Marcia Håkansson Lindqvist

Tell us about Marcia Håkansson Lindqvist.

I originally come from New Hampshire, USA, but I am now living in Ånge, where I have easy access to Campus Sundsvall and Campus Östersund. I pursued my doctoral studies in learning and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Umeå University. I started working at the Department of Education here at Mittuniversitetet in February 2017. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks, playing golf, and doing renovations.

Describe your research.

My research revolves around digitalization in various educational contexts. Much of it has focused on learning, teaching, and leading processes in digitalization. In my dissertation, "Conditions for Technology Enhanced Learning and Educational Change: A case study of a 1:1 initiative," I studied the implementation of laptops from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals.

My strong interest in digitalization and technology-enhanced learning has accompanied me in my research, where I have examined the use of digital technologies in contexts ranging from professional development for university teachers to how teachers work with young children in preschool settings.

Through the BUFFL project, which is part of CER's activities, I have the opportunity to delve into lifelong learning and the possibilities of digitalization for individual and organizational development and learning.

What sparked your interest in this field?

I have always had a great interest in learning and development, which has followed me from my work in the banking and finance industry to being a middle school teacher and later a university lecturer.

Why is your research needed?

Learning is an essential part of life for all people, and lifelong learning places even greater emphasis on this. Creating favorable conditions for learning in various contexts, including through digitalization, will be crucial in this process in the future. It concerns individuals' opportunities for learning, as well as the development of different organizations and higher education institutions to provide support for individuals' learning. How we succeed in this with digitalization is of great significance for understanding how society changes and develops over time, regardless of time and space. More research is needed.

How do you allocate your time between research and teaching?

I divide my time between teaching, supervision, serving as the deputy head of department, Samverkan Bästa Skola (SBS), and research. I teach in the behavioral science program, the school leadership program, and the the primary school teachers' afterschool teacher education program. In my teaching, I have the privilege of interacting with many different student groups: new students, doctoral students, afterschool teacher students, and practicing school principals. Research is integrated into my various roles. Over time, I have also started conducting more research within my teaching areas to connect my research and teaching. I usually think of it as teaching about my research. Research work is enjoyable as it involves collaboration with colleagues and often collaborative writing. I get to write with many different colleagues in various contexts. Similarly, teaching is a constant source of energy and development.

Dream scenario in terms of your job?

In terms of my job, I think I have a dream scenario. I get to conduct research, teach, and work on various projects that combine technology-enhanced learning and lifelong learning. The work in the HEEL group and the BUFFL project allows me to be part of the development in higher education and the working world regarding digitalization and its possibilities and challenges.