Sam Mcfarlane

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Digital Academic Developer

Email: sam.mcfarlane@canterbury.ac.uk
Tel: 01227 923105

Profile Summary

I joined Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in July 2004 as a member of the Computing Helpdesk team within Information Technology after graduating with a BSc in Computing from the University of Plymouth. In January 2006, I joined the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Team in a new position as Learning Technology Support Officer, involved with the administration and further development of the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE), Questionmark Computer-Aided Assessment (CAA) system, an in-house Personal Development Planning (PDP) system, and Turnitin.

I became a learning technologist in 2008, supporting staff in the Faculty of Education and is part of the TEL Team developing the use of learning technologies to enhance learning, teaching, research and assessment.
In October 2020 my role changed to support the School of Psychology and Life Sciences and Medical Sciences as a Digital Academic Developer. 
In October 2025, my role has changed to support the subjects within Law, Politics, Finance Accounting and Economics; Computing AI and Cyber Security; Natural Sciences and Professional Learning and Development, as a Learning Designer. During my time working in the faculty, schools and subjects, I have supported the growth of blended, flipped and distance learning pedagogies using a variety of tools, including the introduction of Pebblepad the e-portfolio tool, Blackboard Collaborate (virtual classroom software) and Turnitin for electronic submission and feedback.

I am the strategic system lead for Blackboard within our team and thematic lead covering legislation and standards, accessibility and inclusion and the retention of assessment.  I also teach on the Universities PGCAP programme

I have an MA in Online and Distance Education provided through the Open University. I am also an Ordinary Member of the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) and have PRINCE 2 project management accreditation.

My current academic interests include the use of video and audio resources in learning and teaching, flexible accessible learning pedagogies and responsible, sustainable uses of Artificial Intelligence