Update: my CMALT portfolio #CMALT
From my work and continued reading/research around the topic and discipline of ‘Learning Technology’ I have come into contact with some wonderful people, and some even more amazing ideas. I’ve mentioned some of my work in previous blog posts, notably the following:
- CMALT: A beginning (July 2009)
- What is a Learning Technologist (pt3) (June 2011)
So, if I started the process in 2009, why has it taken so long to get to where I am today? There is no simple answer, there could be plenty of excuses, and a few reasons. Ultimately it has just been about time and motivation – by the time I have the motivation I have no time left, despite filling in my calendar with specific slots to dedicate to it. Something always comes up and needs attention first!
So, what am I doing? I’ve created a Google ‘site’ for my portfolio and, when I can spare more than a few minutes, I add and update the materials I have already collated together. Finding elements and examples of my work that fit the category is not that difficult, but matching them to the ‘categories’ of evidence, and reflecting on them to the standard required for accreditation is difficult.
When I’ve finished my portfolio, and received notification I have had success with my CMALT application I will release the portfolio for everyone to view, and on my main CMALT page.
I would also like to thank Sue Beckingham who, at the recent Future of Technology in Education 2011 (#fote11) Conference in London spurred me on to “get my finger out” and get this thing finished. Sue’s idea of a regular ‘kick’ up the behind is a good idea, especially as we have Twitter and other social networks in common and can quickly and easily share ideas and progress:
@hopkinsdavid good luck with your cmalt portfolio! We should ask each other for progress updates – SoMe peer support :-)
— Sue Beckingham (@suebecks) October 9, 2011
So Sue, how are you getting along?
I have also found the shared/public portfolios of successful candidates a huge boost to my own self-esteem and progress, of which a few are linked below:
If you are already in the process of working on your CMALT portfolio, please drop me a line, perhaps we can help each out. If you have already completed it, and want to share your work then please do so here too.
Ok David I promise to pester, drag and pull you towards CMALT completion!
As I have said previously like many I struggled for motivation (i made a timetable and missed every single milestone). In the end it took 2 long train journeys of boredom (Bristol to Edinburgh) for me to get to a point that I had enough steam to get cracking.
I also had the ‘fear’ that all the pros would find my portfolio a bit under-whelming etc.
Hi Zak.
Firstly thank you for making your CMALT portfolio open, it has been an inspiration and I have referred to it a few times already, to see if I understand the requirements. Thanks for the push, please continue!!
Like you I am also slightly in awe of the process the portfolio will go through once I submit it, and the kind of work/comments that might come back as a result. How did you choose your ‘colleague’ to be one of the reviewers, or did you let ALT choose them both for you?
I also suffer the ‘fear’ of performing, and can only do my best and make sure I explain myself to the level required to pass.
All the best, David
Well done! The pressure is on me to catch up! I have my first CMALT webinar next week where I will find out what I have let myself in for. I’ll also be juggling the MSc in Technology Enhanced Learning, Innovation and Change I’ve just started. Next step for me I guess is to get a website going. I’ll keep you posted as to how that goes.
Hi Sue.
I suppose ‘technically’ we don’t have to set up a website or any online system for the portfolio, I think the standard Word file is how ALT thought the submissions would come. But I’ve found it easier to understand the process and what I (still) need to do by way of pages and navigation (I do come from a web design background!).
That saying, Google Sites isnot that good, but it is enough to generate pages and enable quick and easy editing. I had thought of using a wiki loaded to my blog here but couldn’t find one I liked.
All the best, David
I found my marker via the cmalt portal (i think!).
Sue, my portfolio site is free for anybody to use. just email me if you want it.
I’m not a marker but should anybody want me to have a look i’d be more than happy to – i had my portfolio as a open google doc for anybody to read.
keep it up
Thanks Zak, it has been a huge help being able to refer to as I work through my own.
I have assessed dozens of CMALT applications now, so a few, I hope helpful, comments.
Firstly the easy one. Don’t worry about finding a named assessor if that is at all difficult. ALT can do that. It would only be an issue if your specialist area is very obscure.
Perhaps the most useful thing that you could do is use completing the application as an opportunity to reflect on what you have done and where you are going. That would both help you to complete the form and to gain from doing so (as well, of course, as getting your CMALT).
Three tips for completing it.
– write in the first person so that it is quite clear what you have done
– in the legal / policy section address at least two of the legal areas of IPR, accessibility, data protection and freedom of information
– make sure that you include reflection in each section
Finally as an assessor I am all in favour of brevity.
Hi Tom.
Many thanks for your comment, very useful, especially coming from an experience CMALT assessor!
Quick question – do we know who are assessors are when we submit?
I’ve ‘attended’ a few of the CMALT webinars over the past year or so, and each time I get a better understanding of what is involved, and would thoroughly recommend anyone interested (or already working to complete their portfolio) to attend one. The next one is on October 18th, 2011 – http://www.alt.ac.uk/events/cmalt-webinar-candidates-5. Unfortunately I am unable to attend this one but a recording of the session should be available after the event … ?
All the best, David