JISC

The Association for Learning Technology is launching a 50 per cent reduction on certification fees for learning technology practitioners applying to become Certified Members of the Association. The limited offer applies to applications received up to 31 July 2008 and is part-funded by a grant from JISC’s e-Learning Programme.

Learning technologists are actively involved in managing, researching, supporting or enabling learning with the use of ICT. Work ranges from digitising art-historical content to using games technology for educational purposes, electronic portfolios, online resources for patient case information for medical students and virtual worlds such as Second Life. It also includes research and development in the learning technology domain.

'Learning technology is playing an increasingly important role in education and training in the UK'.

Any individual working in UK higher or further education (including Adult & Community Learning and Work  Based Learning) may apply for the discount.

Seb Schmoller, Chief Executive of ALT, says, 'We expect plenty of interest in the special offer for CMALT applicants.  Learning technology is playing an increasingly important role in education and training in the UK, and certification is one way for learning technologists to have their experience and capabilities judged by peers, and to demonstrate that they are taking a committed and serious approach to their professional development.'

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.'

David Burrows, Director of Public Sector, Strategy and Marketing, Microsoft UK, says, 'We recognise the value of schemes like CMALT, with its emphasis on enhancing the professional standing of people whose work involves the effective application of IT in teaching and learning, wherever they are employed.'

STOP PRESS:  In a new development, a team working towards CMALT at Salford University has just launched an online group portfolio initiative that offers collaborative and individual spaces for CMALT applicants to reflect on their practice and professional challenges. The system will use a software platform called freefolio, and provide online peer support to help break the ‘circles of isolation’ that learning technologists can experience when working within a single institution.

For more information regarding CMALT