EdTech
When designed and implemented well, technology has the potential to drive substantial improvements to learners’ educational experiences and outcomes.
This page contains a selection of published outputs from research projects I have led related to effective use of digital technology in education.
I also regularly provide organisations with strategic advice on education technology. This has, for example, included advising a leading university on design of large-scale blended learning programmes in Africa. I previously held senior strategy and policy roles at the UK edtech agency Jisc.
Harnessing Artifical Intelligence in Professional and Technical Education
Drawing on a rapid evidence review and workshops with college leaders from across the globe, this WFCP report argues that there are significant opportunities for AI to help to improve learner outcomes, and assist with institutional challenges in the training sector. However, the use of AI systems also introduces significant risks and uncertainties, including concerns about potential long-run impacts on learning.
The report argues that students, teachers and leaders need to develop critical awareness of the limitations of AI systems – and 'be intentional' about what they use it for. It also provides clear guidance for colleges on how to implement AI solutions in an ethical and safe way.
UNICEF: Learning to earning for displaced youth: unlocking the power of digital technologies
This report, commissioned by UNICEF's Office of Global Insight & Policy, provides an overview of how digital technologies are being used to support transitions from school to work by displaced and refugee youth.
It proposes a new typology of solutions, identifies factors that enable and limit successful adoption and scaling of solutions, and sets out a series of recommendations.
EdTech Hub Specialist Network
EdTech Hub is a global research partnership that provides policymakers with the evidence needed to make informed decisions about using technology in education. Since 2020, I've been a member of the Hub's Specialist Network of EdTech experts.
My work with the Hub has included mapping the ed-tech landscape in Sierra Leone, and providing advice to the FCDO on how technology could support post-COVID curriculum reform in South Sudan.
Exploring the impact of learning analytics
This research looks at the impact of 11 learning analytics (LA) programmes in the UK, United States and Australia. The research investigates the extent to which algorithms can predict academic success, and looks at how higher education institutions are carrying out learning analytics-powered interventions to retain at better support students who at risk of disengaging from learning.
Published by Jisc and co-authored with Niall Sclater and Alice Peasgood, the research has been cited more than 550 times since it was published in 2016.
Rebooting Learning for the Digital Age: what next for technology-enhanced HE?
This report, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute, shows how digital technology can support higher education leaders and policymakers to boost student outcomes, increase teaching quality and enhance the student experience.
It identifies some of the most promising practice from the UK and around the world, and sets out the key opportunities to make the most of developments in education technology.
© Joel Mullan 2020-25. All rights reserved.
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