Dear Members
ALT news digest #35
In this issue:
1. ALT's tenth anniversary
2. ALT news
3. ALT events
4. Other events
5. Other news
6. Vacancies
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1. ALT's tenth anniversary
ALT will be ten years old on Saturday 5 April!
Please see my column in ALT-N 41 (to be posted to you later this
month) for details of the events and publications we have planned to
mark the anniversary.
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2. ALT news
2.1 Sending info for the digest
If you have any items for me to send out in the digest, please:
- send it as text in the body of your email
- keep it brief
- send it to me (not to the list)
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2.2 Members' survey
Thank you to everyone who completed the online surveys.
The data have been collated and will be considered by the ALT
committees at their Strategy Day on 24 April.
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2.3 Useful resources for members
Jay Dempster writes:
Go to the Guided Tour on the RESULTs web site
http://www.results.ac.uk
to see these useful introductory texts:
- Introduction to Learning Technology (ALT)
- Inspiring Learning about Teaching and Assessment (ILTHE)
Do feel free to create links to resources you use in your own
practice, use the the Browse Topics category tree to find the most
appropriate location for your resource or add a new category, and add
new resource by filling in a few bits of information. The resource is
immediately up there and you can then copy it around the tree and
make links with other resources, start discussions from resources,
etc.
Dr Jay Dempster
Head of Educational Technology
Centre for Academic Practice
University of Warwick
Email: [log in to unmask]
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3. ALT events
For booking forms and more information please visit
www.alt.ac.uk/workshops.asp
or email [log in to unmask]
3.1 Peer-to-Peer and eLearning
Bolton Institute of HE
21 May 2003
£80 (ALT members) £130 (non-members)
The first half of this workshop will explore the background to and
ideas behind the p2p (peer-to-peer) paradigm as well as review some
p2p systems. The second half will be a hands-on session using
Colloquia, including a demonstration of how it has been successfully
used to deliver the first year of a fully online distance degree
course. Colloquia is a peer-to-peer (p2p) learning environment that
offers a radical alternative to the Web-server/dumb browser model.
Its development was funded by JISC, and it remains available free of
charge.
Presenters: Oleg Liber, Bill Olivier, Sarah Holyfield
Booking deadline: 7 May 2003
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3.2 How do we manage online learners and learning?
UMIST, Manchester
10 June 2003
£80 (ALT members) £130 (non-members)
This workshop is intended for both teaching/academic and non-academic
staff who are developing e-learning provision and want to consider
the issues and processes. Sessions will be based on discussion and
activities, giving opportunities to explore the topic and share good
practice.
Presenters: Wendy David and Ben Plumpton (UMIST)
Booking deadline: 27 May 2003
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3.3 Using XML for effective eLearning development
Rewley House, University of Oxford
1 July 2003
£80 (ALT members) £130 (non-members)
The aim of this workshop is to show how XML and related technologies
can be used in the production of consistent, high quality learning
materials that meet international standards such as SCORM and IMS.
Various challenges in content production will be explored, along with
suggestions as to how they can be met using XML within a well-defined
workflow. Case studies will be used to demonstrate real production
use of the technologies to create a flexible development process.
Presenters: David Balch and Marion Manton (University of Oxford)
Booking deadline: 17 June 2003
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4. Other events
4.1 A seminar on E-copyright moving into the 21st Century?
Issues for further and higher education
Tuesday 22 April 2003
The Manchester Conference Centre, Weston Building,
UMIST, Sackville Street, Manchester
Cost: £90 (includes refreshments and lunch. No VAT is
payable).
Deadline for bookings: 16 April 2003
Copyright applies as much in cyberspace as it does in the world of
print. What are the ideal approaches to safeguarding institutions
against breaches, to advertising academics, to negotiating for and
acquiring intellectual property rights? More significantly,
academic institutions are also becoming repositories of intellectual
property rights either in terms of e-materials and software
processes or programs. Authors and institutions need guidance as to
best practice.
Who it is aimed at
- Registrars, Pro-Vice Chancellors and other senior managers
responsible for legal compliance.
- Senior managers responsible for information strategies and IT
strategies.
- Central services staff with responsibility for areas such as record
management.
- Web managers, librarians and those working with, or creating
audio-visual and online learning materials.
A seminar on Crime & Punishment:
Protecting ICT users and their information against computer crime
and abuse
June 2003 (date to be confirmed)
London (venue to be confirmed)
Cost: £90 (includes refreshments and lunch. No VAT is payable).
The use of ICT can expose users and their information to new areas of
vulnerability. How can they protect themselves from denial of service
attacks, make safe use of chat rooms or discussion groups? As
creators and suppliers of web-based materials, academic institutions
increase their risk of ISP liability and software piracy. How can
they find the balance between managing the risk and maintaining
academic freedom?
Booking form for both events is available from:
http://www.ukcle.ac.uk/events/jlis.html
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4.2 Teaching Via Videoconferencing
University of Warwick
May 7th, 2003
10:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Videoconferencing through dedicated videoconferencing studios, or by
simply a web-camera on top of a PC, can be used to connect students
and teachers for lectures, tutorials and seminars. This workshop
passes on some of the findings of the ANNIE project, a recent FDTL
project that developed practice in using technology to connect
performing arts students, academics and practitioners at a distance.
http://www.ukc.ac.uk/sdfva/ANNIE/ie/index.htm
To register, contact:
Ralph Brown, Projects Officer, PALATINE
(http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/palatine)
[log in to unmask]
Tel: 01524 593545 Fax: 01524 593939
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4.3 Widening Participation through Online Learning
The Holiday Inn, Royal Victoria, Sheffield
Thursday 8 May 2003, 10.00-16.00.
The Yorkshire and Humber JISC Regional Support Centre invites you to
a conference to explore how ILT can use to widen participation, raise
attainment and engage learners. The conference features The Sheffield
College's national award-winning online GCSE English course. Take
this opportunity to learn about online learning, success factors
involved, team structures, tutor roles as well as technical issues.
The conference is suitable for Senior and Middle Management, teaching
and support staff from further education whose interests are in
widening participation and raising attainment.
Further details and information contact: Jan Everson, RSC-YH
Administrator
[log in to unmask]
Tel: 0113 343 1000 Fax: 0113 343 4652
or see the website for further details:
http://www.rsc-yh.ac.uk
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4.4 The University of Bristol Learning Technology Support Service's
(LTSS)
Third National Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Conference
Theme: VLEs Five Years On: Building on Hindsight
Date: Monday 14 July 2003, 10am-4.30pm
Venue: University of Bristol School of Veterinary Science,
Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EJ
URL: www.ltss.bris.ac.uk/vleday03/
Following the success of our first and second VLE Conferences, our
third conference will address factors that influenced the
implementation of VLE systems five years ago, why some systems worked
and others didn't and what adaptations are now being made.
Our programme of invited speakers includes acknowledged and acclaimed
experts in the area of online learning who will discuss their
experiences and how these have influenced their plans for the future.
Sessions will include plenaries, a variety of structured paper
presentations, a panel/open discussion session and a workshop.
The full conference fee is £125 - to include tea/coffee breaks and a
two-course lunch.
Places for this Conference are limited and will be allocated on a
first-come basis.
Registration details may be found at:
http://www.ltss.bris.ac.uk/vleday03/booking.htm
About the LTSS (Learning Technology Support Service)
The LTSS provides information, advice and assistance to University of
Bristol staff who use, or wish to adopt, learning technology in their
teaching. Our special focus is the effective pedagogical use of
learning technologies.
http://www.ltss.bris.ac.uk
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4.5 2nd Global Conference Virtual Learning and Higher Education
12 to 13 September 2003
Mansfield College, Oxford, UK
Call for Papers
The organisers intend the conference to have the atmosphere of a
working group who engage in a focused and rigorous manner with the
issues raised in the papers selected for presentation. Consequently
it is envisaged that numbers attending the conference will be capped.
In particular, we warmly invite projects-in-process who would like
the benefit of presenting and receiving feedback from the inter-
disciplinary perspectives of those present.
Important Dates:
300 word abstract - Friday 6th June 2003
Full Draft Papers - Friday 15th August 2003
Conference - 12th - 13th September 2003
eBook (ISBN) published - 1st November 2003
Themed hard copy published - 1st June 2004
300 word abstracts should be submitted to both the Organising Joint
Chairs:
Dr David Seth Preston
BRG
92 Colney Hatch Lane
London N10 1EA
Email: [log in to unmask]
Dr Rob Fisher
c/o Learning Solutions
Priory House
149B Wroslyn Road
Freeland, Oxfordshire OX29 8HR
Email: [log in to unmask]
The conference is sponsored by BRG and Learning
Solutions. For further details and information please visit
the conference web site:
http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/vlhe03cfp.htm
or contact the Organising Joint Chairs.
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5. Other news
5.1 INVITATION TO TENDER FOR EVALUATION OF THE JISC MANAGED LEARNING
ENVIRONMENTS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME (01/01)
The JISC wishes to commission a formative evaluation of their Managed
Learning Environments (MLEs) for Lifelong Learning Programme to
inform future progress and strategic direction.
This work will be undertaken over the period June 2003 to June 2005.
The deadline for receipt of proposals is midday on Friday 25 April
2003.
A full invitation to tender and further details can be found at
http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=funding_6_03
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5.2 Access Management service for UK FE and HE renewed
JISC is pleased to announce that the contract to provide an Access
Management service for UK Further and Higher Education has been
awarded to EduServ. This means that institutions will continue to
access electronic resources via the Athens system for a further three
years, from 1 August 2003 - 31 July 2006.
Representatives from the JISC's Committee for Content Services (JCCS)
undertook a thorough review of the technical requirements of the
Access Management service during the procurement process to ensure
that the chosen provider will supply a service that fully meets the
needs of the educationcommunity. JISCand EduServ will continue to
work together over the next three years to further develop the
Athensservice for the benefit of the community.
Please see the EduServ announcement at
http://www.athensams.net/news/jisc_contract2003.html
for further information.
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5.3 An Evaluation of TechDis
JISC has commissioned an evaluation of the TechDis service, and this
is being undertaken by the Higher Education Consultancy Group.
TechDis has been in operation since February 2001, and located
within the Technologies Centre at the Learning and Teaching Support
Network (LTSN) at York. In summary, the role of the service is to
support FE and HE in all aspects of technology and disabilities
and/or learning difficulties.
The two main objectives of the evaluation as defined by JISC are:
· To review demand for a service such as TechDis in the UK FE and HE
community, including specialist colleges and the adult and community
learning sector.
· To assess the work of TechDis since its establishment and comment
on whether an extension of contract would be appropriate.
The evaluation will be seeking information on the impact of TechDis
from a number of sources, including: key stakeholders; professional
associations; service users within HEIs and FECs; other JISC
services; and intermediary bodies such as LTSN subject centres, and
regional support centres.
Further information concerning the evaluation can be obtained from
either of the two consultants involved: Allan Schofield, Head of the
Higher Education Consultancy Group (who is leading the evaluation) at
[log in to unmask] or Caroline Davies at
[log in to unmask]
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5.4 JISC CIRCULAR 3/03: JISC ADVISORY SERVICE FOR OPEN SOURCE
SOFTWARE: INVITATION TO TENDER
The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) has published the
above JISC Circular to the UK FE and HE community. The pilot advisory
service is designed to collate and disseminate information about the
availability, and the respective strengths and weaknesses, of Open
Source Software products relevant to UK FE and HE. The initial period
of the service is from 1 July 2003 - 31 July 2005.
The deadline for proposals from institutions bidding to host the
service is 12 noon on Thursday 8th May 2003. An electronic copy of
this invitation can be found at:
http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=circular_3_03
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5.5 Summative Evaluation of JISC HE Learning and Teaching Programme
The JISC wishes to commission experienced evaluators to undertake a
summative (final) evaluation of its HE Learning and Teaching
Programme and associated activities.
The overall intention of this evaluation is to provide information on
the major benefits derived from the programme including performance
against original objectives.
The contract will run from mid June 2003 - early February 2004 at a
cost of up to £90,000 inclusive of VAT.
The deadline for submission of full proposals is midday on Friday 9
May 2003.
Full details about the tender invitation can be found at:
http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=funding_8_03
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6. Vacancies
6.1 UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
DEPARTMENT FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
WEB DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER
Grade: Research Grade 2
Salary Range: £25,451 to £33,679 per annum
The University of Oxford's Technology-Assisted Lifelong Learning Unit
(TALL) has been at the forefront of online education since its
inception in 1996 (www.tall.ox.ac.uk). The remit of the unit is to
research the technology and pedagogy of online learning, to feed the
results into the production of quality learning experiences for both
the University and high profile external clients.
TALL now requires an individual with the unusual combination of
technical, communication and leadership skills to join the team.
Responsible for communicating technical requirements to a non-
technical audience (and vice versa) and managing both the day-to-day
and long term strategy of the Unit (with respect to technical
development), the Web Development Team Leader will play a key role in
the success of TALL.
The Web Development Team Leader will demonstrate practical experience
in programming XML, XSLT and JavaScript, as well as the development
of high quality websites using industry standard tools such as
PhotoShop, ImageReady and Flash. A prerequisite three years
experience gained in an academic or similar environment developing
elearning materials would be beneficial. Technical ability should be
supported by at least one year's experience of team leadership.
If you think you have the experience, technical and interpersonal
skills required and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to
the future of online education please request application forms and
further particulars from Anne Holmes ([log in to unmask]),
OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA. Five copies of the
application form, a covering letter and CV with names/addresses of
three referees (overseas applicants one copy) should be returned by
noon on 17 April 2003. It is expected that interviews will be held
on Wednesday 30 April 2003. Quote reference EQ03016.
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The digest returns on 16 April.
All notices, jobs, news to me by 15 April, please.
Best wishes
Rhonda
Rhonda Riachi, Director
Association for Learning Technology
Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1865 484125 Fax: +44 (0)1865 484165
Email: [log in to unmask] URL: http://www.alt.ac.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1063519
ALT-C 2003: Communities of practice, 8-10 Sept 2003
Tenth anniversary conference: www.shef.ac.uk/alt/
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