Articles by Dr Jessica Muirhead

With postgraduate study in the UK still increasing, does the award title matter? This article explores the distinctions, learning strategies and career implications, and how these shape perceptions in the shifting academic landscape.

The proposed rise in UK undergraduate tuition fees could have a significant impact on international recruitment for online postgraduate degrees. Higher costs may discourage students from choosing UK universities, shifting them to more affordable alternatives. UK institutions will need to adapt to remain competitive in the global education market.

Being awarded Fellowship of the CMI recognises the importance of continual learning and strategic leadership in higher education. I share my experiences of my continual membership of the CMI, recognising my commitment to professional development, strategic thinking, and effective leadership in diverse academic settings.

Celebrating my 200-day Duolingo streak, I realized gamification techniques from language learning can enhance computer science education. Streaks, levels, leaderboards, and challenges boost engagement and motivation. Gamification fosters continuous practice, achievement, and collaboration, making learning enjoyable and impactful. This article explores applying Duolingo's strategies to programming education.

Tracing the evolution of WCAG guidelines from 1.0 to the upcoming 3.0, highlighting how each version expands accessibility standards and tackles emerging technologies. This article discusses the link between WCAG and user experience and how the UK's legislation has responded to the need to improve accessibility for public sector websites.

I had an exciting weekend racing with Scooby Crewe at the Krazy Races Crewe Soapbox Derby. Despite not making the top 10, we consistently improved our times and won the Best Krazy Designed Kart trophy.

Exploring the complex concept of information in information systems, distinguishing between data, capta, information, and knowledge. It highlights the ambiguity and subjectivity of information, especially in digital contexts, and emphasizes the importance of understanding how information is processed, interpreted, and used to generate knowledge.

The latest draft of the W3C Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 3.0) has been published, and demonstrates a large shift in the way accessibility is accommodated for in both web and mobile apps. Building on my doctoral research, this blog post summarises they key changes.

The evolution and importance of information architecture (IA) in web design highlights how organizing content for ease of access enhances user experience. Techniques like card sorting and wireframes are discussed, emphasizing the need to cater to both seekers and browsers in the digital landscape.

Reflecting on my current journey to achieve Senior Fellowship (SFHEA), I recall the valuable insights gained through the Fellowship (FHEA) process. This recognition supports excellence in teaching, aligning with the Professional Standards Framework, and fosters continuous improvement. My experiences highlight the transformative impact of structured professional development on academic practice.

The UK Government has launched a consultation to update the Licensing Act 2003to address digital age assurance for alcohol sales. This includes using digital proof of age and determining the point of age verification. The consultation aims to reduce ambiguity and enhance protection against underage sales and intoxicated purchases as identified in my earlier research.

I successfully passed my viva and submitted my PhD thesis on improving online informational content quality. My research led to the development of the Informative Web Content Guidelines (IWCG), enhancing web content accessibility and usability.

My research, funded by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, proposes using Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) in payment card transactions to prevent underage online alcohol purchases. This system enhances age assurance with minimal customer friction and robust privacy protection, ensuring compliance with age-restriction laws while maintaining a seamless customer experience.

The UK's lockdown in March 2020 led to increased alcohol consumption and sales. Research funded by Alcohol Change UK revealed that online age verification for alcohol purchases is inadequate, often relying on delivery checks. Clarifying guidelines from the Licensing Act 2003 and involving banks in age verification could better protect underage individuals from buying alcohol online.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of age-gating processes for online alcohol sales. The study found current methods ineffective and proposed enhanced online age verification, leveraging bank authorisation processes, and continuous monitoring of emerging technologies to better prevent minors from purchasing alcohol online.

Our paper "Understanding Digital Events: Process Philosophy and Causal Autonomy" explores how deepening immersion in digital networks impacts free will. We argue for IT mindfulness to counteract the overwhelming influence of digital technologies. Integrating Bergson's and Whitehead's philosophies, we analyze the continuum from human control to technological autonomy and emphasise ethical design.