James Stanfield

Lecturer in the Future of Learning, Newcastle University

Dr. James Stanfield is a Lecturer in the Future of Learning at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University, a position he has held since October 2014. His academic focus includes researching the effects of the Internet and Artificial Intelligence on education, the evolution of Self-Organised Learning Environments (SOLE), and the application of complexity theory in educational contexts.1 3

Academic Background and Research Interests

Dr. Stanfield's research interests are diverse and include:

Impact of Technology: Understanding how digital tools influence teaching, learning, and assessment.
Self-Organised Learning Environments: Investigating how these environments develop over time.
Complexity Theory: Exploring its relevance across educational sectors.

He is also involved in teaching various modules at both undergraduate and master's levels, including leading the MA Education: International Perspectives program.1 2

Professional Contributions

Dr. Stanfield has collaborated with notable figures in education, such as Professor Sugata Mitra, on projects like the School in the Cloud, which aims to innovate learning through technology. His work on SOLE was recognized as one of the top 100 global innovations in education by hundrED in 2018.1 Additionally, he has served as an education consultant for various initiatives, including a significant project funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID) in Tanzania.1

Publications and Supervision

He has contributed to multiple academic publications, including book chapters focused on alternative education methods and affordable learning solutions. Dr. Stanfield supervises several MA students and PhD candidates, guiding them through their dissertation processes.1 2