Simon joined Netskills as a part-time project consultant in February 2009, primarily on the Supporting Training, CPD and Staff Exchange for BCE Practitioners project. This is not his first time working at Newcastle University however, having worked here between 1999-2004 on various e-learning projects and assisting in the development of a learning and teaching strategy for the University. Since then he has worked in schools, colleges, prisons, universities, and voluntary and community organisations to support the use of new technologies.

Simon's particular interests and expertise are in:

• Supporting teachers and learners in using new technologies most effectively
• Online assessment
• Instructional design
• Converting face-to-face teaching to online learning
• Classroom tools, including interactive whiteboards, wireless devices, electronic voting systems, podcasting
• Web 2.0

Originally from the Midlands, Simon lives in Rothbury, Northumberland and, when not slaving over a hot MacBook, he is a Voluntary Ranger for Northumberland National Park, an active Bluegrass musician and an occasional yacht skipper. Simon is also currently completing an Ed.D at Durham University, focusing on Curriculum Design.