Traxler's work includes investigating innovative technologies to support diverse communities of students with the University's nationally funded Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching, and with the University's Centre for International Development and Training. His interest lies in exploring ways of using appropriate innovative technologies to deliver education in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa.

Traxler's has recently co-written a guide to mobile learning in developing countries and is co-editor of a book on mobile learning called Mobile Learning: A Handbook for Educators and Trainers. He publishes and presents regularly on mobile learning, especially conceptualising, evaluating, and embedding.

He is jointly responsible for national workshops on mobile learning for UK universities, has delivered similar workshops to university staff in several African and Indian universities, and advises UK universities on mobile learning projects, for example in podcasting. He is also an advisor to the Meraka Institute in South Africa and regularly gives keynotes on eLiteracy.


Furthermore, he is a consultant for a Swiss project for Kenyan farmers that uses blended web-based and phone-based technology. Finally, John was the evaluator for the EU FP6 m-learning project and has recently finished working with the Kenyan government, implementing national support for Kenyan teachers' in-service training using mobile phones and video.

Speaking about his appointment as Learning Lab Director, Traxler's expressed his, "delight in accepting this role. Technology is moving forward at an incredible rate, with mobile technologies, such as phones, iPods, and PDAs opening up new and innovative ways to use technology to enhance learning. I am looking forward to taking the Learning Lab forward into the future."

Rod Richards, Chair of the Learning Lab Board, welcomed John's appointment, stating, "John's CV describes a man with the right experience and qualities for the challenge, and I am confident that the Learning Lab is in good hands and will have a bright future." He also thanked Steve Molyneux, as departing Director, for being, "… a driving force in his field for progress in eLearning. I am sure his contribution will continue, and we wish him every success for the future."

Traxler's appointment brings the research community closer to the Learning Lab and will open up opportunities for partnerships and collaboration among a range of organisations. Liz Fleetham, Learning Lab Manager, said, "John has joined the Learning Lab during a very exciting phase in the development of eLearning.

He is highly respected for his work in pushing the boundaries of mobile and emergent educational technologies and his contacts within both academia and industry will benefit Learning Lab members and the wider eLearning community. We are looking forward to the next chapter in the Learning Lab's history and encourage anyone involved in learning technologies, whether as a supplier or user, to keep the Learning Lab in their sights."