Association for Learning Technology announces 2009 conference theme: In dreams begins responsibility

Jan. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- It will take place at University Place, University of Manchester, UK from 8-10 September 2009.

The conference co-chairs are:
•   Gilly Salmon, Professor of eLearning and Learning Technologies at the University of Leicester, UK.
•   Professor Tom Boyle, Director of the Learning Technology Research Institute at London Metropolitan University, UK.

Gilly comments, “We are heading towards the end of the first decade of the 21st Century - it's a time to review, regroup and re vision the key and critical role of learning technology for the future.”

While Tom adds, “Can we use the technology to transform how we learn? What are the dreams – where is the evidence? These are the challenging themes of ALT C 2009.”

Keynote speakers will include:
•   Michael Wesch, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Kansas State University, USA and active in research in new media, particularly digital media.
•   Terry Anderson, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Distance Education at Athabasca University, Canada. He teaches and advises students in the world's largest Masters of Distance Education program at Athabasca University and is active in research in the field of distance education, and elearning.

Seb Schmoller, Chief Executive of ALT, expands on the conference theme: “Learning technologies and learning technologists are now at the heart of modern learning, and yet our community still faces many challenges, for example: spreading innovations that are of true value, rather than mere fads; redesigning pedagogy, the curriculum, and assessment methods to secure a substantial positive impact on learning; ensuring cost effectiveness by various means, from working effectively at a large scale, to supporting peer-assisted learning cultures; developing a research culture that informs practice, and a culture of practice that uses research evidence. To rise to these challenges, we must dream and act on our dreams, but evidence must justify the choices we make. ALT-C 2009 will provide a broad forum for practitioners, researchers and policy-makers from all sectors to explore, reflect, and learn.”

Key dates
•   Proposals for inclusion in the programme are now being accepted, please go to http://www.alt.ac.uk/guidelines_papers.html for more information.
•   Submission system will close on the 16 February 2009.  
•   Bookings will open in early May.
•   Presenters' booking deadline: 29 June 2009.
•   Earlybird booking deadline: 6 July 2009.
•   Bookings close: 14 August 2009.
To sponsor, exhibit, propose a speaker slot or attend as a delegate, please visit: www.alt.ac.uk/altc2009

Ends

Notes to editors:


ALT organises a yearly high profile conference – ALT-C, the theme for ALT-C 2009 will be In dreams begins responsibility.  The conference takes place from 8-10 September 2009, Manchester, UK. http://www.alt.ac.uk/altc2009/

Association for Learning Technology, Gipsy Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0BP
Tel: +44 (0)1865 484 125    Fax: +44 (0)1865 484 165   Email: admin@alt.ac.uk      
URL: http://www.alt.ac.uk/

ALT is a Registered Charity in the UK, number: 1063519

For media information on ALT, images or to apply for a press pass for ALT-C 2009, please contact:
Catherine Dhanjal, TheAnswer Ltd
Tel: 01883 650434 or 0794 166 9925
Email: Catherine.dhanjal@theansweruk.com

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About ALT
ALT (the Association for Learning Technology) is a professional and scholarly association which brings together all those with an interest in the use of learning technology. There are over 200 organisational members from higher and further education institutions, private and public sector organisations and over 500 individual members. Sponsoring members include Becta, HEFCE, Microsoft, the Scottish Funding Council, Adobe, and the Learning and Skills Council.