This week we explore participants’ individual areas of specialisation in learning technologies . Start your Specialisation section in your CMALT ePortfolio by share a Blog post or VODCast describing an area of specialisation in the use of technology in teaching and learning relevant to your context.
Reflect upon why you have chosen this specialisation?
Comment on one another’s PODCasts or VODCasts giving feedback.
NOTE: As well as the core areas required for Associate CMALT accreditation, CMALT and Senior CMALT candidates are required to demonstrate evidence of independent practice in one or more specialist options, and Senior CMALT applicants must also add an ‘Advanced’ section that explores the participants leadership in TEL practice, implementation, policy or research. See the ALT CMALT page for the guidelines for these sections of your portfolio:
The specialisation section reflects the fact that, although there are common areas of work for learning technologists, practice is extremely diverse and everyone specialises in something different.
Your specialist topic should reflect an area where you have particular expertise. This may be unique to you or common across your team, but goes beyond what would be expected as standard activity.
In describing your specialist option you should refer to the CMALT principles and values that should be themes that flow through your entire CMALT ePortfolio:
- A commitment to exploring and understanding the interplay between technology and learning.
- A commitment to keep up to date with new technologies.
- An empathy with and willingness to learn from colleagues from different backgrounds and specialist options.
- A commitment to communicate and disseminate effective practice.
Because these are specialist options you should be clear what makes your work distinct from common practice, for example: many people teach on online courses, but designing and delivering fully online courses requires specific skills and would be considered specialist. Similarly, many teachers provide blended learning, but developing and sharing guidelines for such practice or working with a distinctive blend of contexts might distinguish your work as specialist. It may be that your specialist option is common amongst the group that you work in as you all work in a similar area; that is perfectly acceptable. Evidence for your specialist activity is likely to be very specific but could include: reports, papers or presentations you have written; this could be backed up by a job description plus written statements supporting your specialist knowledge from colleagues, clients or managers; active membership of professional or other bodies; certificates of completion of specialist training programmes or courses.
CMALT cMOOC 