James Williams obtained a BA in Business Studies (1st class) in 1999 and an MSc in E-commerce Technology (Distinction) in 2002 from the University of Wales. Research projects undertaken during this period included a HRM & Change Management case-study analysis, a regional analysis of the new economic landscape the web-economy and an investigation into enterprise-class e-commerce system development.

During this period several Professional Internet & Web qualifications were achieved and a Web Design Development and E-commerce consultancy business established.

He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the School of Applied Computing, Swansea Metropolitan University. Research and development projects undertaken during this time have included the FE/HE collaborative e-learning WETN Project which included the creation of e-training solutions for the academic & SME sector, the eTutor Project which explored the potential to develop and deliver education and training on-line using Open source Web 2.0 technologies and discovery learning, and the iCAN initiative to support open communication and enhance collaboration & innovation.

Present research interests include Creative Computing & Ubiquitous RIA development and Technology & Game enhanced Learning & Teaching systems & strategies.

PUBLICATIONS

Pole R., Hole S., Jones K., Williams J., and Toole T. (2010), ‘eDiscovery Learning: An Evaluation of Web 2.0 Technology to Enhance Learning', Proceedings for the ‘e'Teaching and Learning Workshop 2010, Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Information and Computer Sciences (HEA-ICS), University of Greenwich, London. ISBN 978-0-9559676-4-1

Pole R., Hole S., Jones K., Williams J., and Toole T. (2010), ‘Discovery Learning With A Social Learning Environment Constructed Using Free, Easy and Effective Web 2.0 Technology', 5th Plymouth e-Learning Conference, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, April 2010.

Book Chapter (submitted but not yet published)

Jones K., Pole R., Hole S., Williams J., and Toole T. (2011), ‘Social Networks for Learning: Breaking through the Walled Garden of the VLE', Social Networks: Computational Aspects and Mining (Computer and Communication Networks Series), Springer