Internationally acclaimed academic Professor Stephen Heppell has joined Bournemouth University as Professor of New Media Environments.

He is widely known as a practitioner and innovator on e-learning and was recognised by the Department for Education and Skills as “the most influential academic of recent years in the field of technology and education”.

He joins colleagues at Bournemouth University’s Media School, which is the UK’s only Centre for Excellence in Media Practice.

Stephen said: “Bournemouth already has an enviable reputation and I’m excited to be working with a team in the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice who believe in the importance of constantly innovating and implementing new ways to learn through new media.

“I’m looking forward to developing a collegiate and collaborative approach with fellow students and staff in the university as we prepare for change.

“In 2020, multimedia applications will be a fundamental part of our social and cultural interaction and therefore crucial to keeping young people engaged in the learning experience.”

Chris Wensley, director of the centre, said: “Stephen Heppell brings a unique insight into media pedagogy, since he is one of those rare people who are innovators in both new media and in ways of learning.

“His international experience and contacts will also be of great benefit to us as we re-think our curricula, our learning spaces and our teaching and learning styles.

“Stephen is an enthusiast, a motivator, and someone who initiates change. Higher Education faces many challenges but there are also huge opportunities. We are delighted to have him working with us.”