Federica Oradini

I am from a beautiful small town on a lake near the Italian Alps. I did my first degree here in London and recently completed the Open University MA in Online and Distance Education. I have seen first hand the enormous benefit from using an online environment to interact with fellow learners.

Focussing on the promotion and support of learning technologies and flexible modes of learning, I am involved in identifying and providing appropriate staff development opportunities. I have played a leading role in the conception and development of the University’s Blackboard PDP system, which comprises a set of web-based materials and an online means of recording progress in the form of an e-portfolio.

In January 2007 I successfully applied for the ‘University of Westminster Award for Excellence.’ As part of the award I have been granted £5000 to use to enhance the design and effectiveness of e-learning, using PDP as a model and building on the use of PLEs, ePortfolios and supporting technology at Westminster.

Recently I have been involved in the implementation of the Connect system which provides new and returning students with online informal learning spaces through an innovative social networking site, powered by Elgg. In July 2008 an article has been published in ALT online newsletter 'Social networking: connect-ing students and staff'.

After living in London for 10 years, I now find it necessary to regularly run back to a small corner of northern Italy.

http://connect.wmin.ac.uk/oradinf/weblog

Find the courage to do a PHD