University academics to be awarded National Teaching Fellowships

An internationally-recognised performing arts lecturer and a leading figure in the development of technology-enhanced learning are both to be honoured with National Teaching Fellowships.

Adam Benjamin and Professor Neil Witt are two of only 55 winners nationally in the awards scheme by the Higher Education Academy, which aims to raise the status of teaching and learning across the UK.

Adam, who joined the University in 2009, is a lecturer in Theatre and Performance in the School of Humanities and Performing Arts. His passion for inclusivity has been honed through work with blind students in Japan, with street children in Ethiopia and in South Africa as artistic director of Tshwaragano Dance Company, where he directed an award-winning collaboration with Nelson Mandela’s choir.

He also designed the Simpson Board that allows profoundly disabled students to choreograph using only their eyes and is one of the driving forces behind the University’s new, industry standard, fully accessible theatre space due to open in 2014.

He said: “I have to thank the amazing staff team I am part of, my students and colleagues at all levels of the University for embracing and supporting the practice of integration in the arts. I hope the award will help signal the course at Plymouth to young people, disabled and non-disabled, who have nurtured the vision of being able to study alongside one another as equals.”

Adam co-founded the first professional company of disabled and non-disabled dancers and is known internationally for his contribution to widening participation in theatre.

He has brought world-class artists to Plymouth to share their work and practice providing students and colleagues with workshops and continued professional development (CPD) opportunities.

Neil Witt, Professor of Technology Enhanced Learning and Head of Academic Support, Technology and Innovation, began his academic career at the University in 1993 as a lecturer in marine navigation and communication systems, and has been using technology to enhance his students’ learning for the past 20 years. He has shared his expertise in technology-enhanced learning (TEL) across national and international higher education sectors and has managed or taken a key role with more than 50 national and international TEL projects.

At the University, Neil is responsible for developing and implementing University-wide TEL initiatives and supporting faculties. He leads a multidisciplinary team of staff who work alongside students and colleagues to develop their understanding of learning technologies and digital skills. He is currently leading a project to develop and embed digital literacies across Plymouth University and its UK and overseas partner institutions.

Neil said: “It’s a great honour to have this recognition for my work and to see that teaching and learning at Plymouth has been acknowledged nationally.”

Both Adam and Neil will receive £10,000 to be used in their professional development. They will also attend the black tie National Teaching Fellowship Awards Ceremony to be held in London in October.

Plymouth University now has 16 fellows among its academic community.