Anne Adams

Anne Adams is a Senior Lecturer in Practice Centred Research and Development at The Open University's Institute of Educational Technology. She serves as Principle Investigator on the EU JuxtaLearn project, coordinating input from academic and industrial partners across Europe to develop systems for science and technology learning performances. As a co-investigator in the Catalyst project, she utilized her extensive experience in public and industrial technology research to support digital engagement initiatives.

Her educational background includes a degree in Psychology with computing, an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at the UCL Interaction Centre, and a PhD at UCL spanning Computer Science and Psychology departments. Prior to joining The Open University in 2006, she held research fellow posts and part-time lecturing positions at UCL and Middlesex University, followed by a full-time lecturing post at Nottingham University's Computer Science department.

Dr. Adams' research focuses on innovative situated and ethical eLearning knowledge through developing cutting-edge pervasive and ubiquitous eLearning technologies. Her overarching research interests include: Situated e-learning and Social inclusion (technology to overcome barriers to understanding), Practice based systems and intermediaries (role of 'boundary objects' within learning contexts), E-learning Identity and Security (privacy and authentication issues), and E-learning Research methods (how research methods impact design cycles).

Her extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to threshold concepts, tricky topics, and situated learning, with particular emphasis on the JuxtaLearn project. Her work shows a clear trajectory from theoretical research to practical implementation in educational settings, especially in developing systems that address learning barriers and promote social inclusion.

Dr. Adams has led several significant initiatives including an innovative mentoring program focused on action research for professional development, the 'get it' project developing AL-generated professional development videos, and currently leads the teaching and learning 'transition pathways project' supporting research transitioning benefits for teaching and learning.

Her work extends beyond academia through industrial presentations at GOOGLE and MICROSOFT, research collaborations with BT, Microsoft, OOKL and Catchermedia, public lectures in the ESRC and UCL public lecture series, and demonstrations for school children. She has also engaged with public bodies including the Home Office and NHS.