ALT

Join us on Friday 25th April 2025 at 11.00 for the latest in our ongoing series of webinars on becoming a copyright expert. We are pleased to be joined by two experts and one enthusiastic amateur this time around. Christine Daouti and Irene Barranco Garcia will be jointly talking about their journey to becoming experts, while Kathryn Drumm will be explaining why she isn't an expert, and that's OK. Christine is the copyright support officer at University College London. She has a special interest in creating educational resources on copyright, including the UCL Copyright Essentials online module and the Copyright and your Teaching online module. Irene recently joined Imperial College as their Copyright and Scholarly Communications Librarian, having previously worked at the University of Greenwich as Collaboration, Compliance, and Copyright Manager. Kathryn is an educational technologist at City St George's, University of London. Before moving into higher education, she worked in broadcasting for almost 20 years.

 

ALT invites you to join an open working group to update ALT’s Framework for Ethical Learning Technology (FELT). FELT was developed and published in 2021 and we are now updating the framework to reflect the developments in learning technology since its inception.

The deadline for submitting proposals to the highly anticipated OER25 Conference is fast approaching and the submission window will close on 22 April 2025. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to this important conversation around Open Education and AI in the Age of Populism.

Written by the Digital Sustainability SIG

About the Digital Sustainability SIG

The Digital Sustainability SIG is an open and inclusive network fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among educational institutions committed to taking meaningful sustainability focused action. We aim to empower colleagues by providing a space for cross-institutional conversations, learning, and collaborations. Our focus encompasses sustainable digital practices and pedagogy, and the intersection of equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) with sustainability

About us

Kathleen Calder has 20 years of experience working in the design, development and project management of learning and teaching content and technology at the Open University. Areas of specialism include sustainability, analytics and evaluation, assessment, production systems, student experience and staff development. She is a member of the Open University’s (OU) Sustainability Coordination Group and established the OU Learning Design team’s sustainability working group, connecting with university-wide sustainability initiatives. She mentors for the OU’s APPLAUD AdvanceHE fellowship scheme and the OU Women’s Development Network. Prior to working in HE, Kathleen worked in systems development, nature conservation and environmental biotechnology. She’s interested in the sustainability impact of technology and what that might mean for the role of educators in terms of decision making, impact and influence, knowledge, student experience and EDIA.

Paul Astles, SFHEA. Learning Designer at the Open University. Drawing on sector specific research and scholarship he works with academic teams through a learning design process which enables module material to be developed and delivered using an evidence based approach. Prior to joining the Open University Paul became a qualified teacher and maintains a membership with SET. He worked predominantly with a focus on students with special educational needs at FE level as a programme coordinator. Paul has a particular interest in sustainability and is a member of the Green Gown Award ‘Highly Commended’ OU Learning Design sustainability working group. Recently, Paul has co-written a peer reviewed chapter (soon to be published by Springer in the summer of 2025) detailing the contribution of the work of the learning design group and how they support the embedding of sustainability in the curriculum. A vital part of this work is strong engagement with and use of student voice in the development of resources to support colleagues. Paul is a climate ambassador and works with his local primary school to support their sustainability journey. In parallel to his work with sustainability he also has a keen interest in promoting the ethical use of AI, supporting colleagues to consider how AI might intersect with assessment strategy and develop thinking around authentic assessment for students.

Why the Digital Sustainability SIG?

Awareness of sustainability considerations is gaining momentum in the sector. Digital sustainability is an area that is systemically complex with many stakeholders, so what skills do we need to help us navigate that? In our roles as designers, educators, producers and advisors how do we ensure our digital impact is sustainable and meets the needs of students? What’s the best way to develop sustainability skills and informed use of technologies, ensuring policies for data handling and retention are achievable, streamlining practices to avoid duplication and choosing the best tool and format for the purpose? Finding opportunities to partner with other institutional strategies is another way to achieve impact, looking for overlap with other institutional goals, quality assurance, utilising OERs and developing sustainable resources. Digital sustainability is a skill that we need to develop in ourselves and support our colleagues and students with. There are steps that we can take as individuals, in teams and at institutional level while helping each other to do that.

We were keen to put this group together to help support colleagues in the sector with these challenges and opportunities so were excited to have been invited to launch the SIG at ALTC 2024 in Manchester. You may have met Kathleen there as she launched the SIG in person while Paul was promoting the SIG via the ALT radio channel. He was a guest on a segment hosted by Mark Childs that played out ‘on the way home’.

Our SIG’s remit is to:

• Enable ALT members to support each other with the wide and interconnected impact of our choices and recommendations in the context of the 3 pillars of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.
• Provide a space to share good practice, success stories and resources to support raising awareness about sustainability in learning technologies, learning design and delivery.
• Promote cross-institutional learning and collaboration in this evolving area.
• Use the knowledge and expertise of members to identify strategic solutions to issues and challenges.

Since our launch, the Digital Sustainability SIG Officers have been working hard to plan areas of focus for the next 12 months. We’ve developed a mission statement building on the goals outlined in our remit to provide a vision for our values and focus of SIG activities. We’re now actively planning the development of webinars and other communications including our LinkedIn page where we hope to connect with colleagues across the sector to build a strong community of practice and develop partnerships.

If you’re reading this and would like to put forward ideas for future sharing or events please reach out to us using the information in the ‘Join Digital Sustainability SIG’ section below.

Join the Digital Sustainability SIG

Connect with us on LinkedIn.

Join the group and subscribe to the ALT-DigitalSustainabilitySIG mailing list.

If you would like to get involved in the organisation of the Group and its activities, let us know by expressing an interest.

Did you enjoy reading this? To become a member of our community, see Membership details here: www.alt.ac.uk/membership

 

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SAVE THE DATE - JOIN US AT ALTC25

 

Dear ALT

We are delighted to invite you to the Association for Learning Technology's
Annual Conference, ALTC25, in the vibrant city of Glasgow in Scotland. 

WHEN: Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October 2025

SAVE THE DATE TO GOOGLE CALENDAR [3]

WHERE: Glasgow Marriott Hotel, 500 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8RR   [...]

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend OER25 - Speaking Truth to Power: Open Education and AI in the Age of Populism at a discounted rate. The early bird registration deadline is fast approaching on 12 May 2025, so act now to secure your spot.

This is the first meeting of the FELT Working Group. The Working Group seeks to gain feedback from the community to update ALT’s Framework for Ethical Learning Technology (FELT). The Working Group is chaired by ALT Trustees Natalie Lafferty and Sharon Flynn.

We are seeking diverse perspectives and encouraging representatives from all sectors and nations to join. You do not need to be an ALT Member to contribute.

When: Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October 2025  

Where: Glasgow Marriott Hotel, 500 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8RR  

Get ready for two incredible days of innovation, collaboration, and exploration in learning technology. From inspiring keynote sessions to engaging workshops and networking opportunities, ALTC 2025 is your chance to connect, share ideas, and shape the future of education.

ALT’s Annual Conference is recognised as one of the leading events in the UK for professionals working with learning technology. It is also among the largest gatherings of its kind, drawing up to 400 delegates each year.

 

We invite you to the “Managing Digital Assessments: Administration and Implementation”  webinar from The Digital Assessment Special Interest Group on 20th May 2025 at 11:00 am until 12:30 am. 3 speakers will share the conversations that are taking place at their institutions around the challenges and opportunities of managing digital assessments, under such themes as:

• Implementing a digital assessment
• Administration of digital assessments
• The life cycle of a digital assessment
• Converting an analog assessment into a digital assessment including lessons learned from this process.
• Using AI to support the administrative burden of digital assessments including feedback, automation of processes and question creation
• Strategies for ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in digital assessments
• Case studies of digital assessment implementation and change
• Use of digital tools to support digital assessment management

Following the presentations you are invited to stay to take part in an open discussion on this topic where you can share your thoughts, concerns and progress in the area of digital assessment creation.

This webinar is the second in a series that will explore the different parts of the assessment process including:

• Marking and feedback of digital assessments
• Digital exams
• Student voice and digital assessments

Calls for speakers for this session are still open, if you are interested in speaking at this event please complete the google form by the 2nd May 2025. 

Speakers will be announced shortly via the Digital Assessment SIG mailing list.

Join the mailing list to be kept up to date on this and other SIG events.

Dr Tadhg Blommerde, Assistant Professor at Northumbria University will lead the ALT South #TechThursday event on Thursday 24 April. Generative AI offers exciting possibilities for teaching and learning, but many academic staff are still unsure where to start. This session explores practical ways educators can begin using GenAI to enhance their teaching practice and better support students. Through real examples and reflections on experimentation, we’ll consider how AI tools can spark creativity, reduce workload, and open up new forms of assessment. Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting, this session aims to inspire confidence and provide actionable ideas to take back to your own context. The talk is open to everyone. 

Get ready for the Association for Learning Technology Annual Conference, ALTC25, this year confirmed to take place in Glasgow on 23 and 24 October.

Date: Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October 2025

Written by ALT

In honour of ‘Women in Tech Day 2025,’ we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women within the ALT community. This global movement, on 4 April, recognises the contributions of women in the tech industry and inspires future generations to break barriers and innovate. Today, we celebrate all women in technology, especially the incredible women who are part of the ALT community, whose dedication and achievements drive progress and inclusivity in learning technology. While there are countless stories of inspiration to share, this blog highlights the outstanding accomplishments of four exceptional women within our community.

Dr. Julie Voce – Honorary Life Member

Dr. Julie Voce, was awarded Honorary Life Membership by ALT in 2024. With over 20 years of experience, Julie has made profound contributions to the sector through her leadership, research, and active participation in organisations like UCISA and Jisc. Her work has influenced key initiatives, including the UCISA TEL surveys and the ALT Member Groups handbook. Julie’s dedication to collaboration and innovation has left an indelible mark on the learning technology community, earning her admiration and respect from peers. Her willingness to mentor and uplift others exemplifies her commitment to fostering growth in the sector.

Jess Humphreys – ELESIG Chair

Jess Humphreys, the newly appointed Chair of ELESIG, is a passionate advocate for technology enhanced learning. As the Director of the Warwick International Higher Education Academy (WIHEA) and an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, Jess has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the Learning Design Consultancy Unit and the Designing Together project.Her work places a strong emphasis on the importance of the student voice in shaping digital education. Recently recognised as a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Jess’s leadership within ELESIG highlights her dedication to advancing research and practice in learners’ experiences with technology, making her a beacon of inspiration in the field. Learn more about Jess in a recent ELESIG blog post. 

Nithya Ramadoss – Certified Member (CMALT) 

Nithya Ramadoss is a Digital Education Specialist with a strong background in Media and Communications and journalism in India. Her journey into UK higher education has been defined by a commitment to digital learning and pedagogy, culminating in her successful attainment of CMALT accreditation in July 2024. She specialises in digital assessment, exploring innovative ways to make evaluation more inclusive, authentic, and pedagogically aligned. She has extensive experience with Virtual Learning Environments (VLE), particularly Canvas, and has led staff training, workshops, and guidance initiatives to help academic and administrative staff integrate technology confidently into their teaching practices.

Laura Milne – 2024 Individual Award Winner

Laura Milne, Head of Digital Education at the University of Chester, was awarded with the ALT Individual Award in 2024 for her outstanding contributions to digital education. Since joining the university in 2023, Laura has spearheaded initiatives to enhance the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), improve accessibility, and integrate generative AI responsibly. Her collaborative approach, involving students as partners, has fostered a sense of community and innovation. Laura’s work has not only transformed digital education at her institution but also set a benchmark for excellence across the sector.

These extraordinary women exemplify the spirit of ‘Women in Tech Day’, showcasing the power of dedication, innovation, and collaboration. Their achievements inspire us all to continue striving for a more inclusive and equitable industry. Learn more about this global celebration here.

Did you enjoy reading this? To become a member of our community, see Membership details here: www.alt.ac.uk/membership

 

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[3]

DEADLINE EXTENSION: SUBMIT YOUR OER25 PROPOSAL BY TUESDAY 22 APRIL

 

Dear ALT

The deadline for submitting proposals to the highly anticipated OER25
CONFERENCE [4] has been extended. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to
this important conversation around Open Education and AI in the age of
populism.

If you have innovative ideas, groundbreaking projects, or impactful
research, now is the perfect time to showcase your work. The new deadline
to SUBMIT PROPOSALS [3] is 23:59, TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2025. [...]

By Amy Giles, Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT)

Following my presentation at #ALTC24, I wanted to share an update on our progress with Blackboard Ally.

Back in September, I attended and presented at #ALTC24 for the first time. If you attended the talk, you’ll remember how the University of South Wales (USW) Digital Education team had been using the Blackboard Ally accessibility checker to enhance accessible and personalised digital learning. 

Just last week, it dawned on me that it was time to run the institution report for 2024/25, as I have done for the past two years – covering the period from 1 March to 1 March each year.

If you’ve decided to promote and use Blackboard Ally with your colleagues and students, I hope it has been well-received and well-used. This past year (March 2024–25), we’ve seen an increase once again in student usage, which is encouraging – hoorah!

From 2023/24, students downloaded a total of 65,723 alternative formats. This year (2024/25), the report shows 95,602 downloads. I’d say we’re on to a winner! What are students downloading most? Tagged PDFs, HTML, and ePub formats – each offering flexibility for accessible learning. For example, tagged PDFs support screen readers, HTML is responsive for mobile devices, and ePub works well with eReaders for offline, distraction-free study. – ideal for smartphones, tablets, and eReaders. These formats remain popular and may highlight the continuing need for greater digital accessibility on mobile devices, and even point to broader issues such as digital poverty.

Unsurprisingly, student usage peaks at the start of term, particularly in September and October.

What is surprising (and disappointing!) is that our colleagues have used the tool less over the past year. As I shared at #ALTC24, between March 2023–24, a total of 473 fixes were made to learning materials using the Ally fixing tool. This past year, however, that number dropped to 436. While not drastic, this is a decline from the increase we saw in 2022/23, when the number jumped from 95 to 473. 

With ongoing cuts and redundancies in Higher Education, which place considerable strain on staff capacity and morale, it’s understandable that accessibility efforts may take a backseat. However, this underscores the need for sustainable, integrated strategies that support accessibility without adding additional burden to already stretched teams. it’s understandable that this may not be a top priority. That said, we must not let accessible teaching and learning fall by the wayside. With the rise of AI and its growing presence in assessment, our recent “Virtual Learning with AI” webinars have been well received. However, it is important to remember that active learning tools and AI are not suitable for all learners.

So – let’s run more workshops!

These could focus on practical accessibility strategies, using tools like Blackboard Ally effectively, and designing inclusive materials. Based on recent feedback, short interactive sessions that showcase real use cases tend to resonate well with staff.

Once again, I ask myself what we can do? Have we dropped the ball?

Let’s turn awareness into action. Even small steps, like adding alternative text to images or reviewing one module’s accessibility score, can contribute meaningfully to an inclusive learning environment. I hereby challenge you to review your Blackboard Ally stats and plan your course of action. Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is coming up on 15 May, and there are plenty of small steps we can take to make online learning more inclusive. I plan to promote GAAD at USW and share details of virtual events that can help raise awareness.

There is clearly a need to bring accessibility checkers like Blackboard Ally back into the spotlight, and to support our colleagues in upskilling for digital fluency and inclusive digital education.

You can view my shared #ALTC24 presentation here: Tools to Enhance Accessible and Personalised Digital Learning

Find out more on Connected conversations: ALT Annual Conference 2024 – Day 2

Did you enjoy reading this? To become a member of our community, see Membership details here https://www.alt.ac.uk/membership

 

 

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MONTHLY ALT NEWS - ISSUE 044, APRIL 2025

 

WELCOME TO YOUR MONTHLY NEWS UPDATE FROM THE LEADING PROFESSIONAL BODY FOR
LEARNING TECHNOLOGY IN THE UK.

We support a collaborative community for individuals and organisations from
all sectors, and provide professional recognition and development. Each
month, we will update you on latest news and publications, events,
jobs, and calls for proposals from across the learning technology
community.   [...]

Our current Editor-in-Chief, Michael Flavin, will be stepping down after over 5 years as Editor-in-Chief of Research in Learning Technology (RLT). Michael’s involvement began in 2012 with the publication of his first article in the RLT journal. In 2018, Michael joined the RLT Editorial team before assuming the role of Editor-In-Chief in 2020.

Launched in December 2024 by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, the consultation set out the Government’s plan to deliver a copyright and AI framework. The application of copyright law to the training of AI models is a topic for debate. Rights holders are finding it difficult to exercise their rights and AI developers are finding it difficult to navigate copyright law.