Inge de Waard
Researcher and Explorer, The Open University, UK
Right now I am researching self-directed learning in massive open online courses (MOOC) for experienced online learners at the Open University of the United Kingdom. Before that I was the eLearning coordinator and educational researcher for the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerpen Belgium. My professional life has been fine-tuned with a couple of on-off jobs along the way: journalist, lumberjack, stand-up comedian, waitress, caterer at movie sets, photographer, writer and once - when I was at my (financial) wits end - I fought a bull in the Roman Arena of Arles, France which resulted in just enough money to get back home to Belgium. All these jobs were a great way to learn more about human nature and on how to absorb and use knowledge really quickly.
I am a firm believer of dialogue, so feel free to start a conversation.
During my professional journey (Women's movement - Belgium, Institute of Tropical Medicine - Belgium, Athabasca University - Canada, The Open University - UK) I became immersed in eLearning and mobile learning from 1999 onward. Working frequently with partners from developing countries, I have been an advisor/consultant for institutes from around the world setting up eLearning initiatives or roll out an innovative learning strategy. My passion for educational technologies has led me to dive into many mLearning as well as online learning projects. After a rocky learning start right up to late twenties, I managed to end up with a background in IT and pedagogy. Thanks to many wonderful people and institutes I have had the privilege to speak on the subject of TELearning and mLearning around the world.
As I have always loved writing, I keep going: as a proud author for the eLearning Guild, a domain expert for the Mobile Learning Curriculum Framework, a member of the MobiMOOC Research Team, member of IAmLearn (national representative and in the communications committee), part of the program committee of mLearn from 2011 onward, reviewer for leading eLearning journals (e.g. IRRODL, BJET, Elsevier' Computer & Science, JIME), member of the Advisory Committee of Online Educa Berlin, review and committee member of IADIS, member of the eLearning learning content community, and organizer of MobiMOOC (free MOOC on mobile learning which ran in 2011 and 2012).