Denise F Connelly, MSc, PGCE, BA (Hons)

I have completed a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Computing.

The programme combined subject knowledge with contemporary pedagogy, covering programming, algorithms, data structures, networks and binary systems alongside digital safety and virtual learning approaches.

Through peer teaching, practical projects and school-based placements, I developed strong skills in lesson design, assessment and classroom facilitation.

The course deepened my understanding of how learners engage with complex technical concepts - knowledge that continues to inform my instructional design and digital learning practice today.

My MSc in Information Technology and Learning provided a strong theoretical and practical foundation in digital learning design, instructional systems and educational technology.

The programme combined cognitive psychology and learning theory with hands-on development of interactive media, courseware production and advanced training technologies.

The course covered instructional design, training needs analysis, evaluation methodologies, open and distance learning, student-centred approaches and the organisational context of learning.

Technical units explored authoring systems, IT-based training materials, computing and information technology, while project management and evaluation methods ensured a rigorous, evidence-based approach to digital learning development.

This interdisciplinary grounding continues to inform my practice - integrating pedagogy, technology, evaluation and strategic alignment in the design of engaging, accessible and measurable learning experiences.

MSc modules

• ITL01 Cognitive Psychology & Theories of Learning
• ITL02 Learning with Interactive Media
• ITL03 Instructional Design & Training Needs Analysis
• ITL04 Authoring Systems and Authoring Languages
• ITL05 Computing & Information Technology (1)
• ITL06 Methods of Evaluation
• ITL07 Open/Distance & Student Centred Learning
• ITL08 The Organisation Context of Learning
• ITL09 IT Based Training Materials & Courseware Production
• ITL10 Advanced Training Technology
• ITL11 Computing & Information Technology (2)
• ITL12 Project Management

I completed the City & Guilds 7307 Further and Adult Education Teaching Certificate, developing core skills in planning, delivering and assessing learning for adult and post-16 learners.

The programme focused on lesson design, inclusive teaching practice, formative and summative assessment, and effective communication in vocational and further education settings.

The qualification strengthened my understanding of learner-centred approaches, differentiation and structured session planning - principles that continue to underpin my instructional design practice today.

It provided an early foundation in adult learning theory and practical facilitation, which later evolved into my work in digital and blended learning environments.

My undergraduate degree in Economics provided a strong analytical foundation in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, quantitative methods and econometrics.

The programme combined economic modelling, public policy, finance and investment analysis with statistical computing and operational research.

Through modules such as Industrial Economics, Labour Economics and Public Policy & Finance, I developed the ability to evaluate complex systems, interpret data critically and apply structured analytical thinking.

This quantitative and analytical grounding continues to underpin my approach to evaluation, data-informed decision-making and strategic planning in digital learning environments.