Interview: Belinda Green, learning technologist at the University of Northampton

Green discusses her win at last year's Women in IT Excellence Awards, including what it has meant for her career

There's no denying that digital technology has transformed the way we work dramatically in the past few years.

It boosts productivity, automates complex business processes, provides knowledge at the fingertips and facilitates collaboration.

But for many people, the adoption of new technology often results in the fear of change. Role models who can demonstrate the benefits of going digital are critical in battling IT adversity and ensuring organisations reap the rewards.

At the Women in IT Excellence Awards last year, Belinda Green - learning technologist at the University of Northampton - was named "Hero of the Year" for her efforts in helping colleagues and students to make the most of educational technology.

Working as part of the university's learntech team, Belinda provides support, training and consultation on the use of technological solutions to accelerate teaching and learning experiences.

"I truly could not believe it. I was not able to attend the Awards Ceremony, so was following the Event via Twitter. When I saw my name as winner of the ‘Hero of the Year Award', I thought there had been a mistake," she reflects.

"It was an honour to share the nomination with such inspiring women. When Computing confirmed the award by email, and then very kindly sent me a beautiful glass trophy, I was absolutely delighted - especially to be recognised for excellence as a woman in IT."

Celebrating women in tech

As well as recognising her efforts as an inspirational female technologist, Belinda says winning the award has made her more confident.

"Following the announcement, I was delighted to receive messages from so many of my colleagues - even from the Vice Chancellor, the Faculty Deans, Computing professors, and the Head of Library and Learning Services.

"Such recognition is amazing - and a bit overwhelming. The Award has given me the confidence go for professional recognition, and I am now working towards CMALT (Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology), and Fellowship of the HEA (Higher Education Academy).

Belinda attributes her win to receiving positive testimonials from the incredible people she works with. She tells Computing: "I hope the impact I have is to make them feel supported when using IT, to gain and retain new digital skills and to feel confident themselves to explore - and to push the boundaries."

"I shall certainly be encouraging other women to enter the prestigious Women in IT Excellence Awards this year. In fact, I work with many skilled professionals who go above and beyond to demonstrate IT Excellence - they are all Heroes."

An exciting career path

Having originally trained in hotel management, Belinda moved into education and technology when her children were young. She wanted wanted a new challenge.

"I've worked my way through various levels (from pre-school to University) and many stages of technology (from floppy disc to augmented reality!), including working in web development, eLearning and as an IT tutor - while all the time developing my own skills, and encouraging others," says Green.

"I now have my perfect role - I'm very proud to be a Learning Technologist in Higher Education. I am part of a really great team at the University of Northampton, who are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and from whom I have learnt so much."

Belinda's main responsibility is to encourage tutors and students of the Faculty of Education and Humanities to make the best use of technology for Active Blended Learning. "I work closely with colleagues to ensure that the technology enhances the student and staff experience," explains Belinda.

"This could mean anything from the design and setup of Courses, to e-assessment and feedback, online discussion forum, use of video, ePortfolios, mobile apps and virtual classrooms. I am involved in active research, ensuring that I keep up to date with what's new in technology-enhanced learning."

With a brand new campus, new classroom technology, new approach to learning and teaching and preparations for a new virtual learning environment, Belinda says the university certainly has many challenges and opportunities this year.

"So, my priorities - and those of the LearnTech Tea - are to successfully implement each of these, and to support academic colleagues to deliver a great learning experience for our students. A bit of a quiet year then," she continues.

When it comes to improving gender diversity in the tech industry, Belinda recommends: "Showcase those women who successfully have a career in IT that fits with families - remote access, web conferencing, mobile working all enable this.

"Work with WISE (Women into Science and Engineering); ensure that wording in job ads and job descriptions are Inclusive; raise the profile of Degree Apprenticeships for STEM subjects for women - the images, wording and examples need to be more gender balanced; start early - make sure that the school curriculum is inclusive; and encourage female digital champions in schools and STEM ambassadors in FE and HE; and raise aspirations, and ‘normalise' IT for Women Subjects that lead to a career in tech."

Computing's Women in IT Excellence Awards 2019 are open for entries now.

And we're proud to announce a new event, the Women in IT Festival, held jointly between Computing and our sister title Computer Reseller News.

Stay tuned to Computing for more.