Education
Purpose Statement:
The knowledge nexus: Our purpose is to inspire and motivate academics by fostering a research-driven environment in support of quality research in the field of teacher education.
We aim to cultivate a collaborative space where diverse ideas, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning converge.
Cymbeline Harilal is an instructional designer at the Independent Institute of Education. She completed her Masters in Education (ICT) in 2024 (to be conferred). Cymbeline's areas of research are technological education as a means to eradicate unemployment in South Africa. Cymbeline is a South African registered educator approaching the PhD phase in STEM as her goal to be achieved by 2027.
My name is Alvira Prakash and I am a Full Time Lecturer for Education at Varsity College Pretoria. I am currently in the process of submitting my Masters dissertation in Life Sciences Education, where I explored teaching on online platforms in a university and school context. In the past I have obtained a B.Ed. Honours in Life Sciences Education, a PGCE and a BSc in Human Genetics. My goal is to strengthen my research skills and publish articles in the field of Education. I also hope to enroll for a PhD in the near future.
I am a Novice researcher entering the field of academic research and publishing.
I am a novice researcher who is awaiting confirmation of Masters completion and now looking to develop the right skill set for publish worthy journal articles. I have an undergraduate and extensive lecturing experience in the Commerce faculty whilst a passion for education led to an interest in teaching and learning and postgraduate studies in education (PGDHE) and education management (awaiting master's in educational management). I am interested in the value of education in the development of the graduate attributes and the subsequent value of these in the graduate's ability to contribute meaningfully to both the economy and society.
My name is Ines De Almeida - I was an educator at a high school for 5 years. I joined VC as an Educational Technologist
: Dr Ilze Breedt have a passion to support and help educators / lecturers to grow and develop to support learners and students to become the best version. She has a PhD in Education Management Law and Policy and her thesis focused on the governance in independent schools. She has 25 years of experience in the field of education both school-based and Higher Education Institutions. As the Teaching and Learning Specialist on the IIE Varsity College Pretoria, she focusses on the developing of lecturers in all the different schools and assure quality lecturing takes place in all faculties. She is passionate about research and enjoy collaborating with colleagues and discuss various fields of research. Her research inters include leadership and management as well as technology and the development of educators.
Rosann is a Senior Lecturer Teaching and Learning, Lead Apple Teacher Innovator and emerging researcher at the IIE Varsity College. She has developed a growth mindset in science, technology, engineering and mathematics research and innovation for 21st century teaching and learning. She has gained over 20 years of experience and expertise in Teaching and Learning and is a PhD student in the Science and Technology cluster at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Rosann is also a co-trustee for the Epsilon Pi Tau Pan African Chapter and recipient of the Warner Research Graduate Award in 2022 which is situated in the United States of America.
I have been involved with the IIE's VC Online Centre since 2016, in the role of Manger of Online T&L. My M.Ed focused on the provision of affective support in an online learning environment, with 2 subsequent articles addressing the impact of this support mechanism during the global pandemic. I am currently working on my PhD which looks at lecturer self-efficacy and burnout during times of crisis.
I am employed as a full-time lecturer in the School of Education at the IIE MSA. I primarily lecture within the foundation phase band and have a keen interest in languages, movement, mathematics, art education, and in particular learner support in the early years. I was formerly a Foundation Phase Teacher in the public basic education sector. I bring a wealth of knowledge to the higher education sector to equip students in their initial teacher training. I have obtained my Master’s degree in Learner Support and I am a registered Ph.D. student specializing in special needs education.
Diana Robertson is a passionate leader in the field of education, currently serving as the Head of Education at the IIE MSA campus, a private higher education institution based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a dual master’s degree in education and business administration, Diana Robertson brings a unique blend of pedagogical expertise and strategic thinking to their role. Driven by a deep interest in Natural Science and Technology Education, is committed to fostering transformative learning experiences that integrate technology effectively. The research delves into this area, seeking to uncover innovative approaches that empower students to engage meaningfully with science and technology in a 21st-century context. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Pretoria, Diana Robertson demonstrates a dedication to continuous learning and scholarly exploration. This pursuit, coupled with their leadership experience, makes her a sought-after speaker and consultant on educational technology and future-focused