{"id":2813,"date":"2020-12-16T20:35:29","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T20:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marendeepwell.com\/?p=2813"},"modified":"2020-12-16T20:44:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T20:44:16","slug":"2020-altc-the-year-forged-in-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marendeepwell.com\/?p=2813","title":{"rendered":"2020 #altc – the year forged in fire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 into the heart of keeping education going… when family tech support moved up to a whole new level and a year in which we have all faced our own Everests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter who you are or what your context is, wherever you may be, this year has forced us to face difficult moments and I find that rather than share my thoughts on the keynotes I have given and listened to or the research published, I want to focus on the compassion and care I have met with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From sharing resources<\/a> during the early days of the pandemic to supporting each other in practical ways such as weekly webinars<\/a>, everyone has done their best to get through the year and make the most of the opportunities we have had. From changing policy with initiatives like the Open COVID Pledge for Education<\/a> to developing new practice<\/a> in teaching and assessment, it’s been a year of firsts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To me, it’s been so important not to compromise on the values and professional principles we share even if in terms of practical execution ‘good enough’ has had to suffice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have huge admiration for all the Learning Technology professionals who have helped moved everyone online in the great online pivot… and then worked even more to make a new academic year possible… and then worked some more to ensure that the direction we are heading in is shaped by the expertise and know-how they bring to the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kudos to you all. Those of you who are still standing, those of you who are having a well earned break and those of you who have prioritised caring for your families and loved ones and taken a step back from work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a very special privilege for me to join ALT’s President Dave White in presenting a symbolic community award<\/a> to all and every Learning Technologist today… and that includes you! Congratulations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year’s community award goes to…all of you! Congratulations to all Learning Technologists in the #altc<\/a> community! pic.twitter.com\/ThfIb7byKX<\/a><\/p>\u2014 ALT – alt.ac.uk (@A_L_T) December 16, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote>