Contextual Statement

CMALT Guidance

Your portfolio should begin with a contextual statement — the kind of thing you might write in a cover letter for a job application. It should provide a concise biography outlining your career history with Learning Technology and your current role(s). Highlight briefly the operational context in which you work or have worked, and reflect on why you are submitting your portfolio for CMALT and how this relates to your future career aspirations.

If you have previously been awarded Associate CMALT, you should indicate this and also indicate briefly how and to what extent your existing portfolio has been revised and amplified.

This section is not assessed but will be very helpful for the assessors as they approach the rest of your portfolio.

My Journey in Learning Technology

I have over a decade of experience in blended and digital learning, combining pedagogical expertise with technical development to improve learning experiences. Beginning as a CELTA-qualified English teacher, I've delivered over 10,000 lessons with consistently high ratings, and used my Level 4 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) to design and deliver training in academic English and study skills in both further and higher education.

Alongside this, I've led the development of scalable backend systems and optimised GraphQL APIs for a custom Learning Management System (LMS) supporting over 700,000 learners. This dual perspective — both educational and technical — enables me to design learner-centred solutions grounded in pedagogical principles and responsive to real-world needs.

Throughout my career, I've remained passionate about using digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. As a Virtual Onboarder, I trained new teachers in a custom LMS via Microsoft Teams, supported by tailored sessions and video training. I've also created bespoke business English courses for professionals, adapting content to learner needs and industry contexts.

My experience as a university administrator using Moodle and SharePoint helped shape the design of an intuitive LMS for international use. Drawing on my teaching background, I refined features such as automated flashcards and pronunciation feedback to support personalisation and engagement.

Accessibility is a key focus of my work. I've created content to support non-native speakers and neurodiverse learners — including visual documentation, explainer videos, and GIFs designed for clarity and retention. In a prior role as Transformation Project Manager, I automated financial workflows using Python and Pandas, and led Excel training to promote data literacy.

My professional development includes training in user story writing, manual testing, Confluence, Jira, and several programming languages. I aim to deliver user-centred, accessible solutions grounded in good practice.

I currently work as a Learning Technologist at Imperial College London, where I support the migration to a new LMS. This includes writing user stories, conducting manual testing, and gathering user feedback to enhance digital learning for staff and students.

I am submitting this portfolio for CMALT accreditation to formally recognise my contributions to learning technology. It marks a key step in my professional development, reflecting my commitment to innovation and inclusion in education. While I have not previously held Associate CMALT, this portfolio demonstrates the depth and breadth of my practice and its impact across the sector.