About me
The wise old owl behind Pretty Jaded
I’ve spent around 25 years in education, most recently in UK further and higher education, working where learning technology, assessment and staff training meet. Pretty Jaded is where I share what I’ve learned, and the tools I build along the way.
25 years in education
5 stages in the PANDA framework
1 rule: the learner is in charge
What I believe about learning
I’m a big fan of technology, e-learning and computer-based environments. I’m just as fond of a whiteboard, a marker pen and a sheet of paper. Every tool has its place. What matters is how you use it.
Don’t be dazzled
Using technology badly does as much harm as not using it at all. If it doesn’t make the learning better, it’s decoration.
Guide, don’t direct
I design blended, learner-led experiences. Even when I’m the one facilitating, my job is to guide the learning, not to steer every step of it.
Skills for life
The aim is never just to finish a module. It’s to build the habits and confidence that keep people learning long after the course ends.
What I do
Learning technology
Making platforms like Canvas work for the people teaching and learning in them, and building small tools when the right one doesn’t exist yet.
Assessment
Marking, feedback, quizzes and the systems behind them, so grades are fair, feedback lands and nobody loses a weekend to admin.
Staff training
Hands-on sessions people actually remember. Sometimes that means a game. Usually it means doing the thing, not watching slides about it.
What you’ll find here
- The PANDA framework: Prepare, Activate, Navigate, Demonstrate, Articulate. A simple shape for learning content that people engage with.
- Free courses: short, practical and self-paced, with badges you can add to LinkedIn.
- Framework: a tool for the people, by the people, for building Canvas-ready content blocks.
- Canvas Quiz Generator: turn your questions into quizzes Canvas can import.
- Articles: ideas, how-tos and the occasional opinion on learning design and technology.
Platforms I know well
Canvas LMS
An excellent learning management system, used mostly in higher education.
Google Classroom
A big player in further education, and inexpensive for educational organisations.
Moodle
Still a well-recognised LMS, with the option of external hosting and support.
Fancy a chat?
Questions about a course, an idea for a collaboration, or just want to talk learning design? I’d love to hear from you.
