A seasoned Educational Technologist and Writer with over 40 years of experience driving innovation and strategic change across the education sector. Specializing in leveraging technology and pedagogy to enhance learning outcomes, I have a proven track record in curriculum development, ICT integration, and professional development. My expertise spans educational journalism, AI in learning, and mentoring ed-tech startups, consistently translating complex technological concepts into practical, impactful solutions for schools and universities.
Educational Technologist, Writer & Disruptive Nostalgist
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Led extensive freelance writing, speaking, lecturing, and consultancy engagements, applying deep expertise in educational technology and strategic ICT integration to drive innovation across the sector.
Highlights
Authored numerous freelance articles for prominent publications including Schools Week, Merlin John Online, and Bee IT Publishing, shaping discourse on educational technology trends.
Provided expert educational consultancy, specializing in AI integration, to diverse organizations and ed-tech startups, fostering innovation and strategic growth.
Delivered impactful lectures and presentations on ICT capability, Computing, and Digital Literacy as a Visiting Lecturer at Roehampton University (2011-2016).
Mentored multiple education technology startups and charities, including Rising Stars and AppsForGood, contributing to their development and market impact.
Served as Principal Author for the Edurio Covid-19 Impact Review (2020), England's largest multi-stakeholder study with over 45,000 respondents from 277 schools, providing critical insights into technology use during the pandemic.
Visiting Lecturer
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Delivered comprehensive courses on ICT capability, Computing, and Digital Literacy to initial teacher training students across PGCE and BEd programs.
Highlights
Taught extensive modules focused on integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into classroom practices for pre-service teachers.
Educated future educators on foundational computing concepts and advanced digital literacy skills, enhancing pedagogical effectiveness.
Addressed practical applications of technology in the classroom, bridging theory with real-world teaching scenarios for hundreds of students.
Head of ICT Development
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Directed ICT strategy and pedagogical integration for SSAT, scaling capabilities from 15 to over 400 staff while empowering school leadership teams nationwide.
Highlights
Spearheaded strategic ICT development, supporting SSAT's growth from 15 to over 400 staff, significantly expanding the organization's impact on schools.
Collaborated with school leadership teams to enhance their capacity for strategic ICT use and integrate new technologies into pedagogical practices.
Traveled internationally to explore diverse educational practices, delivering keynote speeches and workshops on technology-driven educational transformation to global audiences.
Drove initiatives focused on shifting educational paradigms from teaching-centric to learning-centric, utilizing technology to facilitate this transition across numerous schools.
IT Training Manager/Consultant
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Managed and executed the comprehensive IT rollout and training program for 200 staff at the House of Commons Library, spearheading digital transformation initiatives.
Highlights
Led a small team to successfully roll out PCs to 200 desks at the House of Commons Library, achieving 100% digital readiness for staff.
Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for Windows, MS Office, and Adobe Acrobat, upskilling the entire library staff for the digital age.
Pioneered the integration of electronic publishing and internet research resources, significantly expanding the library's research capabilities.
Developed the first House of Commons Library intranet, enhancing internal communication and resource access for library staff, MPs, and their teams.
ICT Curriculum Consultant
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Contributed to ICT support and curriculum development for London schools as part of an award-winning collaborative service.
Highlights
Provided critical ICT support and curriculum guidance to London schools as part of ITLE, a highly respected and award-winning service.
Contributed to a collaborative effort that continued to offer essential ICT support to London schools after the closure of ILECC.
Supported the growth and flourishing of ITLE, which became a recognized and award-winning support service across many London boroughs.
Deputy Curriculum Director
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Managed pedagogical and technical support for London schools, leading the curriculum team through significant organizational changes and service closure.
Highlights
Oversaw pedagogical and technical support for London schools, ensuring continuity of service during the transition and closure of ILEA in 1990.
Progressed from Media Resources Officer to Deputy Curriculum Director, demonstrating consistent leadership and expanded responsibilities over 9 years.
Led the remaining curriculum team through the final stages of the service, managing operations until its legislative closure in 1994.
Navigated complex government legislation impacting Local Authorities, ensuring compliance while maximizing support for schools.
Media Resources Officer
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Managed media resources and technology integration for educational institutions under the Inner London Education Authority.
Highlights
Managed and deployed educational media resources to support teaching and learning at John Griffiths School and SW London College.
Contributed to the early adoption and integration of technology within the ILEA educational framework.
Supported educators in leveraging media tools to enhance curriculum delivery and student engagement.
Biology Teacher and Sixth Form Tutor
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Educated secondary school students in Biology and provided comprehensive pastoral and academic guidance as a Sixth Form Tutor.
Highlights
Taught Biology to secondary school students, fostering a strong foundation in scientific principles.
Provided dedicated academic and pastoral support as a Sixth Form Tutor, guiding students through critical educational stages.
Developed engaging lesson plans and educational materials to enhance student comprehension and interest in biology.
Mentor
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Summary
Provided mentorship, support, and strategic advice to numerous education technology startups and charities focused on social impact.
Highlights
Mentored and advised a portfolio of education technology startups, including Rising Stars, AppsForGood, Edmix, Gigajam, Edurio, Night Zookeeper, and Erase All Kittens, contributing to their growth and mission.
Supported charities and small businesses in the education sector, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their objectives.
Leveraged extensive industry experience to guide emerging companies in making a significant difference in the education landscape.
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Post-graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
Education
Grade: Distinction in Teaching Practice
Courses
Post-graduate Certificate of Education as a Biology teacher in Secondary Education
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Ph.D.
Physiology and Biochemistry
Courses
Doctoral research on the physiology and biochemistry of muscle cell membranes in the laboratory rat, published and awarded in 1975.
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Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Zoology
Grade: 1st Class
Courses
Zoology
Botany (1 year)
Chemistry (1 year)
Published by
Edurio
Summary
Principal author of England's largest multi-stakeholder study on Covid-19's impact on schools, gathering over 45,000 responses from 277 schools to inform technology use and disruption navigation.
Published by
Self-published collection (with original publisher approval)
Summary
A comprehensive collection of articles authored by Tony Parkin, covering diverse topics in education and technology, curated with original publisher approval.
Published by
ILECC
Summary
Authored 'LogoBook,' a modified version of RM Logo for the Nimbus 186 computer, expanding its command set and drivers for multimedia functionalities including graphics, sound, and mouse control, creating a Hypercard-like programming environment.
Published by
Durham University
Summary
Doctoral thesis examining the critical role of NaKMgATPase, the 'sodium pump' enzyme, in regulating cation movements within rat skeletal muscle.
Issued By
Garnett College
Issued By
S Thames College
ICT Integration, Learning Technologies, Online Learning, Digital Learning, Educational Innovation, AI in Education, Ed-tech Startups, Curriculum Development, Pedagogical Practices.
IT Training, Professional Development, Continuing Professional Development, Workshops, Mentoring.
Education Journalism, Writing, Editing, Blogging, Public Speaking, Report Writing, Social Media Management, Electronic Publishing.
Strategic Leadership of ICT, IT Rollout, Intranet Development, Windows, MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, Internet Research.
Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Development.