MyPortfolio Tertiary

About Mark Nichols

Professional introduction

I'm e-learning specialist (and member of faculty) with Laidlaw College (was the Bible College of New Zealand), a broad role that includes everything from LMS administration through to tutor training, course design through to change management, strategy through to research. I chaired the Mahara project and served with a VERY talented team, and am a member of the DEANZ executive (I am editor of The Journal of Flexible, Open and Distance Learning as well). I was recognised as a Flexible Learning Leader in New Zealand (2005-2006) and also convened the ITPNZ (polytechnic sector) e-learning forum while working in that sector. Past research has been in the areas of e-learning theory, institutional change, ePortfolio implementation, and Web 2.0. At the moment my research activity is directed at my PhD (see below).I have also authored a series of E-Primers, scholarly yet accessible introductions to e-learning drawing on substantial (and peer-reviewed) research. These are available through Ako Aotearoa and have been well received.

Personal introduction

I live in Avondale, Auckland having recently moved north from Palmerston North with my wife and youngest son. I'm 39, married to Charlotte and have two children (Joshua and Elliott). I've been a Christian since my 21st birthday.

I read titles on education, theology, history and popular non-fiction (for fun) - though recently I've enjoyed reading the likes of Catch-22, A clockwork orange, One flew over the cuckoo's nest, and Schindler's Ark. I also enjoy BBQing, water pistol fights, running, listening to classical music (and, most recently, Genesis - I was at Western Springs '87! - and Jars of Clay) and supping wine with my wife.

I have always had a love for the Scriptures, and I have been fortunate enough to have been able to preach in church many times over the years and to have served as an elder. I make frequent use of Logos and enjoy Bible study in the original languages.

 

Education

Academically I graduated from Waikato University in 1995 with a BMS (Management Studies, with honours) then completed an MAODE (as in Open and Distance Education, with distinction) with the Open University, UK in 2001. I attended my online graduation ceremony in my pyjamas, perhaps the first NZ postgraduate graduant to do so legitimately. My wife and her parents also attended in their pyjamas, so reluctantly I am unable to share the graduation photos . In 2008 I started PhD study with Otago University, looking at personal and spiritual formation through distance education. My ChrEdITs blog (see right hand column) updates my progress.

 

Work history

Over the years I have worked as a tutor for a retail training programme, a senior lecturer at UCOL, a polytechnic (in marketing and business communication), an e-learning consultant (at the same polytechnic), a course designer and tutor trainer (for the Bible College of New Zealand, part-time), and strategic e-learning facilitator for the College of Education (Massey University) before starting in 2007 as e-learning specialist for Laidlaw College (was BCNZ). I have also performed some freelance consultancy in the areas of distance education and e-learning.

I have a reasonably extensive publication history in e-learning that includes peer-refereed journal outputs and various conference presentations (the latter not included in this ePortfolio).

• First Name: Mark
• Last Name: Nichols
• Country: New Zealand
• Occupation: E-learning specialist
• Industry: Education

Contact Information

Postal Address	c/- Laidlaw College Private Bag 93104 Henderson Waitakere 0650
Town	Avondale
City/Region	Auckland
Country	New Zealand
Business Phone	+64 9 837 9752
Mobile Phone	+64 27 6424145

History

Employment History

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Education History

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Certifications, Accreditations, and Awards

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Books and Publications

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Professional Memberships

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Serving in a strategic education-related role that requires innovation based on sound research. Leading a team of dynamic professionals who see education as a public good, and who are dedicated to transformational learning based on rich scholarship.

To continuously broaden my perspectives in such a way that my practice is deepened, and my opinions useful to others at a variety of levels.

Below you will find two blogs...

• e-Ako (a blog started in support of my e-learning monograph series)
• ChrEdITs (Christian Education and IT, a PhD-related blog)