About
Lead Facilitator: Dr Helen Coker
Dr Helen Coker
Lead Facilitator and Founder
Helen is a learning specialist, researcher and facilitator. She has over 15 years experience across higher education, spanning digital learning and instruction, programme leadership, online learning innovation, doctoral supervision and quality assurance. Her practice is shaped by a relational approach that empowers learners to be their best.
Serving as an External Examiner and on the Board of an education charity Helen has experience supporting organisations in evaluating practice, ensuring integrity, and aligning learning with strategic priorities. These roles have deepened her understanding of how systems enable or constrain professional growth and confirmed the value of reflective dialogue.
Helen holds a PhD in Sustainability (Digital Learning), an MA Ed (Distinction), a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a BA (Hons) in English Literature, and is a fellow of the HEA. She has presented at conferences and symposia across Europe, Canada, Australia, and Mexico, sharing research on digital learning, relational pedagogy and social justice. Her publications in peer‑reviewed journals, and her online blog, reflect a sustained commitment to insight generation and to making research accessible to diverse audiences.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys travelling with her family and seeking out adventure - from skiing and mountain biking to white‑water kayaking - experiences that keep her curious, energised and connected to the world.
“Helen Coker is an absolute diamond. She is so calm and patient. She could see the value in what everyone had to say. She goes above and beyond.”
“... unwavering commitment and support has been exceptional. Her dedication has inspired me and motivated me to strive for excellence.”
Selected Peer-reviewed Publications and Presentations
Coker, H., 2026. Reconceptualising digital portfolios in teacher education: postdigital and posthuman perspectives. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, pp.1-17.
Campbell, L. and Coker, H., 2025. Community, culture and care: mapping relational pedagogy in online higher education. Discover Education, 4(1), p.143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00570-y
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Coker, H., 2025. Democratic Pedagogy in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities for Initial Teacher Education. Zeitschrift für internationale Bildungsforschung und Entwicklungspädagogik, 48(1), pp.24-30. https://doi.org/10.20377/zep-16
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Coker, H., Kalsoom, Q. and Mercieca, D., 2023. Teachers’ Use of Knowledge in Curriculum Making: Implications for Social Justice. Education Sciences, 14(1), p.3. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14010003 ​
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Coker H. 2021. Harnessing Technology to Enable the Flow of Professional Capital: Exploring Experiences of Professional Learning in Rural Scotland. Professional Development in Education. 2021;47(4):651-666. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2021.1876148 ​
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Coker, H. 2020. Why does digital learning matter? Digital competencies, social justice, and critical pedagogy in initial teacher education. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 14(1), p. 133-141. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v14i1.6259
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Coker, H. 2019. Mediating the flow of professional capital: The potential of technology for rural teachers professional learning in Scotland. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 29(3), pp. 39-55.https://www.journal.spera.asn.au/index.php/AIJRE/article/view/234
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Coker, H. 2018. Purpose, pedagogy and philosophy: “Being” an online lecturer. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 19(5), pp. 128-144.
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Coker, H. 2015. Using data to see what students are doing: A critically enquiring approach to VLE development. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 3(1), pp. 11-23.​​
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‘Developing Democratic Pedagogy and Practice in Initial Teacher Education’, an invited contribution to the symposium Education for Democracy under Global Conditions of Uncertainty at the European Educational Research Association Conference (2024) in Nicosia, Cyprus.
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‘Digital Portfolios: Preparation for a digitally infused professional setting or the thin end of a corporate wedge?’ presentation at the World Federation of Associations of Teacher Education Conference (2023) in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Teaching Online is Different seminar (invited speaker) at Dublin City University, Ireland.
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‘Understanding Pedagogic Collaboration in the Online Setting’ presentation at the European Educational Research Association Conference (2017) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
‘Student Teacher E-portfolios: The emergence of student agency through structured dialogue and critical engagement’ roundtable at the Australian Teacher Education Association Conference (2016) Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. ​