For the third year running the University of London Computer Centre (ULCC) is sponsoring the LT Awards at the Association for Learning Technology’s annual conference, which takes place at Manchester University from 8-10 September 2015.
The Awards celebrate and reward excellent practice and outstanding achievement in the learning technology field and to promote intelligent use of Learning Technology on a national scale. The Awards are open to individuals and teams based anywhere in the world.
Prof Diana Laurillard, President of the Association says:“This is such an exciting and inspiring competition. It demonstrates evidence of so much effective innovation in using learning technology, even in the face of the really difficult funding climate. The panel selected the projects where it was clear there had been a real impact on the reach of a high quality learning experience. We have no doubt the winners will inspire others.”
Frank Steiner, Marketing Manager at ULCC sat down with Maren Deepwell, Chief Executive, ALT to get the latest scope on this year’s Awards.
Q Can you tell me how the awards have developed over the years? I know you have just shortlisted the finalists, what can you tell me about this year’s submissions?
A When the Awards were established in 2007 when learning technology wasn’t as central to the way we learn and teach as it is now. Over the last few years in particular we have seen how important a role learning technology plays for learners’ success and more and more staff have digital skills as part of their role.
We have been pleased to see this year’s submissions have come from across the UK education sectors and indicate that Learning Technology is making an impact for learners across institutions as a whole, a move from isolated islands of good practice or research to implementation at scale. Individuals and institutions are showing a commitment to Learning Technology making a difference now.
Q I know this is hot of the press, so who are the finalists this year and how can people vote?
A This year’s finalists in the team category are:
â— Ebola in Context MOOC team,
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
â— Digital Learning Team,
The University of Leeds
â— Technology Enhanced Learning for Medicine
and Dentistry (TELMeD)
Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University
â— Academic Support, Technology and Innovation,
Plymouth University
Finalists in the individual category are:
â— Dr. Luke Burns, University of Leeds
â— Mr John Kerr, University of Glasgow College
of Social Science
â— Joel Mills, University of Hull
The judging panel for the Awards always includes the previous year’s winners and together the judges select the winners. This year’s panel was chaired by Prof Diana Laurillard (UCL Institute of Education) and included Rebecca Garrod-Waters (Ufi Trust), Bryan Mathers (City & Guilds), James Pickering (University of Leeds), Rob Howe (University of Northampton) and Richard Havinga (ULCC).
However, this year we are also giving everyone the opportunity to vote for their favourite and find out more about all of the finalists online at: alt.ac.uk/LTAwardsVOTE . Voting will open on Monday, 10 August.
Q The winners will be announced at an awards dinner on the evening of 9 September 2015 as part of the ALT conference in Manchester. What can winners expect and what’s in store for the conference this year?
A First, second and third prizes will be available in each of two categories: individual, and team, as follows: 1st prize £1000; 2nd prize £500; 3rd prize £250. This year we’ll also be announcing a special ‘community favourite’ – voted for online by the public at https://go.alt.ac.uk/LTAwardsVOTE.
The conference this year has a full programme, social activities – including a new #altc game – exhibition, community-led sessions and an exciting line up of keynote speakers including Johnathan Worth, Steve Wheeler, Phil Long and Laura Czerniewicz.
“We are very excited to be supporting the LT Awards again this year,” said Frank Steiner, Marketing Manager at ULCC. “Recognising innovative use of learning technology on ‘a stage’ such as the annual ALT conference is vital for sharing best practice and encouraging fellow learning technologists in creatively embedding learning technology in everyday teaching.”
The University of London Computer Centre are proud sponsors of the 2015 ALT LT Awards
