Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
Digital assessment evangelist.
What do you like most about your job?
The people I get to meet who are passionate about what they do and are doing it for the right reasons and not just self-promotion. Slightly eccentric individuals are even better, as long as they genuinely care about transforming education and assessment. Plus, being the CEO means I get front-row seats to the innovations shaking up the sector.
Best work trip?
I love (more of a pre-Covid thing) international travel and every trip to Middle East and Africa has always been a pleasure. My most memorable is probably in Dubai when Bill Clinton was presenting at an education event and it was just after Russia had annexed Crimea.
He spent two hours talking about the geo-political impact of this (oh how right he was based on current affairs). What was really special was I was sitting next to a former President of Slovenia and he had met Putin and I asked what he felt he was like. The phrase “mad dog” sticks in my mind.
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
Arabic – spent so much time in the region and would love to be able to converse with friends and colleagues.
What makes you get up in the morning?
Knowing that what we do at the eAA genuinely helps people deliver better assessments. My current passion is the adoption of marking essays using AI. Denying it is not better, or equally as unreliable as people, is naïve or probably just lazy.
Champion/cheerleader we should all follow and why?
Follow the EAA! It’s free and has lots of info on assessment. We really are changing the world.
Best international ed conference and why?
The e-Assessment Awards and Conference (surprise!). The Awards are the Oscars of our world – but with fewer designer gowns and more genuine passion for innovation. It’s where all the movers and shakers in the digital assessment space gather.
Worst conference food/beverage experience?
Half a goat’s head in Lesotho!
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
I’m not really into books or podcasts – instead I’d recommend our YouTube channel. It’s packed with in-depth case studies, webinars, and presentations from past events and conferences.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
We’re expanding the eAA’s reach globally, spotlighting incredible work in regions that have often been overlooked in the digital assessment conversation. We have our examinations roundtable and we have representation from India, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Lithuania, USA, UK, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, with others still waiting to confirm.
About the eAA: The e-Assessment Association (eAA) is a not-for profit organisation that brings together a global community of awarding organisations, assessment providers, technology experts, academics, and educational institutions dedicated to advancing the field of digital assessment. By fostering collaboration across these diverse stakeholders, the eAA creates a unique platform to share expertise, insights, and best practices that drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the assessment landscape. Membership of the eAA is free for individuals who can join here
