Simon Thomson
Professor of Hybrid Learning
I am currently Director of Flexible Learning at the University of Manchester (UK). You can often find me online as “digisim” which is a persona I have been using for a number of years. It stems from being referred to as “Digital Simon” through my work within digital education.
I have an academic background in broadcast engineering and blended/online education as well as senior level experience in Higher Education relating to digital and blended/online curriculum design and education.
Having worked in both Post-92 and Russell Group Universities I have experienced first-hand the often missed opportunities to bridge the gap between online learning & teaching with on campus experiences and my work very much centres around the development of increasing mixed-modal (hybrid) educational experiences.
I am also passionate about ‘open education’ and much of my work is freely available for others to use through my websites or through open access publications.
University of Manchester
Current role: Director Flexible Learning
This role is incredibly nuanced, with high requirements of technical competency, expertise in digital learning and coordination and implementation of new technologies in support of the Flexible Learning Strategy.
The Director works closely and with the Associate Vice President (Blended and Flexible learning) to develop and embed flexible learning at the University.
University of Liverpool
In my previous role as Director of the Centre for Innovation in Education I worked with a team of educational developers and content developers in supporting the University in on-campus and hybrid curriculum enhancement and innovation.
During this time I led the development of the University’s Hybrid Active Learning (HAL) approach and was institutional led on a British Council funded project supporting Peruvian Universities to transition to online teaching.
Leeds Beckett University
In my previous role as Head of E-Learning and subsequently Head of Digital Pedagogy I developed the University’s first strategy on digital education as part of my work in the Centre for Learning and Teaching supporting embedding of digital education into learning and teaching activity.
I initially led on the University’s first online portfolio development as well as developing the institutions first blended learning course.
Apple distinguished educator
In 2006 I was recognised as an Apple Distinguished Educator in relation to my pioneering work with using podcasts instead of lectures for teaching in Higher Education. (This being before podcasting became mainstream).
This accolade provides me with opportunities to connect and work with the global ADE network, supported by Apple.
National Teaching FELLOW
In 2014 I was awarded an AdvanceHE National Teaching Fellowship which recognises excellence in Learning and Teaching.
The Association of National Teaching Fellows is a vibrant community of experts who I often draw upon for inspiration and guidance.
Principal Fellow ADVANCE HE
In 2022 I became a Principal Fellow of the AdvanceHE recognising my strategic leadership of digital education.
My Principal Fellowship was awarded based on my strategic leadership of curriculum innovation within UK Higher Education institutions.
News Articles
An article for Times Higher Education on our experience of ‘block teaching’.
Article for Research Professional News the flexible future of education.
Interview with Times Higher Education on Hybrid Learning
Orcid ID
ORCID, which stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID. ORCID’s vision is a world where all who participate in research, scholarship, and innovation are uniquely identified and connected to their contributions across disciplines, borders, and time.
Below is a link to my orchid profile.
