Professor David Barr

Overview

A native of Ballymena, Professor David Barr studied at Ulster for his undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

He wrote his PhD on the role of computer technology in language learning and teaching, which has since been published as a research monograph. As part of this project, he carried out work at the Universities of Cambridge and Toronto.

David is currently Head of the School of Education, having previously served as the Head of the School of Languages and Cultures and then Modern Languages, as well as Faculty Learning and Teaching Coordinator.

He has significant experience of working with a range of employers, public and government bodies to promote awareness the importance of subject development for the local economy and has led significant developments in the modern languages as well as presently leading a review of provision in education.

He is also a leading expert in computer-assisted language learning, serving as associate editor for two leading international journals in the area, and is a member of the WorldCALL steering committee: a seven- person advisory group with representatives from all over the world to support the development and direction of computer-assisted language learning internationally and is chair of the WorldCALL international scientific committee.

Education

• 2004: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching,  Ulster University
• 2003: Ph.D. ('Computer Based Language Learning Environments for Foreign Languages'), Ulster University
• 1999: B.A. (First Class Honours) in Applied Languages (French and Spanish),  Ulster University

Research Fields

Computer-assisted language learning, digital teaching methodologies, hybrid learning