xviiDeborah Heck is an associate professor and the portfolio leader of postgraduate
and research higher degree programs in the School of Education at the University of
the Sunshine Coast. She is also the program coordinator for graduate certificate in
education, master of education and master of education by research. Debbie has an
interest in research that explores participation and change in educational contexts
and has been involved in a number of projects that have explored qualitative
approaches to research. She has a keen interest in engaging with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander teachers in schools as part of her focus on participation and
change. In conjunction with Independent Schools Queensland, Debbie is leading
research on the Sunshine Coast that explores the development of partnerships
between universities, schools and peak bodies that support the development of qual-
ity teachers. This work makes a contribution towards the development of initial
teacher education programs.
Nick Kelly is a senior research fellow at Queensland University of Technology and
an adjunct senior research fellow at the University of Southern Queensland. His
recent work has investigated online communities of teachers, beginning teacher
support, higher education learning analytics and the cognition of creativity. He
holds a PhD in design computing from the University of Sydney, and his academic
practice is founded upon applying design theory to educational technology and to
supporting teachers. He is the author of over 60 scholarly works including the recent
book Online Learning Networks for Preservice and Early Career Teachers. His
research website is http://www.nickkellyresearch.com
Steven Kickbusch has worked extensively as an educator, facilitator and educa-
tional designer across all levels of the education industry, the government sector and
within corporate environments. In his role as a learning designer with Queensland
University of Technology, he oversees the design, development and implementation
of engaging student-focused education experiences. His most recent work is within
the national program: Enhancing the Training of Mathematics and Science Teachers
and focused on improving the quality of secondary STEM teachers through inquiry-
based learning. Steven is a founding co-leader of the TeachConnect initiative and
has been instrumental in establishing relationships, overseeing development, man-
aging operational priorities and coordinating the uptake of TeachConnect.
Jeana Kriewaldt is a senior lecturer in the Graduate School of Education at the
University of Melbourne. She is also the senior leader of clinical teaching practice,
overseeing work-integrated learning programs across the graduate school. Her
research focuses on teaching standards, teacher learning and their interrelation-
ships. She is currently investigating the impact of learners’ perspectives in deepen-
ing the quality of teacher education programs and the potential of clinical reasoning
and reflective practice in educating in the professions. Additionally, Jeana leads
research in the field of geography education and publishes in this area.
About the Authors