Association for Learning Technology
Fortnightly news Digest 241, issued on 23 January 2012

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http://www.researchinlearningtechnology.net



Table of Contents
1. ALT news
2. ALT events
3. News
4. Other events
5. Calls for proposals
6. Funding calls
7. Job vacancies
8. ALT Online Newsletter - links to articles from the most recent issue
9. Current issue (19.3) of the ALT Journal - Research in Learning 
Technology


1. ALT News

1.1 Minutes of the 2011 ALT AGM now available
The president approved minutes of the 2011 ALT AGM, held in Leeds on 7 
September 2011, are now available on the ALT Open Access Repository at 
http://repository.alt.ac.uk/2206/

1.2 How Learning Technology is used in schools - your views are needed
With the schools-based NIACE, ALT is working with the Department for 
Education to encourage public discussion about what technology can do 
for learning, through the website http://schoolstech.org.uk, whose 
establishment the Education Secretary welcomed in his speech at BETT - 
http://goo.gl/RAfmO - calling for "a serious, intelligent conversation 
about how technology will transform education". Readers - be they 
parents, teachers, researchers or from industry - can make their views 
known at http://schoolstech.org.uk.

1.3 Research in Learning Technology is now Open Access
On January 1 2012 our journal Research in Learning Technology became an 
Open Access journal. As a result the last 19 Volumes are freely 
available at the journal's new web site 
http://researchinlearningtechnology.net/. If you are a Twitter user we'd 
love you to publicise the change, and you may wish to reuse the 
following text for this (or other) purposes. "Research in Learning 
Technology is now #OpenAccess. Articles from the last 19 years freely 
available at ow.ly/8eZce @A_L_T". Thank you.

1.4 Digital Inclusion and Learning - Call for Papers for a Special Issue 
of Research in Learning Technology
* Guest Editors: Jane Seale, Professor of Education, Plymouth 
University, UK; William Dutton, Professor of Internet Studies, Oxford 
Internet Institute, University of Oxford, UK.
* Deadlines: Abstracts can be submitted to Jane Seale for informal 
feedback until 1 March 2012.; Papers should be submitted via the online 
submission system by 1 May 2012.
For the full call go to 
http://www.alt.ac.uk/publications/rlt/callforpapers20.4

1.5 ALT-C 2012 - a confrontation with reality: call for proposals
* The 19th international conference of the Association for Learning 
Technology will be held at the University of Manchester, UK, 11-13 
September 2012.
* The conference themes are Problem solving, Mainstreaming, Openness and 
sharing, sustainability, and Entrepreneurialism.
* The submission system will open during January 2012.
To access the detailed call for Abstracts go to http://goo.gl/lYgY5.
To access the detailed call for Proceedings Papers go to 
http://goo.gl/btuIr.

1.6 Any employee of an ALT member organisation is entitled to join ALT 
individually at no cost as an Associate Member. You can do this in 
seconds from http://goo.gl/fOCYC

1.7 ALT Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
ALT Special Interest Groups bring together individuals or organisations 
within ALT around a common theme. Here are links to each of our active SIGs:
* Inclusive Learning SIG (ILSIG) http://goo.gl/CQNQX;
* Learning Environment Review SIG (LERSIG) http://goo.gl/3MgBO;
* Video in Education SIG (ViTAL) http://goo.gl/oqV7n;
* Games and Learning SIG (GLSIG) http://goo.gl/01OtH;
* Politics and Critical Theory SIG (PACT) http://goo.gl/Hhzjp;
* White Rose Learning Technologists' Forum (WRLT SIG) http://goo.gl/LLmJM.


2. ALT events

2.1 E Readers for Learning: implications for policy and practice of 
using Kindles, Ipads and other handheld devices to access text
This is a joint seminar run by ALT and the National Institute of Adult 
Continuing Education (NIACE) and will take place in Leicester on 15 
February 2012. For more information and to book go to http://goo.gl/wA0Mo

2.2 To what extent should learning design be supported computationally?
Book early for this 90 minute webinar-based discussion between Diana 
Laurillard and Stephen Downes, to take place between 17.00 and 18.30 GMT 
on 22 February 2012. Go to http://goo.gl/qbGxg.

2.3 The ALT/ELN webinar schedule for 2012
This is as follows, with fuller details soon to appear on the ALT web site.
* Writing effective assessment questions.
* The psychology of learning.
Both webinars *will* run, but they will *not* run on the previously 
advertised dates. Please look out for new dates being published for 
2012. We apologise if this decision – which results from difficulties in 
making arrangements with the presenters – inconveniences you.
http://www.alt.ac.uk/events

2.4 Flowing from October’s meeting of all four of ALT’s Operational 
Committees, several events are now in the pipeline including:
* a one-day event about large-scale curriculum redesign modelled on last 
June’s successful Lecture Capture conference 
(http://www.alt.ac.uk/events/lecture-capture-conference) for 
particularly (but not exclusively) FE;
* an event for learning technology researchers and research managers, 
with the working title “Getting to grips with impact in the learning 
technology field”.
Dates to be announced shortly.


3. News

3.1 Michael Gove on technology in learning
The final section of Michael Gove's 1/12/2011 speech to the Schools 
Network conference - from "Digital networks" onwards - has some 
interesting pointers to Government thinking on technology in the schools 
in England. See http://goo.gl/KNBsd

3.2 Knowledge Transfer: New Games, New Rules
JISC infoNet are pleased to announce the launch of a new infoKit – 
‘Knowledge Transfer 2.0’, or ‘KT2.0’. This resource integrates current 
innovation theory, modern social media tools and current thinking on 
market behaviour or motivation, to provide a more effective model of 
Knowledge Transfer; a model that is capable of delivering more with less.
For more background and context about the resource see http://goo.gl/2qEHX
View the new infoKit at http://goo.gl/SX69p


4. Other events

4.1 JISC TechDis Tuesdays - dialogues to make a difference
TechDis Tuesdays are online fortnightly workshops where we: present a 
short video conversation on a specific accessibility theme; facilitate a 
live ‘accessibility clinic’ on the day’s topic, providing an opportunity 
for people to swap stories, compare experiences and discuss good 
practice; signpost relevant resources from JISC TechDis and other 
partner organisations.
Sessions are scheduled to last 20 minutes but lively discussions could 
go on for longer. Sessions start at 13.00 on the appropriate day. For 
further information please go to http://tinyurl.com/chqdt69

4.2 SCORE OER Residential Course: Call for Applications
An intensive one week course providing education specialists with the 
foundational knowledge needed to engage with Open Educational Resources 
(OER). Further information and application forms available at 
http://goo.gl/PpSMm

4.3 Live Webinars: "What You Need to Know About Live Webcasting and 
Lecture Capture" and "The Many Flavours of Hybrid Events"
Sonic Foundry, Inc will host two live webinars this month as part of the 
company’s continuing best practice series. The webinars are titled: "And 
We’re Live: What You Need To Know About Live Webcasting and Lecture 
Capture" and "The Many Flavours of Hybrid Events." To register for these 
complimentary webinars, which go live on Tuesday, January 24, visit 
www.sonicfoundry.com/webcasts.

4.4 Ireland & UK Moodlemoot 2012 – Dublin
It has been a few years since a Moodlemoot has been held in Ireland, so 
we are delighted to announce that the Ireland & UK Moodlemoot 2012 will 
be held in Dublin, Ireland. We invite you to join us and other members 
of the Ireland and UK Moodle community for 3 days in Dublin this April 
2-4, at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Dublin. The conference will 
enable connecting and sharing between practitioners and administrators 
from across Ireland and the United Kingdom.
For more information and registration please visit - http://moodlemoot.ie/

4.5 Media & Learning Conference 2012 to take place 14-15 November 2012
The annual Media & Learning Conference, aimed at policy makers, service 
providers and practitioners, will take place on 14-15 November 2012 in 
Brussels. It is being organised in collaboration with the Flemish 
Ministry of Education and Training and the European Commission 
Directorate-General for Education and Culture. The programme will 
include lots of new features including the annual MEDEA Awards Ceremony 
and presentations from all 2012 finalists. To be involved in the 
programme development, contact the organisers at 
[log in to unmask] The closing date for submitting proposals is 
1 June 2012, more information will be online shortly at 
http://www.media-and-learning.eu.

4.6 PebblePad 3 Roadshow
During late March 2012 Pebble Learning are organizing a number of 
showcase events around the country to give people a chance to see a 
completely new and redesigned version of PebblePad. After each event 
we'll be making a PebblePad3 trial account available so that all 
attendees can put the new system to the test for themselves. There is no 
charge for attending these events and refreshments will be provided. 
Places are limited so please book at http://www.pebblepad.co.uk/roadshow/.

4.7 Futures for Knowledge, Follow the Sun 2012 online conference, 28-30 
March
Follow the Sun is a 48 hour global online conference co-hosted by Beyond 
Distance Research Alliance, UK, Australian Digital Futures Institute, 
Australia, and Athabasca University, Canada. It is sponsored by 
Blackboard Collaborate(TM). Please join us as we explore the Futures for 
Knowledge in a multidisciplinary mix of keynote speakers, moderated 
panel discussions and technological showcases. Registration is FREE for 
all delegates: http://tinyurl.com/followthesun

4.8 Conference announcement: Global TIME: Global Conference on 
Technology, Innovation, Media & Education (AACE) February 7-9, 2012
The Global TIME online conference serves as a means to connect and 
engage creative educators, researchers, consultants, training managers, 
policy makers, curriculum developers, entrepreneurs, and others in the 
topics and fields in which they are passionate.
More information on the AACE website at http://www.aace.org/conf/gtime/

4.9 Free MEL SIG Event - Using Digital Media - University of Salford, 
3rd February, 2012
The day will be the usual mix of workshops and presentations with 
sessions for beginners and experienced podcasters. Come and join us to 
find out how digital media is being used by many practitioners in the 
North West and beyond…
To see the programme, visit the MELSIG wiki - http://goo.gl/fWbr7
To reserve a place, please contact Lisa Rojas – [log in to unmask]


5. Calls for proposals

5.1 Call for Papers: 11th World Conference on Mobile and Contextual 
Learning mLearn 2012 - Mobile Learning in Context, 16-18 October 2012 in 
Helsinki, Finland
Submissions are invited for:
* Long papers (8 pages)
* Short papers (3 pages)
* Posters (250 words)
* Workshops (3 pages)
* Tutorials (2 pages)
* Industry showcases (1-2 pages)
* Doctoral Consortium (4 pages)
Deadline for submissions: 30 May 2012
Conference website: www.mlearn.org/mlearn2012

5.2 7th International Blended Learning Conference - Call for proposals
The University of Hertfordshire’s Learning and Teaching Institute is 
pleased to announce the 'Seventh International Blended Learning 
Conference' in partnership with JISC Advance at The Fielder Centre, 
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK on 13th and 14th June 2012. 
The title of this year’s conference is “Reflecting on our achievements – 
What’s next for technology-enhanced learning and teaching?” The 
conference will once again have an international flavour and will also 
provide a unique opportunity to hear from work associated with current 
JISC projects and programmes. http://goo.gl/NglEY

5.3 CFP Journal of Virtual Worlds Special Issue: Asian Perspectives
The Journal of Virtual Worlds Research (http://jvwresearch.org/) is 
happy to announce the call for this "Asian Perspectives on Virtual 
Worlds" issue.
Guest Editors: Kenneth Y T Lim, National Institute of Education, 
Singapore; Young Hoan Cho, National Institute of Education, Singapore; 
Michael Vallance, Future University, Hakodate, Japan.
Deadline for submission of abstracts: March 1 2012.
Full details at http://goo.gl/BxDSF

5.4 The International Journal of Learning Technology (IJLT) seeks papers 
in 2012
IJLT is an international, refereed, scholarly journal providing an 
interdisciplinary forum for the presentation and discussion of important 
ideas, concepts, and exemplars that can deeply influence the role of 
learning technologies in learning and instruction. This unique and 
dynamic journal focuses on the epistemological thrust of learning 
vis-à-vis instruction and the technologies and tools that support the 
process. IJLT publishes papers related to theoretical foundations, 
design and implementation, and effectiveness and impact issues related 
to learning technologies.
Website at http://goo.gl/gNiqV

5.5 Eighth Annual Rich Media Impact Awards
Call for nominations for the eighth annual Rich Media Impact Awards, an 
honour recognizing excellence in the practical and creative integration 
of Mediasite. Winners will be announced at a ceremony webcast live at 
UNLEASH 2012, the Mediasite User Conference, taking place May 7-9 at the 
Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin.
Call for speakers http://goo.gl/pP34r.
Deadline for nominations: 29 February 2012
http://goo.gl/02xBZ


6. Funding calls

6.1 JISC Grant Funding 20/11: Embedding impact analysis in research 
using BCE practitioners - Second Round
The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) invites institutions to 
submit funding proposals for partnership projects to embed good practice 
in impact analysis in research departments utilising the expertise of 
Business and Community Engagement practitioners and information 
management specialists. Funding of up to £30,000 per project is 
available to support three-way collaborative partnerships comprising:
*Research groups seeking to develop their capabilities in analysing and 
articulating the impact and benefits of their research;
*Business and Community Engagement (BCE) practitioners with expertise in 
identifying external impact and benefits, and designing institutional 
services for this purpose;
*Leading research information management expertise and resources for 
impact evidence.
The full text of the call is available here - http://goo.gl/tPGvo


7. Jobs

7.1 Canterbury Christ Church University
Strategic Director (Resources) Office
Learning Technologist
LT1/LTEU
£29,972 - £31,798
Full time, Fixed term post until 31 July 2013
Closing date: 27 January 2012
Informal enquiries to: Phil Poole
http://goo.gl/mPVpa

7.2 Anglia Ruskin University
IT Services
Senior Technical Project Manager (Virtual Learning Environment)
£35,938 - £44,166
Full time, Permanent
Closing date: 2 February 2012
Informal enquiries to: [log in to unmask]
http://goo.gl/qKZBr

7.3 There is a regular supply of mainly US jobs in the learning 
technology field at http://www.salt.org/salt.asp?ss=l&pn=joblistall, 
with a helpful RSS feed at http://www.salt.org/Weblink/SaltJobs.rss.


8. ALT Online Newsletter - links to articles from Issue 25, published in 
November 2011

Table of contents for Issue 25 - http://newsletter.alt.ac.uk/tag/issue-25/

Article – ‘ALT-C 2011 – Thriving in a colder and more challenging 
climate’ by Julie Voce
http://goo.gl/LkYl1

Article – ‘What Can We Learn From Stanford University’s Free Online 
Computer Science Courses?’ by Seb Schmoller
http://goo.gl/2ddmW

Article – ‘Developing and Reviewing Online Courses: Items for 
Consideration’ by Clayton R. Wright
http://goo.gl/d2QSN

Article – ‘The elements of e-assessment’ by Sophie White
http://goo.gl/ibx80

Article – ‘Supporting Learners with Activity Data’ by Tom Franklin 
http://goo.gl/cSRhm

Article – ‘Get set, ready and GO! ELT Blogathon 2012’ by Şirin Soyöz
http://goo.gl/AQGox

Article – ‘Future of Technology in Education Conference 2011’ by Frank 
Steiner
http://goo.gl/S0PLZ


9. Most recent issue of Research in Learning Technology, the Journal of 
the Association for Learning Technology (previously ALT-J) – published 
online on 23 November.

Research in Learning Technology is now Open Access and published by 
Co-Action Publishing. Articles from the last 19 years are now freely 
available on the journal's new website where you can also find more 
information about the journal. http://goo.gl/QukuN

DOIs for the articles listed below will again be included in the next 
issue of the digest.


Table of contents http://goo.gl/P2FCY

Editorial – “Theory in Learning Technology”
Chris Jones & Laura Czerniewicz
http://goo.gl/mDxPC

Article – “Talking back to theory: the missed opportunities in learning 
technology research”
Sue Bennett & Martin Oliver
http://goo.gl/hYlP1

Article – “Theorising knowledge practices: a missing piece of the 
educational technology puzzle”
Sarah Howard & Karl Maton
http://goo.gl/AWdLM

Article – “The socio-materiality of learning practices and implications 
for the field of learning technology”
Aditya Johri
http://goo.gl/Y3eD1

Article – “Mobilities, moorings and boundary marking in developing 
semantic technologies in educational practices”
Richard Edwards, Fran Tracy & Katy Jordan
http://goo.gl/IoKwQ

Article – “The roles and uses of design principles for developing the 
trialogical approach on learning”
Sami Paavola, Minna Lakkala, Hanni Muukkonen, Kari Kosonen & Klas Karlgren
http://goo.gl/luSyd

Article – “Technologies for learning? An actor-network theory critique 
of ‘affordances’ in research on mobile learning”
Steve Wright & Gale Parchoma
http://goo.gl/vQW7D

Article – “Situated, embodied and social problem-solving in virtual worlds”
Andrew Cram, John G. Hedberg, Maree Gosper & Geoff Dick
http://goo.gl/W5qX1

Article – “Revealing the transformatory moment of learning technology: 
the place of critical social theory”
Richard Hall
http://goo.gl/tHFrS

Article – “The social construction of educational technology through the 
use of authentic software tools”
Allan Jones & Christopher Bissell
http://goo.gl/xuFVq

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The digest returns on 3 February 2012. All news, jobs, events, etc, to 
the form at 
http://www.alt.ac.uk/publications-and-resources/publications/alt-news-digest 
   by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 1 February 2012. This issue was compiled 
by those who submitted content for it, and very lightly edited by Anna 
Davidge.
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Disclaimer. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that the ALT Digest is 
accurate. But ALT does not vouch for the accuracy of information 
provided on web sites to which the digest links, and opinions expressed 
on those sites should not be construed to be those of ALT.