research and pedagogical design for Siyavula's premium e-learning ... coordinating in-house and external teams of author
MEGAN BECKETT ADDRESS: 6 Misgav Mansions, 55 Exner Road, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001 MOBILE: 082 686 3030 EMAIL:
[email protected] WEBSITE: www.meganbeckett.wordpress.com young and dynamic, reflective and insightful, adventurous and curious, compassionate and driven
WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS (full time)
2015
Siyavula Education – Instructional Designer Building on my past experience in the design and production of learning and training materials and products, my current role is to lead the research and pedagogical design for Siyavula's premium e-learning experience for Maths and Science. My focus is on: • researching and developing our thinking around the science of learning and teaching, the use of technology and how to best deliver digital learning experiences across multiple contexts • relating learning to the fields of UX, interaction design, product design and software development to influence the design of digital education products (with a focus on Maths and Science) • conducting controlled studies on the impact of our technology intervention • data analytics • investigating motivation in learning and teaching in physical and online environments • interacting with Sales and Marketing on strategies for effective integration and use of our products in the classroom • strategic planning discussions and decisions in the company
2014
Siyavula Education – Project Manager I managed a project aiming to find a coherent and recognisable vision for Siyavula's core content and premium products that speaks to the youth in an engaging, age appropriate manner. I initiated the research and development for a premium, adaptive, interactive experience for Science learning in the younger grades. I was the project manager and coordinator for the national training of all Natural Sciences and Technology Subject Advisors across the country. Roles and skills:
• • • • • • 2011 - 2013
educational technology research planning and devising innovative, interactive, educational products relating to core content designing and conducting training at a large scale strategy around brand development managing budgets and timelines using project management software writing funding and sponsorship proposals
Siyavula Education – Content Coordinator I coordinated two major projects to develop openly licensed print, online and mobile content for Gr 4-9 Natural Sciences. This involved working in
partnership with the sponsors and Department of Basic Education, and coordinating a large group of volunteers, external contributors and an inhouse team throughout a collaborative development process. To view the final products, visit: • Gr 4-6: www.thunderboltkids.co.za • Gr 7-9: www.mstworkbooks.co.za Roles and skills:
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WORK EXPERIENCE (part time)
2015
content development, writing, editing curriculum and concept map development organising and running workshops for diverse groups of people coordinating online, collaborative activities of volunteers researching and reporting on relevant technologies, resources and enrichment relating to STEM subjects for learners coordinating in-house and external teams of authors, graphic designer and illustrators liaising with relevant government officials report writing use of Creative Commons, open licensing, open education, open policy, open educational resources and Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) basic python programming, website development, HTML and CSS, LaTeX, use of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign and working knowledge of different operating systems presenting at local and international conferences
OpenCon 2015 – Organising Committee OpenCon 2015 is the student and early career academic professional conference on Open Access, Open Education, and Open Data and will be held on November 14-16, 2015 in Brussels, Belgium.
2013 – present OER Research Hub, Open University – Research Fellow I held a research fellowship with the Open Educational Resource (OER) Research Hub at the Open University, UK. We investigated hypotheses that the open aspect of OER creates different usage patterns than other online resources, and that open models lead to more equitable access to education, serving a broader base of learners than traditional education. My focus within the broader project was on South Africa and open textbooks. We are currently writing a paper on this work. 2014
UCT Pathology Centre – Consultant I advised the Pathology Centre on how to optimally use their museum and specimens for educational purposes, particularly for school visits.
2010 – 2011
Institute for Plant Protection, Italy – Researcher I spent 6 months at a research institution in Italy during my Masters. I learned how to quickly adapt to and work with culturally diverse groups of people. I had 3 to 4 people to coordinate in conducting the research.
2009
Evo-Devo Laboratory, UCT – Assistant Researcher I worked part time for a professor in the Molecular Biology Department, helping with running of the laboratory and various experiments.
EDUCATION AND AWARDS
2010 – 2011 University of Cape Town
Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology Dissertation on the physiological and biochemical responses of a resurrection plant during dessication and subsequent rehydration. • Science Communication workshop
2009 University of Cape Town
Honours in Molecular and Cell Biology Awarded degree with distinction. • Merck Award for Best Honours Student, 2009 • Roche Award for Best Honours Thesis in South Africa, 2009
2006-2008 University of Cape Town
Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Molecular, Cellular Sciences Awarded degree with distinction and distinctions in Biochemistry, Genetics and Physiology. • Dean's Merit List, 2006-2008 (top 15 % in faculty) • WA Gordon Jolly Award for best performance in Physiology, 2007 • Golden Key New Member Award for Academic Excellence, 2007 • Sasol Golden Key Excellence Award for Natural and Applied Sciences in South Africa, 2008 • Class medals for Statistics 1, Physical Science 1, Biology 1, Genetics 2, Physiology 2, Biochemistry 3, Physiology 3
2000 – 2005 St Anne's Diocesan College
National Senior Certificate – Independent Examination Board Subjects: English First language HG (A), Afrikaans Second language HG (B), Mathematics HG (A), Physical Science HG (A), Biology HG (A), Art HG (A), Advanced Mathematics (A) • IEB Top 50 in South Africa • Aggregate 104% • Dux of school
2013 – present OTHER INVOLVEMENT AND POSITIONS
Wikimedia Foundation volunteer Volunteer to edit Wikipedia articles, involved in the Wiki Primary Project aiming increase Wikipedia's support of primary school education, attended the Wiki Indaba 2014 to present on open education in South Africa.
2013 – present Harfield Harriers Athletics Committee Secretary for the club committee, attend Western Province Athletics meetings, help organise annual running race, coordinate new member subscriptions, assist with other social events. 2010 – 2011 University of Cape Town
Science Post-Graduate Students Association Committee To support post-graduate science students, organised Writing Workshops, inter-departmental seminars, social events and the annual Science Symposium to showcase post-graduate student research.
2008 – 2009 University of Cape Town
University of Cape Town Athletics Committee Captain of Women's Road Running, which included motivating and encouraging younger runners, organising race events and sponsorship. We received UCT Team of the Year Award 2008.
2008 University of Cape Town
Golden Key Executive Committee Community Service Officer for the university Chapter, including organising events at our charities, fund raising, liaising with supporting organisations and eliciting support of general members
Other
I enjoy a wide range of extra-mural activities including: • Trail and road running • Swimming • Rock climbing • Scuba diving • Painting
REFERENCES Dr Mark Horner
CEO at Siyavula Education
[email protected] +27 21 469 4771
Neels van der Westhuizen
CFO at Siyavula Education
[email protected] +27 21 469 4771
Dr Beck Pitt
Researcher at the OER Research Hub, Open University
[email protected]
Prof Jill Farrant
Professor at Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town Masters supervisor
[email protected] +27 21 650 4496
