Why JMEL?

Why do we need a journal?

Digital and social media create an important learning space – one which can be highly engaging for students and academics when used well. However, perceived technical barriers and assumptions about the role of media in education need to be challenged and ideas explored through the sharing of emerging practice.

The experiences of the Media Enhanced Learning Special Interest Group (MELSIG), and other forward looking groups in UK and international educational development, highlight the benefits of fostering communal approaches to supporting innovation with digital and social media. MELSIG, from its early exploration of educational podcasting and the ‘digital voice’ to its broader interest in social and digital media, has attempted to reflect, develop and encourage diverse and powerful ways for enhancing teaching and learning with and through the use of digital and social media. JMEL seeks to provide a further platform for academic staff, educational developers, learning technologists, support staff and their students to push our thinking forward.

Part of JMEL’s purpose is to foster emerging good practice by supporting new contributors, as well as established scholars, and by welcoming early-evidence accounts of academic innovation. The journal therefore aims to provide a safe, supportive, formative and lively environment for all to present and develop ideas and practice. Its role is to seed early thinking and foster deeper engagement with innovations leading to dissemination in other journals, books and conferences.