Learning Technologist
London Metropolitan University
m.agombar@londonmet.ac.uk
(Fixed term contract until Aug 2010 for duration of CETL funding only. Martin now works at London Met in IT Services)

For the past nine years or so I have worked in Further and Higher Education. Over this time I have built up considerable experience in using technology to enhance learning according to pedagogic principles. My teaching qualification - a PGCE in Media with English - helped me understand the predominant theoretical perspectives. I now use these on a day-to-day basis at London Metropolitan University.

Since October 2009, I have worked full-time with the Write Now CETL. Previously I also worked with the RLO CETL on exploring the potential of using Reusable Learning Objects to enhance learning. My role was more technical in nature but still incorporated a good deal of learning theory. The outcome of this work is an authoring tool named GLO Maker, available at http://glomaker.org/.

My current role with the Write Now CETL involves working collaboratively with staff wishing to support students in their writing activities. The advice given depends on the case in question but will involve the use of technology to enhance learning.

From a technical standpoint I have excellent skills in working with Flash, Flex, XML and other Web technologies and have used these skills to produce interactive multimedia. A couple of years ago I completed an MA Digital Effects, which involved mathematics, physics and complex 3D techniques in the creation of digital film effects.

I have recently gained a CMALT accreditation and wrote a book chapter on Challenges for Learning Technologists in Writing in the Disciplines, for the forthcoming book edited by Dr Peter O'Neill (London Metropolitan University) and Dr Mary Deane (Coventry University).

Publications and presentations

Articles

• Agombar, M. and Holley, D. (2010) Overcoming Student Fear and Loathing of Exams: a collaborative project. Investigations in university teaching and learning, 6 (2), 102-108.
   

Conferences papers

• O’Neill, P., Harrington, K., Bakhshi, S., Llewellyn-Jones, C. and Agombar, M. (2009) Going Online: The Potential for One-to-One Synchronous Support in UK Higher Education. Presentation at: 5th EATAW Conference 2009, Coventry University, 30 June -2 July 2009.
  
• O’Neill, P., Harrington, K., Bakhshi, S., Llewellyn-Jones, C. and Agombar, M. (2009) Going Online: The Potential for One-to-One Synchronous Support in UK Higher Education. Presentation at: 5th EATAW Conference 2009, Coventry University, 30 June -2 July 2009.
  

Work in progress

• Deane, M., Llewellyn-Jones, C. and Agombar, M. (2010 in progress) The challenges for learning technologists within WiD. In Deane, M. and O'Neill, P. (eds.), Writing in the Disciplines. London: Palgrave MacMillan.