McDermott, A.P., Witt,
N.A.J. & Chudley, J. (2006) A managed learning environment for
Marine Engineers: the implications of learning styles. British Journal of Engineering Education, 5, 1, pp 43-47.
Witt, N & McDermott, A. (2005) SHELL-FISH.Plymouth elearning
Conference: Strategies for transformation.
University of Plymouth, Plymouth, 26 November.
Stone, M.,
McDermott, A., Palmer, J. & Williams, R.
(2005) Guiding
the Management of Information and Communications Technology supported learning
in Higher Education: Results, insights and resources from an EU funded Minerva
Project, ICODL 2005 – 3rd International
Conference on Open and Distance Learning: 'Applications of Pedagogy and
Technology' - Hellenic Network of Open & Distance Education, Hellenic Open University,
Patra, Greece, 11-13 November.
Ball, S., Draffan, E.A.,
Harrison, S., McDermott, A., McNaught, A., Phipps, L., Rainger, P., Sewell, J.,
Sloan, D., Sutherland, A., White, J., Wiles, K., & Witt, N. (2005) TechDis
Staff Packs: Supporting Staff Development Activities from TechDis. York, TechDis.
Stone M., McDermott, A., Palmer J. &
Williams R. (2005) Results and Artefacts of an EU funded
Minerva Project entitled ‘Guiding the Management of ICT supported learning in
Higher Education’, 4th European Conference on e-learning
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts & Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
10-11 November [refereed paper].
Stone, M.A.J., McDermott,
A. P., Williams, R. & Palmer, J. (2005) Guiding the Management of ICT to
support learning in Higher Education: Results of an EU funded Minerva Project. Third International Conference on Education
and Information Systems (EISTA), Florida, 14-17 July.
Stone, M., McDermott, A.,
Palmer, J. & Williams, R. (2004) The management of ICT based or supported learning
in Higher Education; Guides to the stages of embedding: Guides 01-11.
mcDermott, A. P., Stone,
M.A.J., Palmer, J. & Williams, R. (2004) The Minerva Project: An investigation into the
management of Information and Communications Technology supported learning in
Higher Education. Proceedings of the Education Participation
Globalisation Conference: Key Contexts for Education and Democracy in
Globalising Societies, Prague, Cz, 22-25May. ISBN 80-86742-05-9.
Witt, N.A.J. & McDermott, A.P.
(2004) Web site accessibility
- what logo will we use today? British
Journal of Educational Technology. 35,1, pp 45-56.
WITt, N.A.J. & McDermott, A.P.
(2003) Accessibility
and eLearning. Proceedings of e-Learning: Strategies for the
future Conference, Plymouth, UK, 29November.
Witt, N.A.J. & McDermott, A.P.
(2003) Auditing of
online materials to achieve compliance with SENDA. Proceedings of Promoting Successful Learning and Teaching at Plymouth
Conference, Plymouth, UK, 22 October.
McDermott, A.P. & Witt, N.A.J.
(2003) eReflection. Proceedings of Promoting Successful Learning and Teaching
at Plymouth Conference, Plymouth, UK, 22 October. 25.McDermott, A.P. &
Witt, N.A.J. (2003) SPAT transferability of good practice
case study of the Faculty of Science Summer School. Student Progression and Transfer Project,
University of Plymouth, UK.
Witt, N.A.J., Phipps, L.
& McDermott, A.P. (2003) Web accessibility. Proceedings of 4th
ILTHE Conference, Warwick, UK, 2-4 July.
McDermott, A.P. (2003) The management of ICT based or supported learning
in higher education. MINERVA, EU Project number
100564-CP-1-2002-1-CZ-MINERVA-M, Doc ref D3.6A, June 2003.
Witt, N.A.J., Phipps, L. &
McDermott, A.P. (2003) Travelling the road toward a SENDA compliant website. Planet - Journal of the Geography, Earth and Environmental Subject
Centre, 10, pp14-15.
McDermott, A.P., Witt, N.A.J. &
Chudley, J. (2003) Continuing
professional development needs for the marine industry. Proceedings of 6th UICEE Annual Conference on Engineering
Education, Cairns, Australia, 10-14 February, pp301-304.
Sutherland, A., Witt, N.A.J. &
McDermott, A.P. (2003) The impact of disability legislation on e-materials. Materials World – The Quarterly Newsletter of the National Learning
Network Materials Development Program, 5, p8.
Witt, N.A.J. & McDermott, A.P.
(2002) Achieving
SENDA compliance for an academic website: An art or a science? Alt J: Special Edition ‘Access All Areas. University of Wales Press,
pp42-49.
McDermott, A.P. (2002) Internet delivery mechanisms for the continuing
professional development of the marine engineer. PhD Thesis, University of Plymouth.
Phipps, L., Witt, N.A.J. &
McDermott, A.P. (2002) To logo or not to logo? Interact
Learning Technology Support Service, University of Bristol, 25, p6.
McDermott, A.P., Witt, N.A.J. & Chudley,
J. (2002) The marine
engineer, continuing professional development and Internet based learning: the
prospects for integration. The Proceedings of The
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Part B Journal of
Marine Design and Operations, No B.1, pp31-38.
Chudley, J., McDermott, A.P. and Witt,
N.A.J. (2002) Data mining
of marine professionals’ continuing learning activities surveys and adaptation
of learning activities questionnaire. ADVANCES,
EU Project number 2000-TN-10007, Doc ref D3.6A, April 2002.
McDermott, A.P., Witt,
N.A.J. & Chudley, J. (2000) Internet based learning for the delivery of continuing professional
development for marine engineers. Proceedings
of Sixth International Conference on Modern Industrial Training, Beijing,
China, 24-27 October, pp203-207.
McDermott, A.P., Witt,
N.A.J., Chudley, J. & Curtis, R. (2000) Internet based learning for marine related continuing professional
development.Proceedings
of Eleventh Conference on Maritime Education & Training "Solving MET
Issues", Malmo, Sweden, 21-25 August, pp1-18.
Hooper, J.B., Witt, N.A.J. &
McDermott, A.P. (2000) Automatic student feedback and navigation simulation. Proceedings of 11th International Navigation Simulator Lecturers'
Conference, Kalmar Maritime Academy, Sweden, August 14-18, pp204-212.
McDermott, A.P., Witt, N.A.J. &
Chudley, J. (2000) Utilising
Internet based learning for the delivery of continuing professional development
for marine engineers. Proceedings of 3rd UICEE Conference on
Engineering Education, Hobart, Tasmania, 9-12 February, pp353-357.
McDermott, A.P., Witt, N.A.J., Chudley,
J. & Stone, M.A.H. (2000) Internet based learning for the delivery of continuing professional
development for marine engineers.
Proceedings of Sea Australia 2000, Sydney, Australia, 1-3 February, Section
6.4.
McDermott, A.P., Witt, N.A.J., Chudley,
J. & Stone, M.A.H. (1999) Investigations into the application of Internet based learning for the
delivery of continuing professional development for marine engineers. Journal of Global Engineering Education, 3, 3, pp263-272.
McDermott, A.P., Witt, N.A.J., Chudley,
J. & Stone, M.A.H. (1999) Investigations into the application of Internet based learning for the
delivery of continuing professional development for marine engineers. Proceedings of 1st CCEE Conference on Life Long Learning
for Engineers under the theme Work Based Learning and Continuous Professional
Development, Glasgow, Scotland, 23-25 May. pp56-65.
