Read a little about our background and philosophy in our JelsimPartnership.pdf (pdf).

• Developing tools which empower the teacher or course author - enabling them to create learning materials which are ideally matched to their students' needs.
• Providing consultancy and training to allow educators to exploit the opportunities afforded by online learning - and to avoid the pitfalls.
• Developing high quality learning materials which engage the student, by providing an environment where they can explore, experiment, develop and apply their understanding.
• Engaging in innovative Research and Development to further these aims.

Dr Bill Austin has been developing computer software since 1986 in both commercial and academic settings and has used Java and its related technologies since 1996. Before joining the MultiVerse project his research interests were in algorithms and architectures for parallel and distributed computer vision systems. He was the software architect for MultiVerse and became the Technical Director in the spinout company where he retained the architect role. As Technical Director he recruited and led a team of seven developers. Bill had a hands-on approach to development and ensured that his team used the latest software development methods. Bill is our Java expert.

Dr Colin Milligan has been involved in the design, authoring and delivery of online learning materials since 1994. Colin started work at MEDC, as part of a team creating materials for use by the University of Paisley in their distance learning initiative. In 1996 he moved to Heriot-Watt University, to work with TALiSMAN where he specialised in creating and delivering on-line courses in learning technology to HE staff across Scotland. After TALiSMAN, Colin worked on various HE and European funded projects investigating the evolving pedagogy of online learning. These projects resulted in the production of two widely read and respected JTAP reports on Virtual Learning Environments, joint authoring of a course (Learning About Open Learning) for delivery to 400 staff across Eastern Europe, and the delivery of a 5-day workshop to staff at the Universiti Teknologi Petronas. At Heriot-Watt, Colin also worked on the INSIDE project with MultiVerse, bringing simulations to the HE community in Scotland. In 2001, Colin joined MultiVerse full time where he was responsible for creating simulation content and monitoring the learning technology market for developments such as the emergence of standards. Colin is our eLearning expert.

Dr Ruth Thomas has been producing educational teaching and training materials for the past 16 years. She has worked as a programmer and manager within the computer-based teaching unit in the Engineering Department at Cambridge University. While at Cambridge she managed the INTERACT project, a major UK higher education (HE) initiative developing educational simulations in three universities. After moving to Scotland, Ruth built on the ideas of INTERACT and the MultiVerse project began in the Institute for Computer-Based Learning at Heriot-Watt. After spinout, she took on various roles including sales and marketing. As the company grew she ran the support department where she worked closely with customers and the development team to ensure the quality and usability of the tools. Ruth is our Simulation expert.

In addition, JeLSIM also employ associates who work with us on individual projects to provide specific expertise.