Dr Sharon Boyd

Senior Lecturer in Distance Student Learning

Biography

Background

I joined the R(D)SVS in November 2007 as e-programme coordinator of the R(D)SVS online postgraduate and continuing professional development (CPD) courses.

In 2013, I took on the role of Director of the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice modules at Edinburgh, and course lead for the Postgraduate Academic Study Skills site. In addition, I am Programme Director for the MVetSci in Advanced Clinical Practice, and course leader for a number of postgraduate courses. I am co-lead on the postgraduate online peer tutor project and have a focus for enhancing online distance learning student support.

I completed my honours undergraduate degree in zoology at Trinity College Dublin, and have a Masters in Applied Environmental Science from University College Dublin. I completed my PgCert in University Teaching, MSc in eLearning, and PhD at Edinburgh. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology. 

My research areas of interest are sustainable and digital education. 

Area of Expertise

Research expertise - Digital education, Sustainable education/Education for Sustainable Development, Distance education. 

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts (Zoology), Trinity College Dublin [Aspects of the biology and ecology of the Irish mountain hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)

Master of Applied Environmental Science, University College Dublin [Impact of the built environment on bat populations in Dublin]

Master of Science, University of Edinburgh [Green Electracy: using a digital media method to facilitate loss reflection and foster sustainable education practice]

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh [Place responsive higher education at a distance]

Professional Qualifications

PG Certificate in University Teaching

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, SFHEA

Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology, CMALT (renewal pending)

Responsibilities & affiliations

PGT teaching staff

Deputy Director of Postgraduate Taught Studies

Postgraduate Taught Senior Tutor

Chair of the School Social Responsibility and Sustainability Committee

Veterinary Ethical Review Committee member

Human Ethical Review Committee member

Undergraduate teaching

Student Research Component (Foundation Skills)

Postgraduate teaching

Programme director:

MVetSci/Dip/Cert in Advanced Clinical Practice 

RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice 

Course organiser:

Professional and Clinical Skills for Advanced Veterinary Practice

Evidence-Based Research Medicine in Clinical Practice

Standard Diagnostic Testing in Companion Animals 

All Programmes

Postgraduate Academic Study Skills site

Postgraduate Peer Academic Tutor programme lead

Open to PhD supervision enquiries?

No

Research summary

My research areas of interest are sustainable and digital education.  I have theorised how the relationship to our places may add something meaningful to our learning experiences. I have explained how technology can help us to feel a sense of engagement, a relationship, with someone else’s “local” place. As this place-relationship at distance is possible, I am keen to continue explore how we facilitate that interaction in our learning activities.

Current research interests

I have been and am involved in a number of projects funded by the Principal's Teaching Award Scheme and building on that work. A range of activities associated with my research are listed below. Details of conferences and publications can be found in the Publications tab.

Affiliated research centres

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