Professor Eileen Scanlon of The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology (IET), has been awarded the first Regius Professorship in Open Education.
A Regius Professorship is a rare privilege, with only two created during the entire twentieth century. It reflects the exceptionally high quality of research and teaching at an institution.
IET is one of twelve UK university departments to receive this award, given to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Those granted awards were assessed by an expert panel of eminent academics led by Sir Graeme Davies, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of London.
Eileen Scanlon is internationally recognised in the field of educational technology and public understanding of science. During 37 years at The Open University she has developed a pedagogic insight which has exerted a major impact on the direction of Open University research in these areas.
'Her commitment has driven up standards of open education across the world through intelligent use of technology, for which The Open University has a global reputation'She is Associate Director (Research and Scholarship) of IET, which is at the hub of the OU’s continuing research into, and development of, the latest open educational technologies for learning and teaching. This work enables the University to deliver quality learning and teaching at scale.
“It is fantastic that Profession Scanlon’s achievements have been recognised by such a prestigious award," said Professor Tim Blackman, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Scholarship and Quality).
"Her commitment has driven up standards of open education across the world through intelligent use of technology, for which The Open University has a global reputation.”
The announcement of the Regius Professorship in Open Education coincides with the 50th anniversary year of the announcement of a ‘University of the Air’, the idea which gave birth to The Open University.
More information on The Open University's media website.