Contextual Statement

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.

I transitioned from teaching to learning technology through a growing interest in programming, which began when I automated tasks in VBA as a university administrator. While teaching in Portugal, I deepened this interest through self-study on platforms such as Khan Academy and freeCodeCamp, applying what I learned to improve workflows and enhance digital resources. As I took on new responsibilities, I expanded my work with APIs and automation, which led to a full-time development role and confirmed my path into educational technology.

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 within Imperial College London's ICT division, a role for which I was recruited due to my combination of technical expertise and teaching experience. My work bridges pedagogy and technology, supporting Imperial's strategic aim to deliver innovative and inclusive digital education. I collaborate with faculty-based learning technologists across the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business School, Medicine, and the Interdisciplinary EdTech Lab, ensuring that our solutions are coherent, scalable, and responsive to the needs of staff and students.

In practice, this involves co-designing learning experiences with academics, administrators, and developers, applying technical skills to LMS migration projects, writing user stories, conducting manual testing, and gathering user feedback to enhance digital learning. I also provide guidance on effective technology-enhanced learning practices, translate project requirements into technical specifications, and recommend integrated solutions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity at every stage.

This dual perspective — grounded in classroom teaching and strengthened by technical development — enables me to act as both a pedagogical partner and a technical specialist. I contribute to communities of practice, share emerging knowledge with colleagues, and help maintain consistent standards across Imperial's diverse digital education landscape.

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. This portfolio demonstrates the depth and breadth of my practice and affirms the influence of my work across the sector.