Ms Sharon Boyd

Senior Lecturer in Distance Student Learning

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Street: The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian
City
Post code: EH25 9RG

Biography

Background

I joined the R(D)SVS in November 2007 as e-programme coordinator of the R(D)SVS online postgraduate and continuing professional development (CPD) courses.

In 2013, I took on the role of Director of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, and course leader for the Academic Study Skills course for postgraduate taught students. In addition, I am Deputy Director for the MVetSci in Advanced Clinical Practice, and course leader for Professional & Clinical Skills postgraduate course. I am co-lead on the postgraduate online peer tutor project and have a focus for enhancing online distance learning student support.

I completed my honours undergraduate degree in zoology at Trinity College Dublin, and have a Masters in Applied Environmental Science from University College Dublin. I completed my PgCert in University Teaching and MSc in eLearning at Edinburgh. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology.

My research areas of interest are sustainable and digital education. These fields are the focus of my PhD studies at Moray House School of Education.

Area of Expertise

Research expertise - Digital education, Sustainable education/Education for Sustainable Development, Distance education.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, Trinity College Dublin [Aspects of the biology and ecology of the Irish mountain hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)

Master of Environmental Science, University College Dublin [Impact of the built environment on bat populations in Dublin]

Master of Science, University of Edinburgh [Green Electracy: using a digital media method to facilitate loss reflection and foster sustainable education practice]

Professional Qualifications

PG Certificate in University Teaching

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, SFHEA

Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology, CMALT

Responsibilities & affiliations

PGT teaching staff

Deputy Director of Postgraduate Taught Studies

Postgraduate Taught Senior Tutor

Co-chair of School Board of Studies

Teaching & PhD supervision

Postgraduate teaching

RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice programme

MVetSci in Advanced Clinical Practice programme

Professional and Clinical Skills course

Evidence-Based Research Medicine course

All Programmes

Academic Study Skills for Taught Postgraduate Students course

Postgraduate Peer Academic Tutor programme lead

Research

Research summary

My research areas of interest are sustainable and digital education. I am currently undertaking a PhD in Digital Education with a shimmer of Outdoor Education. I am investigating whether the relationship to our places may add something meaningful to our learning experiences. I wonder if technology can help us to feel a sense of engagement, a relationship, with someone else’s “local” place? If this place-relationship at distance is possible, can we facilitate that interaction in our learning activities?

Current research interests

In addition to my PhD, I am also involved in a number of project funded by the Principal's Teaching Award Scheme. A range of activities associated with my research are listed below. Details of conferences and publications can be found in the Publications tab.