Professor Bronwen Thomas received the award today, on International Literacy Day, for her Academic research work on literacy in the digital age.
The announcement was made at the World Literacy Awards, an online ceremony hosted by the World Literacy Foundation. The awards were judged by a 16-strong panel which included writer, director, producer, Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, author and screenwriter Victoria Aveyard, Dr. Cree, the Chair of the World Literacy Council, and Tae Keller, author of the Newbery winning ‘When You Trap a Tiger’. There were many worthy nominees and winners of interest, for their outstanding work in literacy, around the world.
Bronwen Thomas is Professor of English and New Media at Bournemouth University and a Principal Investigator on several UK government funded projects exploring how digital technologies are transforming reading. She is the author of Literature and Social Media and is currently working on a Companion to Literary Media.
Prof. Thomas is currently researching and exploring the impact of new digital technologies (e-readers, tablet computers etc.,) on readers and reading. She also investigates how readers use online spaces and social media to discuss their reading and interact with other readers,and how digital technologies may facilitate greater inclusivity and accessibility. The research involves working closely with a number of leading academics and stakeholders both in the UK and internationally.
Prof. Thomas’s latest project – DRIVE – brings together academics, stakeholders and ordinary readers to explore how digital reading technologies can be used to address development challenges in Kenya.
Prof.Thomas has taught on the Communication and Media degree at Bournemouth since 1996 and helped design BA English and MA English and Literary Media. Bronwen is Head of the Narrative, Culture and Community Research Centre, and was Head of Research and Professional Practice for the School of Journalism, English and Communication from 2014-17.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation says “The World Literacy Awards put a spotlight on individuals and organisations who are innovative in the literacy sector. The digital age of learning was certainly advanced more rapidly by the pandemic and Professor Thomas’ research may prove invaluable for understanding how educators engage with digital learning platforms in future to achieve the best results for literacy and learning.”
©️ World Literacy Foundation. 2021.