Each year we issue an open call for members to become more involved in the work of ALT. Usually, this is focused on Operational Committees. This year however we have expanded the call to highlight a number of other opportunities. We seek expressions of interest from:
- all sectors of education and training including schools, vocational education, Higher Education and work-based learning;
- people in research, practitioner, management, technical and policy roles as well as learners who have a special interest in Learning Technology;
- the private and public sectors;
- within and outside the UK (subject to reaching agreement on an effective method of participation).
Vacancies
Operational Committees
There are several vacancies on our main operational committees. Members of all ALT committees are expected to become individual or certified members of the Association if this is not already the case. ALT operational committees meet up to three times per year, with all but one of these meetings normally conducted virtually. For members who require it, ALT will reimburse travel and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.In all cases this is for an initial three year term, with the option to serve up to a maximum of six years:
- Committee for Membership Development - seeking 1 new member;
- Committee for Further Education and cross-sector engagement - no vacancies this year, but the Committee will appoint a new Vice-Chair;
- Committee for Communication and Publications - no vacancies this year due to new editors joining.
Editorial Board: Research in Learning Technology
We are also seeking new members to join the Editorial Board for Research in Learning Technology, chaired by Professor Neil Morris. Working closely with the team of Editors, the Editorial Board provides input on themed collection, journal strategy and Open Access. Editorial Board members meet online at least three times a year and are expected to undertake regular reviews for the journal as well as contributing to the journal's development.
2016 Online Winter Conference Committee
If you are interested in getting involved in this year's online conference, you can express an interest in joining this group. With a focus on the work of Special Interest and Members' Groups from across the community and run over two days the conference will include live online sessions and otheronline activities. Visit the 2015 Winter Conference online platform for reference and email us to get involved.
2017 OER Conference Committee
We also still have places available on the conference planning committee. OER17 presents an opportunity for open practitioners, activists, educators and policy makers to come together as a community to reflect on The Politics of Open. What are our current key challenges and strengths – locally, nationally, and internationally? What are our priorities – in terms of political governance, organisational and personal politics? What are the changes that we want to effect together? The conference will be chaired by social and educational technologist and Wikimedia UK Trustee Josie Fraser, and Alek Tarkowski, Director of Centrum Cyfrowe, co-founder and coordinator of Creative Commons Poland. Here is more information about joining the conference planning team for OER17.
Other ways to get involved
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Special Interest and Members Groups: In addition, you may also be interested to get involved in one of the Special Interest or Members Groups. ALT Special Interest (SIGs) and Members Groups bring together individuals or organisations within ALT around a common theme. They are established and discontinued according to our Policy on Special Interest Groups. You can find out how to join each one via its own page.
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Provide input for the next ALT Strategy: ALT will be launching it's next strategy, for 2017-2020, in February 2017. we have set up this 'suggestion box' which enables anyone to make a suggestion for the next strategy, including suggesting any new membership services or benefits we should consider, strategic priorities or personal reflections. Your input will help inform the consultation process and we are grateful for your suggestions. Access the suggestion box form via this link: http://goo.gl/forms/lPLheRiJwtW6wldd2
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Vote in Trustee Elections and attend this AGM: Voting to elect two new Trustees is now open. The election will be carried out by the Electoral Reform Service. Eligible Members will receive voting instructions via email and any members eligible to vote twice, as individual members and representatives of member organisations, will receive two emails. Voting closes at 12:00 noon on Wednesday 17 August 2016. Members who hold Individual, Certified or Honorary Life Membership or represent organisational members will be eligible to vote. Details here.
- Annual Conference: There are also still opportunities to volunteer as a session chair for this year's Annual Conference. The Call for the Programme Committee for the 2017 Annual Conference will be issued in autumn.
How to express an interest:
To express an interest in any of these roles, please email maren.deepwell@alt.ac.uk by no later than 17.00 BST Friday, 29 August 2016. In your email, please include your name, contact details and a short overview of why you are interested in getting involved. We will consider all expressionsof interest during September. The next meeting of the operational committees - a face to face one - will be on 19 October 2016 where we will also be consulting on the new ALT Strategy. If you would like to discuss any of the roles informally feel free to contact Maren Deepwell, Chief Executive, by email (maren.deepwell@alt.ac.uk) or by phone (01865 484 405).