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

The Association for Learning Technology has announced the theme for its 2009 conference. The event will focus on "In dreams begins responsibility: choices, evidence, and change" and 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