Learning Technologists: roles for the present and future

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Learning Technologistsroles for the present and
future

• John Phelps
• Goldsmiths, University of London

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Background

• Is a learning technologist well defined?
• We can define it, but do others agree with our
  definition?
• Are there variations across sectors?
• Are we more secure?
• Do we need a professional body?

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Context

• Effects Project
• Scoping Study
• Goverment and funding bodies focussing on
  e-learning
• More e-learning professionals from where?

• Progression
• Training and Development
• ALT Accreditation
• Professionalisation of our roles
• Ubiquitous nature of web authoring

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Research

• Examined job advertisements in education focusing
  on e-learning
• Sources Guardian, THES, TES, jobs.ac.uk and
  jiscmail lists
• Identified 126 jobs from April 2004 to August
  2004
• Preliminary Analysis using NVivo

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Where do we work

• Centrally located 57
• Library, IS, Computer Services
• Staff, Educational Development, Learning and
  Teaching Departments and E-learning Departments
• Devolved to departments 43
• Medicine and Allied Subjects
• Geography
• Education

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Contracts
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Salaries
40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
Pre 92
20.0
Post 92
Total
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
10k-
15k-
20k-
25k-
30k-
35k-
40k-
45k
15k
20k
25k
30k
35k
40k
45k
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What skills?

• Change Agent

• Pedagogic awareness

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What are we asked to do?
support them developing learning objects
embed them into the curriculum.
Maintain knowledge of new developments in
publishing, multi-media, web-based delivery and
related technologies
Contribute more generally to other activities in
the Centre
supporting the integration, development and
utilisation of effective ILT/e-learning resources
enhance the support and development of elearning
the development, implementation and support of
eLearning initiatives, mentoring of staff and
projects, the demonstration of best practice
advice and guidance on e-learning and the
development and use of reusable learning objects.
enhance the student learning experience through
a range of professional development activities
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Conclusions

• Progression for LTs?
• Manager or Researcher
• In Higher Education Learning Technologist is a
  graduate career
• LT role seems to be well defined (mostly)
• Misuse of term, used instead of Content/Material
  Developers
• Some disparity within institutions
• Some well defined job descriptions

• Institutions with immature use of e-learning have
  less clear learning technology roles
• Many roles still are based upon predominantly
  fixed term contracts
• Little variation across HE sector
• Other parts of Education sector maybe some
  variation
• Is there sufficient capacity building in current
  models?
• Accreditation could help shape roles

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References

• Beetham et al 2001. Career Development of
  Learning Technology Staff (J-CALT)
• Oliver et al 2004 ALT Accreditation Project
  Report No. 3 lthttp//www.ucl.ac.uk/epd/alt-accredi
  tation/gt
• Hughes et al 2004 ALT Accreditation Project
  Report No. 4 lthttp//www.ucl.ac.uk/epd/alt-accredi
  tation/gt
• HEFCE 2003 Consultation on HEFCE e-learning
  strategy, circular letter 21/2003
  lthttp//www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/circlets/2003/cl21_03
  /cl21_03a.pdfgt
• links checked 12/09/04

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And finally

• Acknowledgements
• Martin Oliver, Institute of Education
• Duncan Branley, Goldsmiths

• Contact Details
• John Phelps, Goldsmiths
• mailtoj.phelps_at_gold.ac.uk