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Dr Evgenia Theodotou

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies

International Centre for Public Pedagogy (ICPUP), Cass School of Education and Communities

Passionate to change the world through education

Background photo
  • ED 504, Stratford Campus
    Cass School of Education and Communities
    Stratford Campus
    Water Lane
    London
    E15 4LZ
  • E.Theodotou@uel.ac.uk


    Evgenia Theodotou is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies and the programme leader for BA (Hons) Early Childhood with Psychology programme at Cass School of Education and Communities at University of East London.

    She is the external examiner of Staffordshire University at the Early Childhood Studies programme of Open University at Collaborate programmes and a Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Academy.

    She holds a 1st class Diploma in Infant and Child Care Assistant from Sivitanidios College, a 1st class BA in Early Childhood Education and Care from University (TEI) of Athens, a MA in Education from Durham University and a MSc in Teaching Technology and Digital Systems from University of Piraeus with Distinction.Her PhD is from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the research area of “Literacy skills in the early years settings” and she has been awarded with Distinction.

    She has more than 10 years of professional experience as a head teacher in the Early Years Settings and more than 8 years in Higher Education as a Lecturer/Visiting Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies. She has been for 4 years the Programme Leader in Education Department in Metropolitan College.

    Her research activity is focused on literacy, the arts, creativity and technology enhanced learning. She has participated in several research projects and published her research in International Conferences, Journals, edited books and monographs. She is the author of “When I play I learn… and I better understand” from Delta publications and of “Creativity in the era of New Technologies” from Kritiki publications. She has been a member in several Scientific Review Committees and organised several special sessions in International Conferences.

    Honours & Awards

    • Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) for teaching and learning support in higher education.
    • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Department for Education, UK.
    • Award for the Best Special Session Organiser at International Conference on Communication, Management and Information Technology” (ICCMIT) organized by Universal Society of Applied Research (USAR)

    External Examining (Undergraduate degrees)

    • May 2018-Aug 2018 External Examiner (Panel member) at Open University at the Revalidation of FD and BA (Hons) Early Years ‘Top Up’ at Calderdale College
    • Mar 2018-Jun 2018 External Examiner (Panel member) at Open University at the Validation of BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies ‘Top Up’ at New College Durham
    • 2016- today Module External Examiner at Staffordshire University, UK
    • 2016- today Award External Examiner for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Staffordshire University, UK

    External Examining (Research degrees)

    • May 2018: External Examiner in PhD Viva for Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Italian Language and Literature

    Keynotes

    • Nov 2018 Child-led art projects for social literacy development in the early years settings. 3rd MA Research Conference ‘Inspiring Early Career Researchers’, University of East London

    Participation in Scientific Review Committee in International Journals

    • Member of the editorial advisory board of the ‘Journal of Global Education and Research.

    Participation in Scientific Review Committee in International Conferences

    • Member of the Technical Committee of the 5th International Conference on Computer and Technology Applications (ICCTA), Istanbul, Turkey. Available at http://www.iccit.org/  
    • Member of the scientific committee of the 4th International Conference for the Promotion of Education Innovation, University of Thessaly, Greece. Available at https://synedrio.eepek.gr/en/committees/scientific-committee  
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of ‘BERA2018’, University of Northumbria, Newcastle, UK
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of 'Neos Pedagogos' organised by Ministry of Education of Greece, 28-29 April 2018, Eugenides foundation, Athens, Greece 
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of ‘23rd Americas Conference on Information Systems’ (AMCIS2017) in ‘IS in Education, IS Curriculum, Education and Teaching Cases’ (SIGED) in special mini track ‘Usage of Simulations, Educational Games and Gamification in Education’, 10-12 August 2017, Boston, USA https://amcis2017.aisnet.org/submissions/track-descriptions/#toggle-id-15
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of ‘BERA2017’, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of ‘Neos Paidagogos’ organised by Ministry of Education of Greece, 1-2 April 2017, Eugenides Foundation, Athens, Greece. 
    • Member of the Conference Committee of the ‘3rd International Conference on Computer and Information Technology’ (ICCIT) organized by Gazi University, 12-14 April 2017 Kusadasi, Turkey http://www.iccit.org/committee.html
    • Member of the Program Committee of on ‘The 2nd International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems and Informatics’ (AISI) organized by Scientific Research Group in Egypt (SRGE), 24-26 October 2016 Cairo, Egypt http://egyptscience.net/AISI2016/committees.html
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of ‘7th International Conference on Networking and Information Technology’ (ICNIT, 2016), 15-17 October, 2016, Warsaw, Poland http://www.icnit.org/committee.html
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of ‘22nd Americas Conference on Information Systems’ (AMCIS2016) in SIGED ‘IS in Education, IS Curriculum, Education and Teaching Cases’ in special mini track ‘Usage of Simulations, Educational Games and Gamification in Education’, 11-13 August 2016, San Diego, USA http://amcis2016.aisnet.org/
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of “2nd Panhellenic Conference on Lifelong Learning-Adult Education, Community Empowerment and further training of educators” organised by Polytechnic University of Crete, 3-5 June 2016, Crete, Greece http://www.cretaadulteduc.gr/cms/?q=node/132
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of “Education in the era of ICT” organised by Ministry of Education of Greece, 5-6 November 2016, Eugenides Foundation, Athens, Greece. http://synedrio.edu.gr
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of “Neos Paidagogos” organised by Ministry of Education of Greece, 16-17 April 2016, Eugenides Foundation, Athens, Greece.  http://neospaidagogos.gr/
    • Member of the Technical Program Committee of on The 1st International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems and Informatics (AISI) organized by Beni Suef University, 28-30 2015 Benisuef, Egypt http://www.aisi2015.com/committees.html
    • Member of the Reviewing Committee of “Education in the era of ICT” organised by Ministry of Education of Greece, 7-8 November 2015, Eugenides Foundation, Athens, Greece. http://synedrio.edu.gr
    • Member of the Scientific Committee of “International Academic Conference on Social Sciences” (IACSS) organised by The International Institute for Academic Development, 25-26 July, Istanbul, Turkey. http://www.socscienceconf.com/index.php?a=main&pid=6&lang=eng

    • Member of the Scientific Committee of “1st Panhellenic Conference on Lifelong Learning-Adult Education, Community Empowerment and further training of educators” organised by Polytechnic University of Crete, 12-14 June 2015, Crete, Greece http://www.cretaadulteduc.gr/cms/?q=node/120

    • Co-Chair and Member of the  International Steering Committee in “International Conference on Communication, Management and Information Technology” (ICCMIT) organized by Universal Society of Applied Research (USAR), 20-22 April 2015, Prague http://www.iccmit.net/INTERNATIONAL_STEERING_COMMITTEE.html
    • Member of the  International Technical Committee in “International Conference on Communication, Management and Information Technology” (ICCMIT) organized by Universal Society of Applied Research (USAR), 20-22 April 2015, Prague http://www.iccmit.net/INTERNATIONAL_TECHNICAL_COMMITTEE.html
    • Member of the Programme Committee in the Engineering Education toward Excellence and Innovation (EDUCON2015) in the Special Track “IT and Engineering Pedagogy” (ITEP’15) organized by IEEE, 18-20 March 2015, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia. http://www.educon-conference.org/educon2015/cfp_itep15.php

    Book reviews

     

    Organisation of Special Sessions at International Scientific Conference

    • Special Session Organiser “New technologies is Education and Psychology” on The 1st International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems and Informatics (AISI) organized by Beni Suef University, 28-30 2015 Benisuef, Egypt http://www.aisi2015.com/newtcEp.html
    • Special Session Organiser “ICT in Education” on “International Conference on Communication, Management and Information Technology” (ICCMIT) organized by Universal Society of Applied Research (USAR), 20-22 April 2015, Prague http://www.iccmit.net/SpecialSessionProposal.html

    Organisation of Seminars/Conferences/Symposiums

    • Co-organiser of ‘Affect and Social Media Symposium #2’ in Collaboration with School of Digital Arts and Industries at University of East London

    Highlights

    Overview

    Research activity

    • Arts in the early years settings to promote learning
    • Creative ways to promote literacy in the early years settings
    • Motives in the teaching and learning process
    • Learning theories and practical application
    • Creativity and creative thinking in teaching and learning
    • New technologies in education


    • The use of the arts to promote learning
    • Creative ways to promote literacy
    • Motives in teaching and learning process
    • Learning theories and practical application
    • Creativity and creative thinking
    • Application in higher education and early years settings
    • The use of social media to promote creativity and engagement
    • Development of social and cognitive skills
    • Successful & efficient management & leadership
    • The concept of power in managing and leading professional teams


    Collaborators

    • UEL
    • External
    • Professor in Education, Co-Director of Internation Centre for Public Pedagogy (ICPuP)
      Andrew Ravenscroft
    • Reader in Digital Culture and Communications
      Tony David Sampson

    Research

    Books: Authored

    • Theodotou, E. (2015). Creativity in the contemporary era of ICT: Practical examples in everyday educational practice. Athens: Kritiki Publications. (in Greek)
    • Theodotou, E. (2014). When I play I learn… and I better understand! Entertaining activities for the early years settings. Athens: Delta Publications. (In Greek)

     

    Publications in edited books

    • Theodotou, E., Papastathopoulos, A. & Koutsouvelis, P.  (2015). Effective change in educational institutions: Does the construct of power influence management and leadership models in everyday professional practice? In S.R. Tiwari & L. Nafees (Eds) Innovative management education pedagogies for preparing next-generation leaders. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. pp:88-107 doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-9691-4 Available at: http://www.igi-global.com/chapter/effective-change-in-educational-institutions/141600
    • Kaitsa-Kulovana, H. & Theodotou, E. (2012). Virtual learning Examination of ICT as beneficial tools for children’s social development. In D.I . Tseles, K.D. Malafantis & A.I. Pamouktsoglou (Eds) For an open knowledge Society: Information Technology in Energy, Environment, Economy, Society and Education. (pp.504-513). Athens: ΣΥΓXΡΟΝΗ ΕΚΔΟΤΙΚΗ
    • Theodotou, E. (2011). Using computers in early years education: What are the effects on children’s development? Some suggestions concerning beneficial computer practice. In D.I. Tseles, K.D. Malafantis & A.I. Pamouktsoglou (Eds.) Education, Science and Society (pp. 200-206). Athens: ΣΥΓΧΡΟΝΗ ΕΚΔΟΤΙΚΗ.

    Publication in conferences with review

     

    • Theodotou, E. (2018). Using art experiences to support social literacy skills in the early years settings. UKLA International Conference Literacies in a changing world: Creativity, criticality, empowerment. Cardiff, 6-8 July. 
    • Theodotou, E. (2018). Using art experiences to support social literacy skills in the early years settings. UKLA International Conference Literacies in a changing world: Creativity, criticality, empowerment. Cardiff, 6-8 July.
    • Theodotou, E. (2017). Using the arts in literacy activities and the effects in children’s involvement during the ‘Play and Learn through the Arts’: Findings from the final study. BERA Annual Conference 2017. University of Sussex, 5-7 September.
    • Theodotou, E. (2016). Children’s involvement during literacy activities using the programme ‘Play and Learn through the Arts’. BERA Annual Conference 2016. University of Leeds 13-15 September.  
    • Theodotou, E. & Papastathopoulos, A. (2015). Creativity in the era of social networking: A case study in Tertiary Education in the Greek context. The 1st International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems and Informatics. Beni-Suef University 28-30 November. In Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing Volume 407:141-149. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-26690-9_13, ISBN: 978-3-319-26688-6 (print), 978-3-319-26690-9 (online)  Available at http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-26690-9_13
    • Theodotou, E. (2015). Can we play again with Picasso Miss? The effects of the arts in children’s involvement during literacy activities in the Early Years Settings: A case study in the Greek context. The 3rd International Academic Conference on Social Sciences. Elite World Hotel Istanbul 25-26 July. Georgia: THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT. pp.16-27 ISBN 978-9941-0-7410-3. Available at http://www.socscienceconf.com/admin/editor/uploads/files/IACSS 2015 Proceedings.pdf
    • Psychogyiopoulos, A., Efthimiopoulos, A. & Theodotou, E. (2014). Educational leadership and the use of New Technologies. 18th International Conference: Social Pedagogy, Cross-cultural and Special Education. Achaia Beach Hotel 14-16 November. Patra: EL.P.Po. pp.425-438 (vol. II) ISBN: 978-960-8206-91-5  (in Greek).
    • Papazafeiri, K, Efthimiopoulos, A. & Theodotou, E. (2014). The consequences of the economical crisis in the institutions of special education in Achaia. 18th International Conference: Social Pedagogy, Cross-cultural and Special Education. Achaia Beach Hotel 14-16 November. Patra: EL.P.Po. pp. 177-192 (vol. II) ISBN: 978-960-8206-91-5 (in Greek).
    • Psychogyiopoulos, A., Theodotou, E. & Efthimiopoulos, A. (2014). Transformational leadership in education. Searching the dynamics of contemporary school (III). SISSY Hotel 24-27 July. Kamena Vourla: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. (in Greek).
    • Theodotou, Ε. (2014). Creativity and social network tools in Higher Education. Education in the era of ICT. Eugenides Foundation 22-23 November. Athens: Ministry of Education. pp.1542-1553 (in Greek). ISBN: 978-960-99435-6-7
    • Theodotou, Ε. (2014). Creativity and social network tools in Higher Education. Education in the era of ICT. Eugenides Foundation 22-23 November. Athens: Ministry of Education. pp.1542-1553 (in Greek). ISBN: 978-960-99435-6-7
    • Logidou, D. & Theodotou, E. (2013). ‘The effects of the arts in children’s emotional expression’. Childhood: Sociological, Cultural, Historical and Pedagogical Aspects. Marasleio Didaskaleio 11-14 April. Athens: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. (in Greek).
    • Becker, D. & Theodotou, E. (2013). ‘The impact of companion animal on the pro social behavior of preschool children’. Childhood: Sociological, Cultural, Historical and Pedagogical Aspects. Marasleio Didaskaleio 11-14 April. Athens: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. (in Greek).
    • Theodotou, Ε. (2012). ‘Arts and literacy: A didactic inter-disciplinary approach for the early years’. 7th Panhellenic Conference: Greek Pedagogy & Educational Research. Vol. B. Panepistimioupoli Gallou 19-21 November 2010. Rethimno: University of Crete, pp. 1292-1300 (in Greek)
    • Kaitsa-Kulovana, H. & Theodotou, E. (2012). ‘Virtual learning Examination of ICT as beneficial tools for children’s social development’. International Scientific Conference “eRA-7: The Synenergy Forum. T.E.I. of Piraeus 27-30 September. Piraeus: Hellenic Educational Society. pp.44-51 ISSN: 1791-1133.  Available at http://era.teipir.gr/past-conferences/era7
    • Theodotou, E. & Xanthopoulou, D. (2011). ‘Social behaviour and factors that affect aggressiveness in the early years settings’. 5th Panhellenic Conference for the confrontation of sexual abuse: New types of child and adolescence abuse: Ways of preventions’. Hellenic-American Union: 16-18 May. Athens: Hellenic American University. (in Greek) 
    • Theodotou, E. (2011). ‘Greek culture: Marathon footrace to promote literacy in the early years settings’, 11th Panhellenic Post-Educational Conference of Early Childhood Teachers: Culture as a reference point in a contemporary, humanistic and democratic model of early years education. Hotel Corfu Chandris 1-3 April. Corfu: Panhellenic Association of early years teachers. (in Greek)
    • Theodotou, Ε. (2010). ‘Play and education in the early years: The dilemma of free or structured play’. 2nd International Conference of Early Years Education: Contemporary Perspectives and Tendencies in the Early Years and Education of 21st Century.vol. A. Hotel DU LAC 22-24 October. Ioannina: University of Ioannina. (pp. 248-258). Available from http://www.pedagogy.gr/index.php/journal/pages/view/perilipseis (in Greek).
    • Theodotou, E. (2010). ‘Using computers in early years education: What are the effects on children’s development? Some suggestions concerning beneficial computer practice’. International Scientific Conference “eRA-5”: The SynEnergy Forum. T.E.I. of Piraeus 15-18 September. Piraeus: Hellenic Educational Society, pp. 438-442. ISSN: 1791-1133. Available from http://era.teipir.gr/content/proccedings-test
    • Theodotou, Ε. (2010). ‘Utilizing technology in early years education: Positive or negative practice in children’s learning? Some suggestions concerning digital and internet activities’. 2nd Panhellenic Educational Conference of Imathia: Digital and Internet Applications in Education. Veroia/Naousa 23-25 April. Imathia: e-tipothito, pp. 446-459. ISBN: 978-960-99301-0-9 Available from http://www.ekped.gr/praktika10/nip.htm  (in Greek)

     

    Publications in journals with review

    • Theodotou, E. (2019). Examining literacy development holistically using the Play and Learn through the Arts (PLA) programme: a case study. Early Child Development and Care. 189(3):488-499. DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2017.1326914. Available at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03004430.2017.1326914
    • Theodotou, E. (2018). Using different art forms to investigate the impact of children’s involvement in literacy activities. Education 3-13: International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education. DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2018.1515969. Available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03004279.2018.1515969  
    • Theodotou, E. (2017). Supporting personal and social development through child-led arts projects in the early years settings. Early Child Development and Care. DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2017.1418739 Available at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03004430.2017.1418739    
    • Theodotou, E. (2017). Literacy as a social practice in the early years and the effects of the arts: A case study. International Journal of Early Years Education. 25(2):143-155.  DOI: 10.1080/09669760.2017.1291332. Available at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09669760.2017.1291332
    • Theodotou, Ε. (2014). Utilising the arts in the Early Years: Just an entertaining activity? Indicators of Education, 16: 23-28. ISSN: 1790-6873 Available from: http://www.syldnioa.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=69&Itemid=93  (in Greek)
    • Theodotou, E. (2014). Early years education: Are young students intrinsically or extrinsically motivated towards school activities? A discussion about the effects of rewards on young children’s learning. Research in Teacher Education, 4 (1): 17-21. ISSN: 2046-1240 (Paper), 2047-3818 (Online) Available from: http://www.uel.ac.uk/wwwmedia/microsites/riste/Article-3-Evgenia-Theodotou.pdf
    • Theodotou, E. (2014). Learning design in the teaching and learning process: Definitions and arguments of its true content, Scientific Network for Adult Education in Crete, 12. ISSN: 1792-2674  Available from: http://cretaadulteduc.gr/blog/?p=731 (in Greek)
    • Theodotou, E. (2013). The concept of literacy in the early years settings: Investigating its content through practical approaches. Ta ekpaideutika, 107-108: 63-72. ISSN: 1792-7102 Available from: http://www.taekpaideutika.gr/ekp_107-108/periexomena.pdf (in Greek)
    • Kaitsa-Kulovana, H. & Theodotou, E. (2013). ‘Teachers’ attitudes and approaches: Their role in presenting ICT as a beneficial learning tool to children’. Culture Journal, V: 38-65. ISSN: 2241-1720
    • Karachaliou, A. & Theodotou, E. (2012). ‘Bullying in ages 4-7; Teachers & school environment’s intervention in the Greek context’. Culture Journal, I (IV): 3-13. ISSN: 2241-1720
    • Theodotou, E. (2012). ‘Problem solving skills, critical thinking and creativity through the implementation of IDEAL method in education’. Ta ekpaideutika, 101-102: 52-60. ISSN: 1792-7102  Available from: http://www.taekpaideutika.gr/ekp_101-102/periexomena_101-102.pdf (in Greek)

     

    Invited oral presentations

    • “What is the current status in the field of the Early Years settings? Discussing about the professional development in this field” Career Development Day, Ekpaideutiria Douka, 18th March 2014
    • “Contemporary approaches in the field of Early Years settings and professional development” Career Development Day, Ekpaideutiria Douka, 5th March 2013

    Presentations in Seminars & Workshop

    • Theodotou, E. (2015). Social Network in Higher Education: A case study investigating creativity in the Greek context. Social Media and Affect Research Seminar. UEL: The EmotionUX lab. 27 February. http://events.uel.ac.uk/eventarchive/affect-and-social-media-research-seminar.php
    • Theodotou, E. (2014). Utilising the arts in the early years settings: Theory through everyday practice and examples. [Workshop in Metropolitan College]. 7, 14 & 21 June.

    Writing activity

     

    Highlights

    Publications


    Highlights

    Funding



    Highlights

    Interests

    Highlights

    Portfolio

    Module leader

    ED6008 Multi modal learning in early childhood (Online & On campus)

    ED6007 Early Childhood Dissertation Research (Online)

    Module teaching

    Level 3 

    ED3403 Play and Talk in Learning

    Level 4

    ED4009 Perspectives of Early Childhood Studies

    ED4034 Pedagogy: Developing Learning in Early Childhood

    Level 5

    ED5004 Observing, Documenting and Researching with Children, Families and Practitioners

    ED5013 Issues and Controversies in Early Childhood Development
    ED5016 Social Policy for Children and Families

    Level 8

    ET8908 Research Methodology-Perspectives on Research

    Guest lectures (Undergraduate Level)
    ED6007 Early Childhood Research Dissertation

    ED6006 Assessment and Subject Knowledge in Early Childhood Education and Care

    Guest Lectures (Post graduate Level)
    ED7504: Research Methods in the Field of Early Childhood

    ED7410: Critical Reflection on Leadership of Practice in Early Childhood

    Doctoral supervision
    Oct 2017-present: Miss Amina Abdat: Thesis title: The role of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Algeria and England

    Dec 2018-present: Mrs Alison Baker: The portrayal of white working-class children in children’s fantasy fiction and children’s perceptions

    Highlights

    Teaching