Boost for Learning Technology Practitioners
Oxford (UK), June 2008 - The Association for Learning Technology estimates that there are several thousand people employed in the UK with learning technology as a core part of their role. Learning-technology practitioners can gain recognition for their professional experience and capability in learning technology through ALT's national accreditation scheme known as CMALT (Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology).
ALT is currently running regional workshops as part of a scheme supported by JISC (the Joint Information Systems Committee) to enable staff working in UK higher and further education (including Adult and Community and Work-Based Learning) to register for CMALT at a preferential rate of £47.50 until 31 July 2008. Applications under the JISC offer are limited, so candidates are encouraged to register early to ensure they receive the discounted rate.
Sarah Knight, JISC Programme Manager, said, "The growing professionalisation of the learning technologist's role is making a significant impact on the integration of ICT into further and higher education. JISC is delighted to be supporting ALT's efforts in this area, and we hope that a great many people will take advantage of this offer."
The workshops provide an introduction to CMALT and are suitable for people who have never thought about CMALT before, for those who have already made a start on producing an application, and for organisations interested in CMALT as a development option for staff. Workshops will be run on open, participative lines with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Dr Jay Dempster, Certification Manager for the Association for Learning Technology, comments, "So far we have held six regional workshops. Feedback has been very positive and participants have highlighted that attending a CMALT workshop makes the certification process much clearer. Applying for CMALT and building a portfolio is a relatively straightforward process for those who have been working in learning technology for a few years.
The workshop is a way of helping people become involved in brainstorming their skills and experience against the CMALT framework and making a practical start on creating content for their portfolio."
