About

I’m Stephen Wheeler, an eLearning Technologist at the University of Manchester. My work focuses on supporting meaningful, values-led approaches to digital learning across the university.
I come to technology-enhanced learning from a Critical Pedagogy perspective. That means I’m less interested in the latest tools for their own sake, and more concerned with how technology shapes power, participation, and the learning experience. I’m drawn to questions about who gets to learn, who gets to teach, and how digital systems can either support or constrain genuine educational dialogue.
Much of my work involves collaborating with academic colleagues to design and develop learning environments that reflect their pedagogical goals — not just what’s possible, but what’s desirable. I advocate for open educational practices, inclusive design, and sustainable approaches to digital education. I believe in creating space for reflection, creativity, and student voice, even (and especially) in heavily platformed environments.
While my role involves technical problem-solving and practical support, I’m always aiming to foreground the pedagogical values that matter: equity, critical engagement, and learner autonomy.