I am delighted to be part of the judging panel for the Association for Learning Technology Awards this year along with some very fabulous and accomplished colleagues.

“The Awards celebrate and reward excellent research and practice and outstanding achievement in Learning Technology. Established in 2007, the Awards have established a benchmark for outstanding achievement in Learning Technology on a national scale and attract competitive entries from the UK and internationally. This year, we will present 5 awards, including awards for leadership, ethical practice, digital transformation, teams and individuals.” (ALT Website)

I have the distinct pleasure of being a two time award winner myself. In 2019 my team from the University of Edinburgh won the ALT Team award for our lecture recording project, and in 2022 I was the inaugural winner of the Award for Leadership in Digital Education. This year I am helping to judge the Leadership in Digital Education award.

The ALT Awards are special in our field because they highlight that being a learning technologist is a real profession, and one that is only growing in institutional importance. New awards in leadership, ethical practice, and digital transformation established last year say something about the kinds of work we are called on to do, the levels of seniority we can work at in our organisations, and the underpinning values that inform our work.

I’d encourage participation in these awards no matter where in the world you are.