Let's Meet... Estelle Taylor

Introduction

My name is Estelle Taylor and I have recently joined the Technology Enhanced Learning Team as a Learning Technology Officer in a team of three. I will be working within the Training and Support strand of TELT - offering support via the IT Helpdesk, as well as assisting with induction and training sessions for students and staff across the University. 

 

Tell us a bit about your previous role

I worked for The University of Portsmouth, which is a modern university on the South Coast, in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries. I was a Senior Lecturer teaching on the Graphic Design course, with a focus on screen-based design - UI, UX, and usability, as well as design with ethical and sustainable underpinning. Technology has been a large part of my academic career, both supporting and training staff and students on various industry standard software applications to enhance teaching and learning, alongside supporting their application to professional design outcomes.

 

What attracted you to come and work at QM? 

In my previous job I worked with students and teachers within a vibrant HE institution. I was especially attracted to Queen Mary because of its rich history around expanding the offering of higher education to a wider demographic within the East London community, the diverse staff and student population, and the overall QMUL approach to inclusivity.

 

What are you most looking forward to in the job? 

Mainly working in this TEL team of colleagues who have such an expanse of expertise, varied backgrounds, and passion for education. I am really looking forward to learning more about the complex aspects of applying learning technology and learning design theory across curriculums with which I am less familiar and at greater depth. I hope to be able to share my own experiences in design, pedagogy, and technology with TELT in terms of supporting our colleagues and students with their use and understanding of learning technologies.  

 

Is there anything interesting you are currently learning or doing in the role? 

All things learning technology! I am learning a huge amount about current QMUL technologies that colleagues and students use within their teaching and studies, some I had used before and others that are new to me. Becoming familiar with aspects of how the TEL team operates within the ITS environment and then the wider schools/faculties is also a key goal. Understanding this broad network of highly skilled colleagues and how we connect to solve issues, demonstrate good practice, or to identify potential improvements, is paramount in developing my own knowledgebase.

 

What are your hobbies? 

They tend to be creative; drawing an intricate mandala, practising my sign writing, or making/DIY, which all help me to be more mindful and keep me away from screens for longer periods of time. I am also an avid reader of my Kindle, mainly crime/forensics genre, often during lunch, or later in the evening to be transported into a different headspace.

 

Quick-fire questions

1. Favourite type of cuisine?

Greek or Mediterranean.

2. Favourite animal? 

That’s tricky; as pets, it would be cats, because they are so contrasting in nature with their aloof independence, yet determined demand for snuggle comfort; for wildlife, most likely in the ocean - whales. 

3. Favourite hot drink? 

Probably a good cup of tea (let the teabag brew and add milk last please!), but an Americano or latte to start the day!

4. Favourite app on your phone? 

WhatsApp to stay connected with friends and family, and Instagram for great images/design.

5. Favourite holiday destination? 

Beaches, oceans, and waterways every time. Southwest, Scottish Highlands, Evia in Greece. Anywhere with beautiful horizons, peace, tranquillity, and preferably an unreliable internet connection :)

6. Favourite game? 

Wow! A truly wide range of possibilities. I have always loved gaming, from the Commodore Vic 20, Spectrum 48k/128k+, Sega Dreamcast, Playstation, and now VR; varied genres, but often RPG (GTA, RDR2), driving, sport, or fun/social in groups. I still love a board/card game; however, my ultimate solo game is Pinball, specifically “Addams Family” from ’92.

 

Please join me in welcoming Estelle to the team!