About Me

I was just about finished this portfolio when I realised I didn't have anything about myself on it. My work on this course isn't really independent of me and who I am, so here's a little bit about me and how I came to be doing this Masters in IT in Education.

I'm a hybrid, a techie/teacher, but in both fields, my thing is web development, with various associated skills such as database design and systems analysis thrown in. I had the technical skills before I got into education, having worked in IT for about 10 years. Then, seeking a change and a new challenge, I ended up in Ethiopia for two years with VSO (Voluntary Services Overseas).

In Ethiopia, my role was as a lecturer in the Computer Science department of Mekelle University, where I enjoyed teaching. The shift from doing IT to teaching IT was a big challenge and, at times, a struggle, when combined with the challenges of simply being in a different culture and away from the familiar. But it helped me to know that there was something else I could do in life, whilst still using the skills I'd acquired over the years. That's basically what brought me to this course, as I looked for something new to do on my return.

Whilst studying part-time, I've been doing some freelance IT work and training in software applications. I also taught a few hours a week in IADT Dun Laoighre, teaching web development to first year degree students. Now I have the summer to figure out what I want to do next year!

As you might guess from the photo here, I enjoy surfing (that's my board, George, in the photo!) and I head off to the west coast of Ireland with my surfing buddies from time to time.

The time I've spent on the course this year reduced my surf trips as well as other passtimes such as squash, but I hope I'll get more in over the summer. I also enjoy walking along the seafront and on the beach near where I live in north Dublin.

See also my personal home page for more about me, photos and other links.