Study with us · Editorial

Meet our PhD and EdD students

Jennie Lee Building Ground Floor

IET host a diverse community of PhD researchers and EdD Prof Docs breaking new ground in the innovative use of technology in education.

The following students have agreed to feature on our website. This is not a complete list, however these student profiles represent the excellent quality of PhD and EdD researchers currently hosted by IET.

Our PhD and EdD Students

Efrat Marcu

Efrat's PhD research explores 'English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' decision-making process on EFL apps for young learners'.

With an MA in Multi-Lingual Education where Efrat developed an evaluation tool for EFL apps and a BA in Linguistics from Tel Aviv University, enriching her academic and professional history, Efrat showcases her commitment to bridging academia with real-world solutions in the dynamic landscape of language education technology. Leveraging her extensive experience as a lecturer and an expert EFL consultant, she brings a unique blend of academic insight and practical expertise to her research.

Jade Matos Carew

Jade's research title is 'EdD: Embedding Institution-Wide Best Practice in Digital Accessibility Through a Framework of Guidance, Training, and Advocacy'.

Jade is Head of Digital Accessibility and Usability at the OU. Her team is a centre of expertise for this area and is responsible for the accessibility and usability of systems and websites.

Jade is an education professional with a wide background in teaching, teacher training, and inclusion. She has certifications in product, project, and change management, IAAP CPACC certification and an MA in special educational needs and disability. Jade represents the OU on the W3C's Accessibility Education and Outreach Working Group.

Leanne Fitton 

Leanne's research explores 'Generative AI in Higher Education: A mixed methods study of the role of trust in adoption by educators'.

Leanne is a Senior Digital Education Specialist at a large university. This involves leading and delivering support for educators to build their digital skills and effectively use digital tools for teaching, learning and assessment. Leanne is currently exploring the complexities of using generative AI from an educator's perspective, by examining the role of trust. 

Leanne has a BSc in Human Biology and Health, PGCE with QTS, MA(ODE), and is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE.

Marilyn Long

Marilyn's research explores 'Autistic students and online HE: investigating equity and inclusion within a non-autistic majority group paradigm'.

Marilyn is currently investigating equitable inclusion for autistic students in higher education. She previously completed a pilot study that explored autistic student experiences in a neurotypical education system. She registered for postgraduate study with The Open University and began researching the challenges of autism following her own diagnosis. Marilyn has a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education and English Literature, and an MA in Literature for which she researched ‘Children’s Poetry in the Victorian Period’.

Olivia Kelly

Olivia's EdD research explores 'Distance Learners Establishing Social Presence on Twitter to Build Online Support Communities'.

Olivia is currently preparing for her Viva examination having submitted her EdD thesis exploring how distance learners use X (formerly Twitter) to build a support community with other learners. She focuses on mixed methods research using social media network analysis combined with qualitative content analysis of the language used in tweets. She continues to research, publish and present on various aspects of social media analysis, particularly in educational fields.  

Owolabi Paul Adelana

Paul's research explores 'Ethical considerations in AI integration in STEM education.'.

Paul is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEExpert), Microsoft Certified Educator, STEM tutor and school portal administrator with over 15 years of experience in public education. Recognised by the Nigerian president for his educational contributions in Nigeria in 2022, he excels in aiding educators in integrating technology, notably AI. He holds a BSc and master’s degree in biology and educational and media Technology, respectively. His doctoral research intersects between AI Ethics and STEM Education.

Stephanie Akinwoya

Stephanie's research explores 'Mobile learning; Strategy for providing access to education for students in IDP camps in Nigeria'.

Stephanie, a Physics teacher with 20 years of experience, holds degrees in Physics and Education. She ardently champions STEM education for girls and advocates for inclusive education, focusing on children impacted by terrorism-related migration in Nigeria. Currently, she explores leveraging mobile learning to provide educational access for students in IDP camps. Stephanie is a 2019 Commonwealth scholar, 2022 Fulbright Teacher Fellow, a 2023 Atlantic Fellow, and a top fifty teacher in the 2023 Global Teacher's Prize.

Sarah Alcock

Sarah's research title explores 'Using Learning Analytic Dashboards to explore data driven reflection and planning in professional learning'.

Sarah is a postgraduate researcher at The Open University. Her PhD project focuses on use of Learning Analytic Dashboards (LAD) by professional learners preparing for a high-stakes examination as part of a post-graduate qualification. This reflects Sarah's research interests in data visualisation, the automation of written feedback, self-regulated learning and linking academia with education practice. 

Study with us

IET has long led pedagogical development in digital learning and teaching, building a history of exploring innovative ways to drive developments in education and educational technologies. These developments feed into university practice at the OU and showcase our expertise to educational institutions globally, informing innovation worldwide.

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EdD Doctorate in Education

The Doctorate in Education (EdD) is an innovative programme designed for professionals in education and related areas who want to extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational issues.

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PhD in Educational Technology

The PhD in Educational Technology is a three-year full-time programme of study, for students who already have a recognised Research Masters qualification in a relevant area.

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