Q&A with Dr Michelle Cannon

What attracted you to take up your position at IOE?

As a former alumni, I have a strong connection with the MA I lead (Digital Media: Education MA), and its development over the years. As digital media cultures have multiplied over the past couple of decades, we have seen the MA grow into a really popular option for students interested in youth media cultures, film & media education and cultures of identity.

How long have you been at IOE?

I've been involved in one way or another with IOE for several years. I've had a few careers in life, I've been an English teacher abroad (Rio de Janeiro was my favourite place to live); a freelance web designer; and creative media practitioner in primary schools in London. 

What do you most enjoy about your position and why?

It's a pleasure and a privilege to engage with students about my research and see their interests blossom. I love giving students the confidence to think for themselves and to articulate their ideas in creative ways. I also appreciate how much I learn from students, in ways that demonstrate the co-production of knowledge and culture – ideas that the MA hinges on.  

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I think coming to academia later in life means that you bring a stack of different experience and skills to the table that have turned out to be super useful. I'm proud that through the opportunities that my current profession has opened up, I'm able to draw these personal strings together in imaginative ways that further knowledge and research in my field. 

What is the focus of your research and what benefits do you hope your discoveries or insights will bring?

If I have a mission, it's a political one that rings true for many social scientists and educationalists – to improve the school experience.

As soon as they reach school age, let's just give children creative opportunities and the critical skills to make and share meanings in multiple audiovisual modes across the curriculum about subjects that interest them. We can then watch their curiosity and learning ignite. 

What is the most important thing you've learned from your students about the subjects you teach?

Our students are asked to reflect in critical ways on media texts and products that they've made. I'm always delighted to read the different ways in which this process affects our students and how it opens up different perspectives on self and on one's world view. 

Do you think being in London benefits your work and why?

I love London, simple as that really. I can't imagine living anywhere else. If I go on to describe why, it'll be a string of clichés... all true! There are stories, and therefore research studies – everywhere you look, which is of course this is true of most other places, but in London, it's the cultural diversity that hooks me in.

What other subject outside of your area of specialism interests you?

I'm involved in a volunteer capacity with an international group called CRIA – Child Rights in Action. They advocate for child rights in ways that completely involve children and young people's voice in planning, strategy and delivery. They are a great bunch of committed people from all over the world and the children – as young as 8 – are amazing. 

Tell us a surprising fact about you...

I've been doing tai chi for about 12 years, every week for three hours. It's both challenging and nourishing in lots of beneficial ways.

Last updated 27 July 2023.

View Dr Michelle Cannon's research profile (IRIS)

Courses and teaching

• Programme Leader of the Digital Media: Education MA