Learn how to master authentic competency assessment during our session. Don't miss our session, "Measuring Strategic Outcomes through Authentic, Skill-Based Learning with FeedbackFruits," on Friday 12th April at 2:30 PM (Location: Valley 2) hosted by Cole Groom Account Executive team lead at FeedbackFruits.
Explore effective strategies for nurturing skill development, optimizing learning outcomes, and aligning your curriculum with strategic goals. Learn how our solutions empower authentic, skill-based learning, and equip students for success in the real world.
Dr. Jarek Janio
Faculty Coordinator and ESL Department Chair at Santa Ana College, School of Continuing Education | Member, COACHes
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Dr. Jarek Janio has been a member of the faculty at Santa Ana College, School of Continuing Education since 2007. He began his involvement in student learning assessment in 2012 when he took on the role of SLO faculty coordinator.
In 2014, he took the initiative to establish a Student Learning Outcomes Symposium at the state level, and from March 2020, he has been coordinating Friday SLO Talks. In 2021, Dr. Janio published the results of his research on “Most-Frequently Asked Questions About SLOs” and followed it up with a ”Guide for Student Learning Outcomes Assessment” in 2022. He further expanded his impact in the fall of 2021 by founding the California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators Hub (COCHES) group, which comprises SLO coordinators from various Community Colleges in California. He has actively participated in numerous research projects and conferences, sharing his expertise as a panelist, discussion moderator and guest speaker. Starting from January 2023, Dr. Janio has been actively engaged in delivering lectures and facilitating focus group discussions and webinars on the subject of how artificial intelligence influences higher education.
Dr. Janio achieved his bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, Long Beach, followed by a master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. His academic journey culminated with a doctorate from Walden University. Currently, Dr. Janio holds the position of co-chair in the ESL department at Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education.
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Cole Groom
Account Executive
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Cole Groom is a Partnerships Lead at FeedbackFruits with over a decade of experience using educational technology and 5+ years working in the industry. His personal experience with completing multiple degrees in different learning modalities led him to pursue his dissertation research into the adoption of collaborative edtech tools at higher education institutions, during which he investigated effective strategies for improving technology usage among faculty and students. Building on his findings, Cole has worked in several edtech organizations, focusing on supporting institutions with selecting and implementing pedagogical technology that would enable them to enhance student retention, save faculty time, and deepen the learning experience.
Marion Marx
Instructional Designer at ESSEC
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Passionate about the world of Digital Learning, Marion’s journey has afforded her a 360° view of this sector: starting as a distance learner, then progressing to become a tutor and online instructor, and ultimately an instructional designer. With a blend of pedagogical innovation and UX Design, she enjoys envisioning and crafting learning experiences that foster participants' engagement. Marion finds AI to be valuable in saving time when creating certain pedagogical activities, particularly quizzes with detailed feedback. She sees value in leverage AI to generate templates that can be personalized.
Adrien Painturier
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning at HEC
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Adrien Painturier champions the use of digital tools to elevate educational practices. With a notable interest in AI, functioning as a daily user and facilitator, he is dedicated to enhancing the pedagogical landscape. His initiatives ensure faculty and students are well-equipped to employ innovative technologies, aligning with HEC Paris's vision for a progressive and interactive learning ecosystem.
Melinda Mod
Instructional Designer at HEC
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Melinda is a learning designer who received her training as a high school teacher in Hungary and completed her PhD at Paris VIII & Cornell. She is dedicated to creating impactful courses across a variety of projects, ranging from designing courses for EMBA public programs to collaborating with NGOs. Melinda is particularly interested in how AI can facilitate the development of high quality courses and how it could be integrated in personalized learning via algorithms to tailor educational content and assessments according to each student's individual needs and learning styles.
Marie Valentin
Instructional Designer at HEC
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Marie is a learning designer at HEC Paris. She has 16 years of experience in instructional design across both private and public sectors, including institutions such as Demos Group, Crédit Agricole, and Paris-Dauphine University. In her work, Marie is particularly focused on the clarity of course structure and ways of managing learners' attention span and engagement. Marie is interested in how AI can be used to do more than just generate educational content (which she already does on a regular basis). For example, how could AI be used to give students detailed feedback on their work?
Claudia Carrone
Digital Learning Deputy Manager at EDHEC
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As a Digital Learning Leader and innovation Manager at the Pedagogical Innovation Laboratory (PILab) of EDHEC Business School, Claudia is actively involved in the search for transformation of the educational landscape. She is dedicated to improving the learning experience, contributing to an engaging environment for students, teachers, and researchers. Her role involves providing strategic guidance for the seamless integration of technology into face-to-face, blended, and online learning across all university programs. Claudia's approach to teaching and learning also revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote creative engagement and collaborative learning, ensuring that the educational journey is not just informative but also transformative.
SHANI NAUDE
Acting Curriculum Development and Design at University of Free State
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As a passionate educator and curriculum designer, Shani Naude is dedicated to empowering students of all ages to reach their full potential. Armed with a Master's degree in Education and currently pursuing a PhD from the University of the Free State, she brings experience in teaching, curriculum development, and learning design. Her diverse background includes running a successful homework and tutoring center, designing engaging learning experiences for students, and developing dynamic Life Science workshops for high school learners. Driven by a commitment to innovation, she has been a part of impactful programs such as the "Digital Skills and Competencies Pathway for Students" to equip learners with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
MATLALI MTHEMBU
Instructional Designer at University of Free State
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Matlali Mthembu's journey commenced at the University of the Free State, where she was offered an opportunity to become an A_STEP intern. She then transitioned into the role of a Learning Developer within the BLISS (Blended Learning Innovation Support Services) focus area in the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Her technological acumen and dedication to student learning experiences were key to the role. Seven months later, she transitioned to the Learning Designer role. Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown challenges, she continued to support the QwaQwa Campus staff and students in adopting and using Blackboard and other learning technologies in learning and teaching. Her aspirations are rooted in the utilization of empowerment, collaboration, scholarship, and inclusivity values to shape the realms of technology use, instructional design, and student training and support in the UFS QwaQWa Campus.
Retshegofaditswe Diswane
Junior Learning Designer at University of Free State
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Retshegofaditswe Diswane is currently a Junior learning designer for the Faculty of Education at UFS. She started her career in higher education as an Edu-Tech buddy during her undergraduate studies. After graduating with a BCom degree, she was employed as a Blackboard Helpdesk assistant and then subsequently became a Learning developer for the Faculty of Theology and Religion. She thrives on the challenge of blending technology and pedagogy to foster meaningful connections and promote lifelong learning.
GRACE WACHTER
Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits
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Grace Wachter is a Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits, closely working with University of Free States and other piloting institutions to help them achieve their goals on teaching & learning. She guides innovative institutions from initial exploration to successful implementation and adoption, she helps instructors streamline teaching and learning by engaging in pedagogic best practice that enhances student satisfaction.
richard powers
Professor, Trainer, Learning Designer
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A well-known and recognized e-Learning expert, Prof. Emer. Richard Powers, University of Maryland Global Campus, is currently a Professor, Trainer, and Learning Designer with the University of Stuttgart in Germany, where he teaches blended learning courses to develop competencies in generative artificial intelligence, digitalization, and diversity for pre-service teachers.
Ryan papetti
Machine Learning Engineer
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Ryan Papetti is an AI Engineer at FeedbackFruits, where he has worked for the last 2.5 years. He has passionately worked on the development of AI in education, most notably the Acai Feedback Coaches and Engagement Assistant. Prior to his FeedbackFruits experience, he worked as a Data Science consultant in the United States, where he is from. In his spare time, he loves playing basketball, taking care of his plants, and exploring foreign grocery stores.
Marion Marx
Instructional Designer at ESSEC
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Passionate about the world of Digital Learning, Marion’s journey has afforded her a 360° view of this sector: starting as a distance learner, then progressing to become a tutor and online instructor, and ultimately an instructional designer. With a blend of pedagogical innovation and UX Design, she enjoys envisioning and crafting learning experiences that foster participants' engagement. Marion finds AI to be valuable in saving time when creating certain pedagogical activities, particularly quizzes with detailed feedback. She sees value in leverage AI to generate templates that can be personalized.
Adrien Painturier
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning at HEC
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Adrien Painturier champions the use of digital tools to elevate educational practices. With a notable interest in AI, functioning as a daily user and facilitator, he is dedicated to enhancing the pedagogical landscape. His initiatives ensure faculty and students are well-equipped to employ innovative technologies, aligning with HEC Paris's vision for a progressive and interactive learning ecosystem.
Melinda Mod
Instructional Designer at HEC
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Melinda is a learning designer who received her training as a high school teacher in Hungary and completed her PhD at Paris VIII & Cornell. She is dedicated to creating impactful courses across a variety of projects, ranging from designing courses for EMBA public programs to collaborating with NGOs. Melinda is particularly interested in how AI can facilitate the development of high quality courses and how it could be integrated in personalized learning via algorithms to tailor educational content and assessments according to each student's individual needs and learning styles.
Marie Valentin
Instructional Designer at HEC
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Marie is a learning designer at HEC Paris. She has 16 years of experience in instructional design across both private and public sectors, including institutions such as Demos Group, Crédit Agricole, and Paris-Dauphine University. In her work, Marie is particularly focused on the clarity of course structure and ways of managing learners' attention span and engagement. Marie is interested in how AI can be used to do more than just generate educational content (which she already does on a regular basis). For example, how could AI be used to give students detailed feedback on their work?
Claudia Carrone
Digital Learning Deputy Manager at EDHEC
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As a Digital Learning Leader and innovation Manager at the Pedagogical Innovation Laboratory (PILab) of EDHEC Business School, Claudia is actively involved in the search for transformation of the educational landscape. She is dedicated to improving the learning experience, contributing to an engaging environment for students, teachers, and researchers. Her role involves providing strategic guidance for the seamless integration of technology into face-to-face, blended, and online learning across all university programs. Claudia's approach to teaching and learning also revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote creative engagement and collaborative learning, ensuring that the educational journey is not just informative but also transformative.
SHANI NAUDE
Acting Curriculum Development and Design at University of Free State
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As a passionate educator and curriculum designer, Shani Naude is dedicated to empowering students of all ages to reach their full potential. Armed with a Master's degree in Education and currently pursuing a PhD from the University of the Free State, she brings experience in teaching, curriculum development, and learning design. Her diverse background includes running a successful homework and tutoring center, designing engaging learning experiences for students, and developing dynamic Life Science workshops for high school learners. Driven by a commitment to innovation, she has been a part of impactful programs such as the "Digital Skills and Competencies Pathway for Students" to equip learners with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
MATLALI MTHEMBU
Instructional Designer at University of Free State
![]()
Matlali Mthembu's journey commenced at the University of the Free State, where she was offered an opportunity to become an A_STEP intern. She then transitioned into the role of a Learning Developer within the BLISS (Blended Learning Innovation Support Services) focus area in the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Her technological acumen and dedication to student learning experiences were key to the role. Seven months later, she transitioned to the Learning Designer role. Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown challenges, she continued to support the QwaQwa Campus staff and students in adopting and using Blackboard and other learning technologies in learning and teaching. Her aspirations are rooted in the utilization of empowerment, collaboration, scholarship, and inclusivity values to shape the realms of technology use, instructional design, and student training and support in the UFS QwaQWa Campus.
Retshegofaditswe Diswane
Junior Learning Designer at University of Free State
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Retshegofaditswe Diswane is currently a Junior learning designer for the Faculty of Education at UFS. She started her career in higher education as an Edu-Tech buddy during her undergraduate studies. After graduating with a BCom degree, she was employed as a Blackboard Helpdesk assistant and then subsequently became a Learning developer for the Faculty of Theology and Religion. She thrives on the challenge of blending technology and pedagogy to foster meaningful connections and promote lifelong learning.
GRACE WACHTER
Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits
Grace Wachter is a Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits, closely working with University of Free States and other piloting institutions to help them achieve their goals on teaching & learning. She guides innovative institutions from initial exploration to successful implementation and adoption, she helps instructors streamline teaching and learning by engaging in pedagogic best practice that enhances student satisfaction.
Eleni Simeou Askim
CEO of FuN
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Eleni Simeou Askim has worked with and for the education and skills sectors for over 15 years in the UK and in Norway. Her work with education charities has involved teacher training and leadership development for educators, managing educational projects and programmes and working with education and skills policy. Eleni is currently the CEO of Flexible Education Norway, a network for Norway’s providers of good education and learning that is flexible and accessible for all regardless of their background, location and individual needs. (www.fleksibelutdanning.no)
dixie Matre
Pedagogical Technology Advisor, NTNU
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Dixie Matre is a pedagogical technology advisor at NTNU in the Section for Teaching, Learning and Digital Services. With her background from teaching Dixie has seen firsthand how important student engagement and active learning is. For the past five years, Dixie has been working at NTNU with digital learning technologies. In this role, she supports the effective use of learning technologies to enhance educational outcomes and promote student-centered learning.
Marion Marx
Instructional Designer at ESSEC
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Passionate about the world of Digital Learning, Marion’s journey has afforded her a 360° view of this sector: starting as a distance learner, then progressing to become a tutor and online instructor, and ultimately an instructional designer. With a blend of pedagogical innovation and UX Design, she enjoys envisioning and crafting learning experiences that foster participants' engagement. Marion finds AI to be valuable in saving time when creating certain pedagogical activities, particularly quizzes with detailed feedback. She sees value in leverage AI to generate templates that can be personalized.
Adrien Painturier
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning at HEC
![]()
Adrien Painturier champions the use of digital tools to elevate educational practices. With a notable interest in AI, functioning as a daily user and facilitator, he is dedicated to enhancing the pedagogical landscape. His initiatives ensure faculty and students are well-equipped to employ innovative technologies, aligning with HEC Paris's vision for a progressive and interactive learning ecosystem.
Melinda Mod
Instructional Designer at HEC
![]()
Melinda is a learning designer who received her training as a high school teacher in Hungary and completed her PhD at Paris VIII & Cornell. She is dedicated to creating impactful courses across a variety of projects, ranging from designing courses for EMBA public programs to collaborating with NGOs. Melinda is particularly interested in how AI can facilitate the development of high quality courses and how it could be integrated in personalized learning via algorithms to tailor educational content and assessments according to each student's individual needs and learning styles.
Marie Valentin
Instructional Designer at HEC
![]()
Marie is a learning designer at HEC Paris. She has 16 years of experience in instructional design across both private and public sectors, including institutions such as Demos Group, Crédit Agricole, and Paris-Dauphine University. In her work, Marie is particularly focused on the clarity of course structure and ways of managing learners' attention span and engagement. Marie is interested in how AI can be used to do more than just generate educational content (which she already does on a regular basis). For example, how could AI be used to give students detailed feedback on their work?
Claudia Carrone
Digital Learning Deputy Manager at EDHEC
![]()
As a Digital Learning Leader and innovation Manager at the Pedagogical Innovation Laboratory (PILab) of EDHEC Business School, Claudia is actively involved in the search for transformation of the educational landscape. She is dedicated to improving the learning experience, contributing to an engaging environment for students, teachers, and researchers. Her role involves providing strategic guidance for the seamless integration of technology into face-to-face, blended, and online learning across all university programs. Claudia's approach to teaching and learning also revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote creative engagement and collaborative learning, ensuring that the educational journey is not just informative but also transformative.
SHANI NAUDE
Acting Curriculum Development and Design at University of Free State
![]()
As a passionate educator and curriculum designer, Shani Naude is dedicated to empowering students of all ages to reach their full potential. Armed with a Master's degree in Education and currently pursuing a PhD from the University of the Free State, she brings experience in teaching, curriculum development, and learning design. Her diverse background includes running a successful homework and tutoring center, designing engaging learning experiences for students, and developing dynamic Life Science workshops for high school learners. Driven by a commitment to innovation, she has been a part of impactful programs such as the "Digital Skills and Competencies Pathway for Students" to equip learners with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
MATLALI MTHEMBU
Instructional Designer at University of Free State
![]()
Matlali Mthembu's journey commenced at the University of the Free State, where she was offered an opportunity to become an A_STEP intern. She then transitioned into the role of a Learning Developer within the BLISS (Blended Learning Innovation Support Services) focus area in the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Her technological acumen and dedication to student learning experiences were key to the role. Seven months later, she transitioned to the Learning Designer role. Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown challenges, she continued to support the QwaQwa Campus staff and students in adopting and using Blackboard and other learning technologies in learning and teaching. Her aspirations are rooted in the utilization of empowerment, collaboration, scholarship, and inclusivity values to shape the realms of technology use, instructional design, and student training and support in the UFS QwaQWa Campus.
Retshegofaditswe Diswane
Junior Learning Designer at University of Free State
![]()
Retshegofaditswe Diswane is currently a Junior learning designer for the Faculty of Education at UFS. She started her career in higher education as an Edu-Tech buddy during her undergraduate studies. After graduating with a BCom degree, she was employed as a Blackboard Helpdesk assistant and then subsequently became a Learning developer for the Faculty of Theology and Religion. She thrives on the challenge of blending technology and pedagogy to foster meaningful connections and promote lifelong learning.
GRACE WACHTER
Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits
Grace Wachter is a Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits, closely working with University of Free States and other piloting institutions to help them achieve their goals on teaching & learning. She guides innovative institutions from initial exploration to successful implementation and adoption, she helps instructors streamline teaching and learning by engaging in pedagogic best practice that enhances student satisfaction.
Luke mcclelland
EU Director, FeedbackFruits
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Luke had worked within EdTech for 4 years, covering a range of expertise in order to enhance institutional offerings. Having taught English in China and then moving into EdTech, he has worked with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, helping them fulfil their commitment to students.
Marion Marx
Instructional Designer at ESSEC
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Passionate about the world of Digital Learning, Marion’s journey has afforded her a 360° view of this sector: starting as a distance learner, then progressing to become a tutor and online instructor, and ultimately an instructional designer. With a blend of pedagogical innovation and UX Design, she enjoys envisioning and crafting learning experiences that foster participants' engagement. Marion finds AI to be valuable in saving time when creating certain pedagogical activities, particularly quizzes with detailed feedback. She sees value in leverage AI to generate templates that can be personalized.
Adrien Painturier
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning at HEC
![]()
Adrien Painturier champions the use of digital tools to elevate educational practices. With a notable interest in AI, functioning as a daily user and facilitator, he is dedicated to enhancing the pedagogical landscape. His initiatives ensure faculty and students are well-equipped to employ innovative technologies, aligning with HEC Paris's vision for a progressive and interactive learning ecosystem.
Melinda Mod
Instructional Designer at HEC
![]()
Melinda is a learning designer who received her training as a high school teacher in Hungary and completed her PhD at Paris VIII & Cornell. She is dedicated to creating impactful courses across a variety of projects, ranging from designing courses for EMBA public programs to collaborating with NGOs. Melinda is particularly interested in how AI can facilitate the development of high quality courses and how it could be integrated in personalized learning via algorithms to tailor educational content and assessments according to each student's individual needs and learning styles.
Marie Valentin
Instructional Designer at HEC
![]()
Marie is a learning designer at HEC Paris. She has 16 years of experience in instructional design across both private and public sectors, including institutions such as Demos Group, Crédit Agricole, and Paris-Dauphine University. In her work, Marie is particularly focused on the clarity of course structure and ways of managing learners' attention span and engagement. Marie is interested in how AI can be used to do more than just generate educational content (which she already does on a regular basis). For example, how could AI be used to give students detailed feedback on their work?
Claudia Carrone
Digital Learning Deputy Manager at EDHEC
![]()
As a Digital Learning Leader and innovation Manager at the Pedagogical Innovation Laboratory (PILab) of EDHEC Business School, Claudia is actively involved in the search for transformation of the educational landscape. She is dedicated to improving the learning experience, contributing to an engaging environment for students, teachers, and researchers. Her role involves providing strategic guidance for the seamless integration of technology into face-to-face, blended, and online learning across all university programs. Claudia's approach to teaching and learning also revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote creative engagement and collaborative learning, ensuring that the educational journey is not just informative but also transformative.
SHANI NAUDE
Acting Curriculum Development and Design at University of Free State
![]()
As a passionate educator and curriculum designer, Shani Naude is dedicated to empowering students of all ages to reach their full potential. Armed with a Master's degree in Education and currently pursuing a PhD from the University of the Free State, she brings experience in teaching, curriculum development, and learning design. Her diverse background includes running a successful homework and tutoring center, designing engaging learning experiences for students, and developing dynamic Life Science workshops for high school learners. Driven by a commitment to innovation, she has been a part of impactful programs such as the "Digital Skills and Competencies Pathway for Students" to equip learners with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
MATLALI MTHEMBU
Instructional Designer at University of Free State
![]()
Matlali Mthembu's journey commenced at the University of the Free State, where she was offered an opportunity to become an A_STEP intern. She then transitioned into the role of a Learning Developer within the BLISS (Blended Learning Innovation Support Services) focus area in the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Her technological acumen and dedication to student learning experiences were key to the role. Seven months later, she transitioned to the Learning Designer role. Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown challenges, she continued to support the QwaQwa Campus staff and students in adopting and using Blackboard and other learning technologies in learning and teaching. Her aspirations are rooted in the utilization of empowerment, collaboration, scholarship, and inclusivity values to shape the realms of technology use, instructional design, and student training and support in the UFS QwaQWa Campus.
Retshegofaditswe Diswane
Junior Learning Designer at University of Free State
![]()
Retshegofaditswe Diswane is currently a Junior learning designer for the Faculty of Education at UFS. She started her career in higher education as an Edu-Tech buddy during her undergraduate studies. After graduating with a BCom degree, she was employed as a Blackboard Helpdesk assistant and then subsequently became a Learning developer for the Faculty of Theology and Religion. She thrives on the challenge of blending technology and pedagogy to foster meaningful connections and promote lifelong learning.
GRACE WACHTER
Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits
Grace Wachter is a Pilot Success Specialist at FeedbackFruits, closely working with University of Free States and other piloting institutions to help them achieve their goals on teaching & learning. She guides innovative institutions from initial exploration to successful implementation and adoption, she helps instructors streamline teaching and learning by engaging in pedagogic best practice that enhances student satisfaction.
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