Biography: Richard Gentle

[Richard Gentle]

Richard Gentle has been interested in educational issues since the age of 18 and has worked with educational establishments since 1985. He first worked for Bretton Hall College in Yorkshire as an audio-visual technician in the teacher training faculty; later gained a PGCE in Secondary CDT at MARJONS in Plymouth, Devon; Then taught on supply for 2½ years in Yorkshire (all subjects in 14 schools); Moved to Bedfordshire and managed the Media Resources for Bedford College for 8 years. During this time, and at the same college, he worked as an Instructor for the Performing Arts Group - teaching on the BTEC Media, Music and Performing Arts courses. In 2001 he worked for Cranfield University developing cutting-edge multimedia e-learning training material (now used world-wide), and since January 2005 has worked for Kirklees LEA (W. Yorks.) as an e-learning manager for the Kirklees Collegiates - developing a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) for over 20 Secondary Schools and Colleges with a focus on 14-19 year olds. However, Richard also liaises with another team developing the same VLE throughout the Primary/Junior/Middle School sector.