Sara de Freitas
Dr. Sara de Freitas is an educator, author, and researcher with 30 years of experience in academia, as well as in shaping education and policy within the ICT and EdTech sectors across both public and private spheres. She earned her PhD in Information Science and has held senior roles at universities in the United Kingdom and Australia, including positions such as Governor of the Board of the University of Sunderland, Director of Research, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Visiting Professor.
Her research focuses on digital education, learning analytics, learner engagement, and education policy. Dr. de Freitas has led over 50 research and development projects, serving as a Scientific Coordinator for a European Union network of excellence and as an investigator on Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council grants.
She has published seven books and over 100 journal and conference papers. Recognized by Fast Company as one of 2009’s Most Influential Women in Technology, her work includes frameworks and learning models outlined in her book Education in Computer Generated Environments, published in 2017.
Dr. de Freitas consults with educational technology start-ups, government departments, universities, and research groups to support innovation and best practices. She currently serves as a Governor on the Board of Sunderland University, contributing her expertise in widening participation, curriculum design, and systems analysis. Professor de Freitas is currently engaged in a £2 million project funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board, focusing on the creation of highly immersive learning games aimed at fulfilling business training requirements.
Most Cited Publications:
De Freitas, S., & Oliver, M. (2006). How can exploratory learning with games and simulations within the curriculum be most effectively evaluated?. Computers & education, 46(3), 249-264.
De Freitas, S. (2006). Learning in immersive worlds: A review of game-based learning.
Arnab, S., Lim, T., Carvalho, M. B., Bellotti, F., De Freitas, S., Louchart, S., ... & De Gloria, A. (2015). Mapping learning and game mechanics for serious games analysis. British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(2), 391-411.
De Freitas, S., & Neumann, T. (2009). The use of ‘exploratory learning’for supporting immersive learning in virtual environments. Computers & Education, 52(2), 343-352.
De Freitas, S. I., Morgan, J., & Gibson, D. (2015). Will MOOCs transform learning and teaching in higher education? Engagement and course retention in online learning provision. British journal of educational technology, 46(3), 455-471.
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