I lead on the strategic development of technology enhanced learning (TEL) for the University, championing pedagogical engagement, development of teaching practices and the student learning experience within the digital context. I hold responsibility for the TEL and Online Courses teams. Working in partnership with our Digital Technology Services, I have a lead role in the direction and development of the digital learning environment.
I’ve worked in the HE sector in the field of digital education since 1992, both on national initiatives and in institutional roles. My experience includes initiating and leading institution-wide digital change initiatives; designing and delivering professional development to support academic practice; working with Faculties/Schools in the development of digital learning and e-assessment; teaching at UG and PG level; establishing a student-led digital pioneer enterprise; institutional TEL bench-marking.
Qualifications and awards:
- National Teaching Fellow (NTF)
- HEA Principal Fellow (PFHEA)
- University Teaching Fellow (UTF)
- SEDA Fellow (FSEDA)
- MA Education
- MSc Computer Science
- MA English Literature and Language
Publications and presentations include (published as both Holmes and Simpson):
- Mayhew, E., Davies, M. and Holmes, V. (2019) ‘Fail, Fad or Flexible Friends? The impact of Online Submission, Feedback and Grading on the Marker Experience’. Blackboard Users Conference, Durham.
- Bailey, A., Holmes, V. McCann, L. and Papaefthimiou, M. (2018) ‘E-submission, feedback and grading: a collaborative approach to University-wide adoption’. Association for Learning Technology Conference, Manchester.
- Holmes, V. and Nichols, M. (2018) ‘Benchmarking Technology Enhanced Learning: applying the ACODE methodology’. HEA Conference, Birmingham.
- Holmes, V. (2017) ‘Ready, Fire, Aim: Bringing about rapid change in e-assessment’. In S. Elkington and C. Evans (eds.) Transforming Assessment in Higher Education. Higher Education Academy. https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/transforming-assessment-higher-education.
- Holmes, V. and Mayhew, E. (2017) ‘Moving from small scale to large scale transformative change: Electronic Management of Assessment at the University of Reading’. Association for Learning Technology Conference “Changing Learning Environments”, Liverpool.
- Holmes, V. and Bailey, A. (2017) ‘Right Here! Right Now! Placing pedagogy at the heart of web-conferencing’. Association for Learning Technology Conference “Changing Learning Environments”, Liverpool.
- Holmes, V., Clark, W., Burt, P. and Rienties, B. (2013). ‘Engaging students and teachers with media streaming technology, the case of Box of Broadcasts’. In C. Wankel and P. Blessinger (eds.), Cutting-edge Technologies in Higher Education, Bingley, UK: Emerald Publishing Group.
- Allan, H., O’Driscoll, M., Simpson, V. and Shawe, J. (2012) ‘Teachers’ views of using e-learning for non-traditional students in higher education across three disciplines [nursing, chemistry and management] at a time of massification and increased diversity in higher education’. Nurse Education Today.
- Clark, W., Holmes, V., and Burt, P. (2011) ‘An investigation into staff perceptions of the benefits and limitations of media streaming technology and BoB (Box of Broadcasts) at the University of Surrey.’ Internal report.
- O’Driscoll, M., Allan, H., Simpson, V. and Sequeira, L. (2010) ‘How can the University use e-learning to improve the learning experience of non-traditional students?’
Internal report, University of Surrey’s Widening Access Fund. - Sequeira, L., O’Driscoll, M. and Simpson, V. (2010) ‘Online Journal Clubs: Developing Transferable Skills for Researchers’ Internal report, Fund for Researcher Development.
- Clark, W. & Simpson, V. (2009) An investigation into staff perceptions of technology use and CPD at the University of Surrey. Internal report.
- Simpson, V. and Oliver, M. (2007). ‘Electronic voting systems for lectures then and now: A comparison of research and practice’. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 23(2), 187-208.
- Simpson, V., Burt P. and Khan, O. (2007) ‘Introducing electronic voting systems (EVS) to encourage more enquiring student engagement’. Learning through Enquiry conference, Surrey.
- Simpson, V. and Burt P. (2007) ‘Undertaking the large-scale introduction of an electronic voting system across a university’. Association for Learning Technology Conference “Changing Learning Environments”, Nottingham.