Association for Learning Technology
Fortnightly news Digest 272 issued on 19 April 2013
Please submit items for the ALT Fortnightly Digest, including job vacancies, via the form at http://goo.gl/LlJ3y.
The deadline for the next issue of the Digest is 12.00 on Wednesday 01 May for the Digest to be issued on Friday 03 May 2013.
Key links: http://www.alt.ac.uk/key-links
Table of Contents
1. ALT news
2. ALT events
3. News
4. Other events
5. Calls for proposals
6. Funding calls
7. Open Educational Resources
8. Job vacancies
9. ALT Online Newsletter - links to articles from the latest Issue
10. Current articles the ALT Journal - Research in Learning Technology
1. ALT News
1.1 Calls for nominations for Honorary Life Membership
ALT awards Honorary Life Membership to individuals whom ALT believes have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the advancement of ALT's aims for the development of learning technology in a regional, national or international context through research, practice, policy-development, leadership, or a combination of these.
Closing date 20 May 2013
http://www.alt.ac.uk/hlm
1.2 Robin Mason Fellowships
ALT has set up a fund to commemorate Robin Mason’s life. The purpose of the fellowship fund is to support researchers who cannot otherwise come to the annual conference. You can now contribute to the fund at
http://www.alt.ac.uk/robinmasonfellowships
1.3 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
2. ALT events
2.1 Using Tablets to Promote Inclusive Learning and Teaching Webinar, 25 April 2013
The next Association for Learning Technology (ALT) ILSIG Online takes place on the Thursday 25th April at 1.30pm.
Ron Mitchell of mitchellmedia will give a general overview of his experiences and recent project support work. Speakers on accessibility and inclusion include Julia Taylor of Jisc RSC South West. Participants will have the opportunity to pose questions and to explore the potential of this technology in an inclusive environment.
Please contact [log in to unmask] with any queries
http://tinyurl.com/cp3slg6
2.2 CMALT Webinar for Candidates, 09 May 2013, 12:30-13:30 BST
The session is designed to provide information and support to candidates looking to complete their portfolios in the next few months.
http://goo.gl/Nte8d
2.3 New ALT Regional Sig - North West England Group, 5 June 2013
ALT supports informal networks in local areas for example the White Rose and the M25 Learning Technology groups. We propose to launch a similar group primarily covering Lancashire, Cumbria and Cheshire. An initial meeting will be held at Liverpool John Moores University on Wednesday the 5th of June 2013. The meeting will set an agenda for the group and prepare for a formal application for a NW area Sig. Please notify us of your interest, even if you cannot attend the first meeting.
If anyone would like to know more about the proposed group, please contact Alex Spiers: [log in to unmask] or Chris Jones: [log in to unmask]
2.4 altc2013 Building new cultures of learning
The 20th annual conference of the Association for Learning Technology will be held at the University of Nottingham, 10-12 September 2013.
More information is at http://goo.gl/TOiAk
3. News
3.1 National Student Change Agent Network
Jisc has funded a project to create a network to support student change agents and those staff working with them, and help share resources and approaches which have been successful. The network has now established a community website. On this site you will find links to resources, national projects involving students as well as hints and tips for successfully delivering sustainable change. Importantly, join the forums!
http://www.hei-flyers.org
3.2 New book: Into the wild - technology for open educational resources
This book by Amber Thomas, Lorna M. Campbell, Phil Barker and Martin Hawksey (Eds) looks at what was tried and what was learnt during the three years of the UK OER programme by way of technology to support OER management and dissemination.
The book can be ordered print on demand or downloaded in various free formats from:
http://goo.gl/dMLvk
4. Events
4.1 ReadSpeaker: How online text to speech helps learners (Webinar), 24 April 2013, 13:00-14:00 BST
Case Study Presentation demonstrating benefits of text-to-speech within the eLearning environment. The aims of the event are to obtain greater understanding of how text-to-speech is utilized to optimise the eLearning experience for students and bi/multi-modal learning benefits.
http://goo.gl/DV4aX
4.2 Making sense of MOOC workshop, 24 April 2013, 14:00-18:00 BST
A thought leadership workshop about harnessing the internet for effective teaching and learning between Secondary FE and HE. The aim is to bring together a selective group of top independent, state schools and FE Colleges with their counterparts in HE to see how this new online paradigm can be made to work smarter and more effectively for the next generation of our students. There will be topical presentations on strategy, content, assessment and the deployment of new online technologies, presented by experts within these fields.
Merchant Taylors School, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2HT
http://goo.gl/j7dgJ
4.3 From E-Learning to Active Learning: Transforming the Learning Environment, 25 April, 16:00 BST
By utilising blended learning technologies, the UCL E-Learning Environments team realises the potential to deliver an active learning experience to instructors and students alike. Join this global webinar event to learn from three UCL experts who will share how to leverage technologies to increase student engagement and collaboration, determine if MOOCs are a critical part of distance learning, flip the classroom, and more!
http://goo.gl/jXIly
4.4 Teaching with eBooks: experiences from the award winning scheme at Plymouth, 1 May 2013, 11:00-12:00 BST
Associate Professor Phil Gee will talk about the Guardian award winning eBooks programme that he has lead at the University of Plymouth. He will share his experiences of teaching with interactive eBooks, the benefits they can bring, and the feedback he has had from his students. There will also be time for questions.
tinyurl.com/d9ty23u
4.5 New Approaches To Digital Literacies: One day meeting, 10 May 2013
This one-day event will offer new perspectives on different types of digital literacies, with plenty of opportunities for participants to join in the discussions. The morning session (11am-1pm) will be a workshop focusing on the development of ‘informed researchers’ and digital literacies, while the second half (2-4pm) will offer theoretical insights into academic literacies and popular digital literacy practices. Lunch will be provided between.
http://goo.gl/VkWeX
4.6 eLearning Africa 2013, 29-31 May, 2013
The conference, which is the Continent's leading forum for the technology-assisted learning industry, will be bringing together a wide range of perspectives on ICT for development, education and training in Windhoek, Namibia, May 29th-31st. Now in its eighth year, eLearning Africa will be celebrating the rise of Made in Africa solutions. The conference will also be preceded by the annual eLearning Africa round table meeting of education and ICT ministers from across Africa.
http://www.elearning-africa.com/
4.7 EdTech Europe, London, 14 June, 2013
EdTech Europe is an exclusive one day summit addressing the current industry and investment trends in education technology and e-learning for both the academic and professional learning sectors. The event will bring together senior executives from established professional learning and education players, innovators disrupting the established market order and leading European institutional investors to explore the business of education and act as a catalyst for the consolidation and investment required in the sector.
http://goo.gl/bQ7vK
4.8 Workshop on teaching agent-based modelling in the biosciences, 25 April 2013
Oxford University is offering a free workshop on how to teach computer modelling. We will show how a web-based tool called the Behaviour Composer can be used to help students construct, analyse and discuss complex agent-based computer models in 3-hour practical classes. The workshop will include a hands-on session but no programming experience is required. While the focus of this workshop is teaching ABM in the life sciences instructors from other fields are welcome.
http://goo.gl/Y3e1i
4.9 The Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL)
A blended-learning leadership development program sponsored by Penn State and the Sloan Consortium serving to prepare the next generation of institutional leaders in online learning. Participants are challenged to transition from the operational and management aspects of their careers to becoming the strategic leaders for a new higher education platform consisting of face-to-face, blended and online learning options. Application Deadline April 26, 2013.
http://sloanconsortium.org/ielol
4.10 Providing viable and flexible technology enhanced learning solutions for an increasingly agile student community, University of Derby, 3 May 2013
This HEA funded workshop will focus on the different ways that technology can support flexible learning solutions for students. The sessions within the workshop look at how to build feedback and feedforward approaches, using video to provide engaging pre-session activities, and how tools like Google Apps can be used to offer flexible online spaces for students to collaborate.
http://goo.gl/DjGMB
4.11 Universities UK's Open and Online Learning conference, 16 May 2013
The online learning landscape has changed dramatically over the past year, and the UK higher education sector is aiming to make the most of the opportunities that these developments present. Delegates will have the opportunity to explore their institution’s approach to this increasingly important area of higher education, and help shape the agenda for online learning in the UK.
http://goo.gl/jm1Ei
5. Calls for proposals
5.1 Scholarship and Literacies in a Digital Age - Call for Papers for a Special Issue of Research in Learning Technology
Deadline for submission of papers: 1 May
The December 2012 call for papers for a Special Issue of Research in Learning Technology, the Journal of the Association for Learning Technology (Volume 21, Number 4) can be found at http://goo.gl/7tzMY
5.2 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering (TALE), Indonesia, 26-29 August 2013
Deadline for paper submissions: 26 April
The 2013 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering (TALE 2013) will be held at the Dynasty Resort, Bali, Indonesia. The theme of this year's conference is "Science & Engineering Education for Humanity".
http://goo.gl/eUnmJ
5.3 Conference: iPads in Higher Education, Paphos, 20-22 March 2014
Deadline for submission of abstracts: 8 June
IHE is the world’s first international research conference about iPad use in Higher Education (HE). You are invited to join scholars, learning technologists and practitioners from across the globe to share insights into teaching practice and student learning in an interdisciplinary and collaborative interchange of experience. The conference seeks to provide a common forum for the varied forms of research on the use of iPads HE, and to explore innovative models of learning using the iPad.
http://ipadsinhe.org/
6. Funding calls
6.1 Using digital technology to improve the attainment of disadvantaged pupils - a new EEF/Nominet Trust funding call: closes April 2013
The EEF and Nominet Trust are seeking proposals for projects that use digital technology to improve the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. We believe that digital technology could make a significant difference to disadvantaged pupils in challenging schools. We are looking for initiatives that build on the existing evidence about effective teaching and learning practices, and use digital technology to make these practices more effective or efficient.
For more information see http://goo.gl/f2B2c
7. Open Educational Resources
7.1 European TEL Thesaurus and dictionary
A group of European leaders in TEL, led by Nicolas Balacheff, is putting together an open access Thesaurus and Dictionary of TEL, in multiple languages, as a service to the community. Nicolas is looking for further entries to be written on e.g.: Pervasive Learning, Augmented Reality Learning, Handheld Learning, Blended Learning and would be happy to have offers of further topics that are not in the list. A Thesaurus entry is short (one page) in a structured format, and you will be credited as editor of that entry.
Contact Nicolas Balacheff: [log in to unmask]
www.tel-thesaurus.net/wiki/
7.2 CETIS Analytics Series
The CETIS Analytics Series explores a number of key issues around the potential strategic advantages and insights which the increased attention on, and use of, analytics is bringing to the education sector.
For more information: http://goo.gl/gwmZ2
8. Jobs
8.1 Coventry University London Campus (CULC)
Learning Technologies Officer
CULCO81
£29,750
Closing date: 22 April, 2013
Informal enquiries to: [log in to unmask]
http://goo.gl/GEguU
8.2 Learning Technology, Loughborough College
e-Learning Manager
up to £38,872 pa
Full time, Permanent
Closing date: 26 April, 2013
Informal enquiries to: Peter Dickson [log in to unmask] 01509618064
http://goo.gl/QmvT9
8.3 Learning Technology, Loughborough College
Senior Learning Technologist
£27,225
Full time, Permanent
Closing date: 26 April, 2013
Informal enquiries to: Peter Dickson [log in to unmask] 01509618064
http://goo.gl/QmvT9
8.4 Learning Technology, Loughborough College
Learning Technologist
£19,081
Full time, Permanent
Closing date: 26 April, 2013
Informal enquiries to: Peter Dickson [log in to unmask] 01509618064
http://goo.gl/QmvT9
8.5 Business School, University of Edinburgh
Learning Technologist
12583
£30,424 - £36,298
Full time, Permanent
Closing date: 2 May, 2013
Informal enquiries to: Dr Paul Caban, [log in to unmask]
http://goo.gl/24mGt
8.6 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.
9. ALT Online Newsletter
The newsletter website is at: http://newsletter.alt.ac.uk/
Latest Articles
Article – “Chief Executive’s Report” by Maren Deepwell
http://goo.gl/NwvdT
Article – “A week in the life of… Adam Cooper, JISC CETIS”
http://goo.gl/OgctT
Article – “SIG Update: Games and Learning Special Interest Group”
http://goo.gl/zGQTC
Article – “Engaging University Classes in Online Intercultural Exchange: The INTENT Project” by Robert O’Dowd
http://goo.gl/KA9tI
Article – “ALT-C 2012: A confrontation with reality”
http://goo.gl/sIzo4
Article – “Free Cloud LMS: Opportunity, Threat or Irrelevance?” by Kris Roger
http://goo.gl/SJAOS
10. Current articles from our peer-reviewed Open Access journal Research in Learning Technology
The journal website is at: http://www.researchinlearningtechnology.net/
Vol 20, Issue 4, December 2012 – Special Issue: Digital Inclusion and Learning
Editorial – “Empowering the digitally excluded: learning initiatives for (in)visible groups”
Jane Seale, William Dutton
http://goo.gl/psmgb
DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v20i0.20214
Article – “Information and communication technology related needs of college and university students with disabilities”
Catherine S. Fichten, Jennison V. Asuncion, Joan Wolforth, Maria Barile, Jillian Budd, Natalie Martiniello, Rhonda Amsel
http://goo.gl/dFvRN
DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v20i0.18646
Article – “Adapting online learning resources for all: planning for professionalism in accessibility”
Patrick McAndrew, Robert Farrow, Martyn Cooper
http://goo.gl/rZgxL
DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v20i0.18699
Article – “Digital exclusion or learning exclusion? An ethnographic study of adult male distance learners in English prisons”
Anne Pike, Anne Adams
http://goo.gl/hVf8V
DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v20i0.18620
Article – “Training in basic Internet skills for special target groups in non-formal educational settings - conclusions from three pilot projects”
Andrea Berger, Jutta Croll
http://goo.gl/h9AaN
DOI: 10. 3402/rlt.v20i0.18700
Article – “Aggregate-then-Curate: how digital learning champions help communities nurture online content”
Andrew Whitworth, Fred Garnett, Diana Pearson
http://goo.gl/2ooj7
DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v20i0.18677
Article – “Learning and digital inclusion: the ELAMP project”
Kate D'Arcy
http://goo.gl/B7kAu
DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v20i0.18603
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The digest returns on 03 May 2013. All items for inclusion in the next issue should be submitted using the form at http://goo.gl/LlJ3y by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 01 April 2013. This issue was compiled by those who submitted content for it, and very lightly edited by Heather Stallard.
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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.
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