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Category: Updates

A moment of celebration

It’s my birthday at the end of this month, and I want to make the most of this moment of celebration in my life. Looking back The past year has been one of change for me, and A LOT has happened. Having so much going on makes it hard to recall and celebrate what I have accomplished and enjoyed. To make some time for reflection, I have looked back at photos from the past year,…

ALT appoints new Chief Executive: Billy Smith

We are delighted to update members that the Association has appointed Billy Smith as our new Chief Executive.  Since the announcement of this leadership transition in February, the recruitment panel, chaired by ALT’s Chair Helen O’Sullivan, has worked through a rigorous and competitive selection process that involved the staff team, Trustees and ALT’s HR and EDI advisors. Helen commented:  “Billy immediately stood out from the strong pool of applicants through his strong commitment to the values and…

Career transition coming up

It’s a exciting week as I have news to share about my upcoming career transition. After 15 happy years at ALT, the Association for Learning Technology, I will step down as CEO this September to focus on my work as a coach. I would like to say a BIG thank you to all Trustees and staff during this period of transition. It has been a privilege to serve as ALT’s CEO since 2012 and lead…

2020 #altc – the year forged in fire

I have been struggling to write any of my usual ‘year in review’ posts. I couldn’t find the words. But this evening I feel inspired and that is thanks to the community I work with, and whom I have shared much of this week at ALT’s Online Winter Conference. It’s been a year like no other in Learning Technology and one throughout which the professionals I work with and that ALT represents have moved right…

#RaceForLife – a thank you

I’ve started writing a new series of blog posts about my experiences as a CEO. I’ve now drafted more than half of them and the process has made me reflect on the importance of my personal life. I don’t write much about my family in this blog and (I feel) for good reason. But next Sunday we are celebrating a milestone and it feels right to share it. I’m taking part in a 10k #RaceforLife on…

New home (reclaimed)

This is a first welcome post for this blog in its new home, marendeepwell.com and a big thank you to everyone at Reclaim Hosting to help make the transition so quick and easy. Looking forward to getting started here in my new domain.

Google Apps for Education (#GAFE) as a #CMALT portfolio tool

Recently I was accredited as a Certified Member of ALT (find out more here) and the key component of the scheme is a peer-reviewed portfolio. You can build your portfolio in almost any format provided that it is accessible to assessors and follows the required structure. I chose to build mine using Google Apps for Education (GAFE) and here I’d like to reflect briefly on the experience: Why use GAFE? My main reasons were that…

Feedback, milestones, reflection: appraisal in a leadership position

This is the time of year for reviewing personal and professional development, for reflecting on achievements and set goals for the following year. In short, it’s time for my annual appraisal process. This will be my fourth in a leadership position and each year the process has evolved depending on the needs of the organisation and myself. What we have found works consistently: 360 degree feedback: that includes everyone who reports to me, those whom…

Learning Technology in FE

Working in FE? Tell us what you think about how learning technology can help #FELTAG http://t.co/3oV4NCzl8E — ALT – alt.ac.uk (@A_L_T) January 1, 2014 Throughout January you can participate in the online conversation about Learning Technology in FE either on Twitter using the hastag #FELTAG or by visiting the online conversation. You can also still read my article in FE News on how institutions are taking on learning on a massive scale, or browse any…