Dr. Alex Woolner
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Alex Woolner has worked as a digital arts practitioner and researcher for the last 12 years delivering a range of innovative projects examining the innovative use of digital technologies. In 2003 he received an AHRC award to develop new sensory installations for children with autism, and from this work developed the research that would underpin his subsequent PhD. Alex ran his own creative consultancy for 10 years delivering projects in the educational sector, working with teachers, pupils and therapists to create and test new models of pupil engagement and methods for teachers to exploit technology creatively. Alex now works for Coventry University, where he was Senior Researcher on the iSpectrum project, and is currently the technical lead for the Mandela27 EU Culture project. He is helping to spearhead the University’s Games for Health initiative, as well as starting to develop a portfolio of new work in the Heritage and Culture sector.
SELECTED OUTPUTS
- Woodcock, A., Benedyk, R., and Woolner, A. (2009) 'Applying the Hexagon-Spindle Model for Educational Ergonomics To the Design of School Environments for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders'. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation 32 (3), 249-259.
SELECTED PROJECTS
- Project Spectrum: Digital sensory installation for children with autism
- Mandela27: EU / SA Culture project
- iSpectrum: Games based training in social vocational skills for adults with autism
- First Life: Co-creation of games exploring the experiences of children in care
- Imaginator: Developing digital tools for child led creativity in nursery and primary schools
- Virtualize: Co-creation of games based visualisations of a virtual school with pupils with SEN and disabilities
- kidzone: Interactive digital installation for Lille 300 festival (2006)
- Closer: Interactive digital installation for pupils with autism
- Gamification Framework: Framework produced for Ministry of Health, Singapore
