Steve Mvalo

Dr Steve E.H. Mvalo MSc, FHEA, PGCE

Senior Lecturer in Cyber & Computer Networks


Summary

I have been the Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Computer Network course since 2016. I successfully finished my doctoral research studies in 2018 from the University of Reading.  My doctoral thesis focused on Computational Thinking (CT) in designing network systems via simulation software. I am a fellow member of HEA and PGCE qualified, demonstrating my expertise in teaching, learning & assessment in Higher Education. I am also an expert in computer networks & security engineering. I had been working in computing industries such as banks, ISPs for over 15 years before studying for an MSc in Computer Network Systems at the University of Derby. I then started working with the University of Derby as an associate lecturer teaching Computer networks on face-to-face at the campus and via interwise (i.e. live broadcast) to two universities in Israel. I furthermore became the Programme Team Leader for BSc (Hons) Network Technology at South Essex College for Further and Higher Education, accredited by the University of Essex. I am a qualified instructor for CCNA and an External Examiner at one of the Universities in the UK. Currently my major interest is to develop my research areas in Computational Thinking.

About

I have been working in a range of different educational institutions, including both public and private industries in the field of computer network engineering since 1993. This supports my extensive knowledge and experience in developing and delivering computer network systems across a broad spectrum of education phases in the UK. I am a pragmatic and hands-on person who aims at quantifying success rather than just talking about it. Other than lecturing on computer network systems for the past 16 years, I have been actively designing and developing Higher Education curricula. While working with South Essex College for Further & Higher Education (SECFHE) for 8 years, I was the pioneer and a Programme Team Leader for BSc (Hons) Network Technology accredited by the University of Essex. I led 2 periodic reviews for Network Technology degree programme which went on successful. In these reviews, for quality assurance, it involved checking the quality and validity of learning and teaching, learning resources, assessments, students’ satisfaction, employers’ engagement and external university partners. I am also an External Examiner at one of the Universities in the UK. It is through this mixed experience of my academia and industrial expertise in computer network systems that I successfully pursued a doctoral research studies at the University of Reading on Computational Thinking in designing network systems via simulation software.

I am an ambitious professional who is strategic, innovative, confident, passionate, and excellent in carrying out challenging and risky projects. While working at SECFHE, I took over the role of Adult Curriculum Development Manager on secondment. The role involved developing and managing adult short courses in four academies (Computing, Engineering, Science and Construction) which were all successful. Within 7 months I successfully produced 101 learners giving an overall success rate of 89%. Besides, I was involved in a number of projects like strategic application of 24+ loans that the UK Government introduced and Cisco Networking Academy. Since I assumed the role of a Course Leader for Computer Networks at Sheffield Hallam University, the course yielded outstanding results of 90% from the previous 56% from NSS (National Students Survey), quality of first class and 2:1-degree students has been consistent. The employability rate of students after their six months of graduation has constantly been above 95%. The course is fully equipped with excellent and contemporary networking laboratories which provides cutting edge technologies and tools sought after in industry.


Teaching

School of Computing and Digital Technologies

College of Business, Technology and Engineering

I have been teaching variety of modules in Computer Networks. However, currently, I have been teaching and coordinating final undergraduate projects within the Subject Group of Cyber and Computer Networks. The Project (dissertation) module focuses on students pursuing Computer Networks, Cyber Security and Forensics.

I have been teaching variety of modules in Computer Networks. However, currently, I have been teaching and coordinating final undergraduate projects within the Subject Group of Cyber and Computer Networks. The Project (dissertation) module focuses on students pursuing Computer Networks, Cyber Security and Forensics.
I have also been teaching modules on Enterprise Management Application, involving virtualization and project management

I have also been teaching:

Network Server Configuration and Management involving Linux and Microsoft
Enterprise Networks involving the new curriculum of Cisco covering, networking, security, and automation

Cyber and Computer Networks

Research

My major research interest is in designing computer network systems, particularly in the areas of software defined networking, virtualization, and automation via simulation software.

I am also interested in curriculum design and development which shapes students' computational thinking when applying their skills in designing computer networks.

Publications

Conference papers

Mvalo, S., & Bates, C. (2018). Students’ understanding of computational thinking with a focus on decomposition in building network simulations. In CSEDU 2018 Proceedings : 10th International conference on computer supported education, (pp. 245-252). SCITEPRESS: http://doi.org/10.5220/0006693302450252

Book chapters

Mvalo, S. (2018). Students’ understanding of computational thinking with a focus on decomposition in building network simulations. In CSEDU proceedings. Scitepress: http://doi.org/10.5220/0006693302450252

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