Core UK directions

Core UK has ambitions to develop learning with technology both by developing new forms of organisation in education and by exploiting the new opportunities offered by new tools - computer programs, communication networks and technologies.

The Team

Richard Millwood - Director

Also Reader at the University of Bolton Institute for Educational Cybernetics. Previously Director of Ultralab and caretaker of a global reputation, Richard founded Core UK in January 2007. With a background in teaching at secondary and university level his passion is the application of technology to make learning delightful and productive for the learner and employer. Richard has considerable research and consultancy experience in a range of areas including software, learning environments and digital creativity. His clients include government agencies, companies and UNESCO.

Malcolm Moss

An experienced educator in secondary, further and higher education his background includes entrepreneurship education, collaborative European projects, teacher professional develepment and the  teaching of design and technology. Malcolm was seconded via HTI to Tesco in 1998 as an adviser on the SchoolNet2000 project. Malcolm helped establish Talking Heads the innovative online community for headteachers, later to become the foundation of NCSL, working closely with the Department for Education and skills. Both projects started in Ultralab. He then joined Anglia Ruskin University working on a variety of initiatives including Ultraversity a unique, wholly online, research based, degree programme. With considerable expertise in online community he has a passion for realising its potential for revolutionising professional development.

Sarah Jones

Polar explorer and academic only begins to describe Sarah. Formerly a secondary school teacher, she is now a Masters graduate with extensive experience in leading research projects, which develop the use of innovative and emerging technologies in educational settings. She has expertise at both developmental and project leadership levels in the variety of uses that online learning communities have in enhancing educational opportunities in different contexts, particularly in the health arena, much of which she gained whilst working at Ultralab – world leaders in the application of technological innovations in e-learning.

Maureen Gurr - Company Secretary

Core's extensive range of activities require careful coordination and Maureen provides the essential framework to ensure we meet our objectives. Her experience in business management has helped us achieve our clients' expectations. Maureen is also conference organiser and people co-ordinator for Core Education UK. Recently Maureen organised a seminar programme and visit to educational establishments for over 200 VIPs for Apple at the January 2008 BETT Exhibition.

Mike Rumble - Associate

Mike recently worked for the UK's Qualifications and Curriculum Authority over a number of years helping to lead their 'Futures in Action' programme and particularly promoting the cause of curriculum co-development, an approach where teachers collaborate in curriculum innovation with the government.

Kris Popat - Associate

Kris is an experienced software developer and academic researcher. He has successes in research, software development, music and management. His experience is broad - starting from a background in music, playing composing and teaching, developing through academic research in educational technology, software development, project management and evaluation. He is now utilizing his skills as an independent consultant and software developer, associated with Core Education UK in the development of a Learner Needs Analysis tool for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tom Smith - Associate

Tom works with companies helping them make their web sites more effective. He uses a  blend of usability, search engine optimisation, information architecture, social media and persuasive design to attract more visitors to a site, make more sales or provide a more satisfying user experience. He works with both very large and very small companies offering ongoing marketing consultancy.

John Davitt - Associate

"John is an inspirational speaker and journalist" writes Dorothy Walker of TES online. He runs creative projects with schools, develops software and has delivered hundreds of training sessions that help teachers make the most of new technology. And, in all his work, bright new ideas are tempered with good old-fashioned common sense. "The more I think about it, the more I see myself as a guide to the blindlingly obvious," says John

Stephen Powell - Associate

Stephen is a long-term associate of the Core family, having worked alongside colleagues in New Zealand for many years. He is now Reader in Inquiry-Based Learning in the Institute of Educational Cybernetics at the University of Bolton and is working with  Richard to develop the IDIBL project - Inter-Disciplinary Inquiry-Based Learning which is creating new degree programmes that reach students for whom university does not fit. Stephen led the Ultraversity project in Ultralab developing a personalised approach, delivered entirely online supported through communities of inquiry.  This gave learners choices about what, how, and where they study; studying full-time whilst in full-time employment.   This was made possible by the use of learning technologies and an inquiry-based approach where learners identify real issues and opportunities in the work-place as the focus for their studies.