Simon Cross

My research work within IET/LTI-Academic is focused on several areas. These include: understanding the context, role and impact of open and online study on student learning; issues and trends in use of handheld mobile devices for study and non-study purposes; student perceptions and understanding of Learning Gain; design and effectiveness of micro-level learning pathways; and exploring emerging opportunities for VR technologies. I also contribute to a range of institutional strategic projects and faculty-initiated work. I joined the academic team as lecturer in late 2014. See my blog for recent news (under social media tab). My present areas of interest are:

Open and Online Learning

I have led or been involved in developing a number of open online courses. As a member of the TESS-India academic team I have worked on the design, facilitator training, delivery and evaluation of two teacher trainer MOOCs in India (2015 and 2016) and at present we are working at State level to support strategic alignment and uptake of the TESS-India OER resources. The TESS-India project was Best International Project, Guardian University Awards 2017 (for more information see our latest paper: MOOC adaptation and translation to improve equity in participation). I've also been involved in evaluating the 2013 OLDS MOOC, the 2013 Open Education MOOC and FutureLearn MOOCs, and led the delivery team of the 2009-10 OpenED OOC (EU funded project). I am an author on the OU's MA in Online and Distance Education.

Learning Analytics and Gains

I am a member of the ABC Learning Gains project team and currently leading the analysis of quantitative data collected from in-depth student interviews. Of particular interest are the perceptions, framing and interpretations of the concept of making a 'learning gain'. I am a principal member of the OU's Data Wrangler team who analyse and interpret learning analytics and student feedback data. In the last two years, I have written reports in to the impact of studying concurrent study, module performance, and assessment banking. I also worked on the 2015-2016 OU Learning Anlaytics project.

Mobile and Handheld Learning

Over the last three years I have been lead of a longitudinal survey seeking to monitor and understand student uses of handheld technologies. Our current dataset represents a unique insight into distance learners' use of handheld devices and the changing place and space of study.

Learning Design, Student Choice and Micro-learning Pathways

I have a longstanding interest in learning design and visualisation. I first joined the OU's strategic Learning Design project in 2007 and was involved throughout the 2008-2012 JISC sponsored Open University Learning Design Initiate (OULDI) Project. At present I am interested in implementing adaptive and multi-path learning routes by using existing VLE functionality and framing this as a choice to students. A small-scale pilot on a post-gradaute module is currently being evaluated.

Assessment and digital badges

I have been involved in several projects related to the OU's institutional Assessment Programme. In 2014-16 I led the Student Experience of Assessment, Feedback and Revision (SEFAR) project and made contributions to the institutional benchmarking of assessment practice. I have a particular interest in exploring synergies between learning design, revision design, and learning/assessment analytics. Between 2016-2017 I was co-investigator and Work Package lead for the EU funded TeSLA project and remain interested in the function and roles of digital badges for learning and for learners.

Dr Simon Cross is a lecturer at The Open University (UK). His current research interests include embedding open and online learning, the contextualised experience of MOOCs, VR, student experience and perceptions of learning gain and assessment, learning design, and mobile learning. He is an academic author on the university’s MA in Online and Distance Learning and has led projects aligned to strategic learning and teaching programmes. Simon has worked on nine externally funded projects since joining the university and has presented at many international conferences.

2020

Wolfenden, Freda; Adinolfi, Lina and Cross, Simon. (2020). Exploring open digital badges in teacher education: a case study from India. Journal of Learning for Development - JL4D, 7 (1) pp. 108-111.

2019

Cross, Simon; Sharples, Mike; Healing, Graham and Ellis, Jim. (2019). Distance Learners’ Use of Handheld Technologies: Mobile Learning Activity, Changing Study Habits, and the ‘Place’ of Anywhere Learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20 (2) pp. 224-241.

Clow, Doug; Coughlan, Tim; Cross, Simon; Edwards, Chris; Gaved, Mark; Herodotou, Christothea; Nguyen, Quan; Rienties, Bart; Thorne, Sam and Ullmann, Thomas (2019). Scholarly insight Winter 2019: a Data wrangler perspective. Open University, Milton Keynes.

Rogaten, Jekaterina; Rienties, Bart; Sharpe, Rhona; Cross, Simon; Whitelock, Denise; Lygo-Baker, Simon and Littlejohn, Allison. (2019). Reviewing affective, behavioural, and cognitive learning gains in higher education. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 44 (3) pp. 321-337.

Cross, Simon. (2019). How handheld devices transform, augment and reinforce university students' study habits: emerging themes from a three-year study. In: EDULEARN: 11th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, 1-3 Jul 2019, Mallorca, Spain.

2018

Cross, Simon; Wolfenden, Freda and Adinolfi, Lina. (2018). Transforming classroom observation and professional development with 360-degree video and mobile VR. In: 8th Annual mEducation Alliance Symposium, 6-8 Nov 2018, Washington DC, USA.

Ullmann, Thomas; Lay, Stephanie; Coughlan, Tim; Lister, Katharine; Cross, Simon; Rienties, Bart and Whitelock, Denise. (2018). Understanding SEaM student comments from a Big(ger)Data perspective: what are students saying?. In: CALRG Annual Conference 2018, 18-19 Jun 2018, The Open University, Milton Keynes.

FitzGerald, Elizabeth; Kucirkova, Natalia; Jones, Ann; Cross, Simon; Ferguson, Rebecca; Herodotou, Christothea; Hillaire, Garron and Scanlon, Eileen. (2018). Dimensions of personalisation in technology-enhanced learning: a framework and implications for design. British Journal of Educational Technology, 49 (1) pp. 165-181.

Ullmann, Thomas; Lay, Stephanie; Cross, Simon; Edwards, Chris; Gaved, Mark; Jones, Edwina; Hidalgo, Rafael; Evans, Gerald; Lowe, Sue; Calder, Kathleen; Clow, Doug; Coughlan, Tim; Herodotou, Christothea; Mangafa, Chrysoula and Rienties, Bart (2018). Scholarly insight Spring 2018: a Data wrangler perspective. Open University UK, Milton Keynes.

Weller, Martin; van Ameijde, Jitse and Cross, Simon. (2018). Learning Design for Student Retention. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice.

2017

Bektik, Duygu; Cross, Simon; Holmes, Wayne; Aleksieva, Lyubka and Whitelock, Denise. (2017). A European pilot study of a modular assessment system designed to authenticate the authorship of online learners. In: CALRG Annual Conference 2017, 14-16 Jun 2017, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.

Wolfenden, Freda; Adinolfi, Lina; Cross, Simon; Lee, Clare; Paranjpe, Sandhya and Safford, Kimberly (2017). Moving towards more participatory practice with Open Educational Resources: TESS-India Academic Review. The Open University, Milton Keynes.

Wolfenden, Freda; Cross, Simon and Henry, Fiona. (2017). MOOC adaptation and translation to improve equity in participation. Journal of Learning for Development - JL4D.

Wolfenden, Freda; Henry, Fiona and Cross, Simon. (2017). Extending the MOOC footprint: supporting capacity building in India. In: 8th Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF8), 27-30 Nov 2016, Kuala Lumpur,.

Rienties, Bart; Cross, Simon; Marsh, Vicky and Ullmann, Thomas. (2017). Making sense of learner and learning Big Data: reviewing 5 years of Data Wrangling at the Open University UK. Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-learning, 32 (3) pp. 279-293.

Rienties, Bart; Rogaten, Jekaterina; Nguyen, Quan; Edwards, Chris; Gaved, Mark; Holt, Deborah; Herodotou, Christothea; Clow, Doug; Cross, Simon; Coughlan, Tim; Jones, Jan and Ullmann, Thomas (2017). Scholarly insight Spring 2017: A Data Wrangler Perspective. Open University UK.

Rienties, Bart; Clow, Doug; Coughlan, Tim; Cross, Simon; Edwards, Chris; Gaved, Mark; Herodotou, Christothea; Hlosta, Martin; Jones, Jan; Rogaten, Jekaterina and Ullmann, Thomas (2017). Scholarly insight Autumn 2017:a Data wrangler perspective. Open University UK.

Cross, Simon and Whitelock, Denise. (2017). Similarity and difference in fee-paying and no-fee learner expectations, interaction and reaction to learning in a massive open online course. Interactive Learning Environments, 25 (4) pp. 439-451.

Cross, Simon; Rogaten, Jekaterina; Bektik, Duygu; Whitelock, Denise and Rienties, Bart. (2017). How do students understand and interpret learning gains? Perspectives from in-depth interviews of UK distance learners. In: SRHE Conference, 6-8 Dec 2017, Newport, Wales, UK.

2016

Rienties, Bart; Boroowa, Avinash; Cross, Simon; Farrington-Flint, Lee; Herodotou, Christothea; Prescott, Lynda; Mayles, Kevin; Olney, Tom; Toetenel, Lisette and Woodthorpe, John. (2016). Reviewing three case-studies of learning analytics interventions at the open university UK. In: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Learning Analytics & Knowledge, ACM, New York, 534-535.

Rienties, Bart; Boroowa, Avinash; Cross, Simon; Kubiak, Chris; Mayles, Kevin and Murphy, Sam. (2016). Analytics4Action Evaluation Framework: A Review of Evidence-Based Learning Analytics Interventions at the Open University UK. Journal of Interactive Media in Education.

Rienties, Bart; Cross, Simon and Zdrahal, Zdenek (2016). Implementing a Learning Analytics Intervention and Evaluation Framework: what works?. In: Kei Daniel, Ben and Butson, Russell eds. Big Data and Learning Analytics in Higher Education: Current Theory and Practice Heidelberg: Springer.

Rienties, Bart; Edwards, Chris; Gaved, Mark; Marsh, Vicky; Herodotou, Christothea; Clow, Doug; Cross, Simon; Coughlan, Tim; Jones, Jan and Ullmann, Thomas (2016). Scholarly insight 2016: a Data wrangler perspective. Open University UK.

Rogaten, Jekaterina; Rienties, Bart; Whitelock, Denise; Cross, Simon and Littlejohn, Allison. (2016). A multi-level longitudinal analysis of 80,000 online learners: Affective-Behaviour-Cognition models of learning gains. In: Emerging Methodologies in Educational Research: Book of Abstracts, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 25.

Rogaten, Jekaterina; Rienties, Bart; Whitelock, Denise; Cross, Simon; Littlejohn, Allison; Sharpe, Rhona; Lygo-Baker, Simon; Scott, Ian; Warburton, Stephen and Kinchin, Ian. (2016). Multilevel modelling of learning gains: The impact of module particulars on students’ learning in Higher Education. In: SRHE International Annual Research Conference 2016, 7-9 Dec 2016, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales, United Kingdom.

Cross, Simon; Sharples, Mike and Healing, Graham. (2016). Learning with mobile devices: the changing place and space of distance learners' study. In: EDULEARN16 Proceedings, 5385-5393.

Cross, Simon; Whitelock, Denise and Mittelmeier, Jenna. (2016). Does the Quality and Quantity of Exam Revision Impact on Student Satisfaction and Performance in the Exam Itself?: Perspectives from Undergraduate Distance Learners. In: EDULEARN16 Proceedings, IATED Academy, 5052-5061.

2015

Cross, Simon; Sharples, Mike and Healing, Graham (2015). E-Pedagogy of Handheld Devices 2013 Survey: Patterns of student use for learning. The Open University, UK.

Brasher, Andrew and Cross, Simon (2015). Reflections on developing a tool for creating visual representations of learning designs: towards a visual language for learning designs. In: Maina, Marcelo; Craft, Brock and Mor, Yishay eds. The Art and Science of Learning Design Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, pp. 169-180.

2014

Cross, Simon; Whitelock, Denise and Galley, Rebecca. (2014). The use, role and reception of open badges as a method for formative and summative reward in two Massive Open Online Courses. International Journal of e-Assessment.

2013

Mwanza-Simwami, Daisy; Kirkwood, Adrian; Thomas, Rhodri; Woods, William and Cross, Simon. (2013). Understanding mobile VLE usage in distance education: A pilot study. In: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA) 2013, 24-27 Jun 2013, Victoria, Canada.

Cross, Simon (2013). Evaluation of the OLDS MOOC curriculum design course: participant perspectives, expectations and experiences. OLDS MOOC Project, Milton Keynes.

2012

Cross, Simon and Galley, Rebecca (2012). MOOC Badging and the Learning Arc. OLDS MOOC Blog Post.

Cross, Simon; Galley, Rebecca; Brasher, Andrew and Weller, Martin (2012). OULDI-JISC Project Evaluation Report: the impact of new curriulum design tools and approaches on institutional process and design cultures. OULDI Project (Open University).

Whitelock, Denise and Cross, Simon. (2012). Authentic assessment: What does it mean and how is it instantiated by a group of distance learning academics?. International Journal of e-Assessment, 2 (1) pp. Article 9.

2011

Aczel, James; Cross, Simon; Meiszner, Andreas; Hardy, Pascale; McAndrew, Patrick and Clow, Doug. (2011). Some issues affecting the sustainability of open learning courses. In: EDEN 2011 Annual Conference: Learning and Sustainability: The New Ecosystem of Innovation and Knowledge, 19-22 Jun 2011, Dublin, Ireland.

Whitelock, Denise and Cross, Simon. (2011). Assessment benchmarking: accumulating and accelerating institutional know - how for best practice. International Journal of e-Assessment, 1 (1) pp. 1-10.

Whitelock, Denise and Cross, Simon (2011). 99 Measures of Assessment Processes and Practice for use in Benchmarking and Reviewing Teaching and Learning. .

Whitelock, Denise and Cross, Simon. (2011). Academics understanding of authentic assessment. In: 2011 International Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) Conference, Research into e-Assessment, 5/6 Jul 2011, Southampton.

2010

Cross, Simon and Whitelock, Denise. (2010). Benchmarking assessment: breaking down barriers and building institutional understanding. In: 2010 International Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) Conference, 20-21 Jul 2010, Southampton, UK.

Jones, Chris; Ramanau, Ruslan; Cross, Simon and Healing, Graham. (2010). Net generation or Digital Natives: Is there a distinct new generation entering university?. Computers & Education, 54 (3) pp. 722-732.

2009

Conole, Grainne; Wilson, Tina; McAndrew, Patrick; Culver, Juliette; Brasher, Andrew and Cross, Simon. (2009). New methods and approaches to the design and evaluation of open educational resources. In: EDEN Annual Conference 2009, 10-13 Jun 2009, Gdansk, Poland.

Cross, Simon; Clark, Paul and Brasher, Andrew. (2009). Preliminary findings from a series of staff surveys on perceptions, attitudes and practices of learning design. In: ALT-C 2009 “In Dreams Begins Responsibility”: Choice, Evidence and Change, 8-10 Sep 2009, Manchester, UK.

Jones, Chris and Cross, Simon. (2009). Is there a net generation coming to university?. In: ALT-C 2009 “In Dreams Begins Responsibility”: Choice, Evidence and Change, 8-10 Sep 2009, Manchester, UK.

2008

Conole, Grainne; Brasher, Andrew; Cross, Simon; Weller, Martin; Clark, Paul and Culver, Juliette. (2008). Visualising learning design to foster and support good practice and creativity. Educational Media International, 45 (3) pp. 177-194.

Conole, Grainne; Brasher, Andrew; Cross, Simon; Weller, Martin; Nixon, Stewart; Clark, Paul and Petit, John. (2008). A new methodology for learning design. In: Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), 30 Jun - 4 Jul 2008, Vienna.

Conole, Grainne; Culver, Juliette; Williams, Perry; Cross, Simon; Clark, Paul and Brasher, Andrew. (2008). Cloudworks: social networking for learning design. In: ASCILITE 2008 conference: Hello! Where are you in the landscape of educational technology?, 30 Nov - 3 Dec 2008, Melbourne, Australia.

Cross, Simon; Conole, Grainne; Clark, Paul; Brasher, Andrew and Weller, Martin. (2008). Mapping a landscape of learning design: Identifying key trends in current practice at the Open University. In: 2008 European LAMS Conference, 25-27 Jun 2008, Cadiz, Spain.

Brasher, Andrew; Conole, Gráinne; Cross, Simon; Weller, Martin; Clark, Paul and White, Juliette. (2008). CompendiumLD – a tool for effective, efficient and creative learning design. In: Proceedings of the 2008 European LAMS Conference: Practical Benefits of Learning Design, 25-27 Jun 2008, Cadiz, Spain.