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Our engagement for change in the sector
by Dr Teeroumanee Nadan, Annual Conference 2023 Committee Member
This blog was originally posted on 20 July 2023 on Dr Teeroumanee Nadan’s blog teeroumaneenadan.com
How excited are you for #altc23? Check out the #altc23 registration, #altc23 scholarship applications, #altc23 programme, and #altc23 website for more information.
By now you must be aware that ALT & JISC both turn 30 this year. In all the celebratory fanfare, if there is one thing that should stick with you, it is the hope for change:
✨change in the workplace within the learning technologies sector,
✨change in the sector as a whole, and
✨change within organisations like ALT and JISC that are decisive resources for change in the sector.
I have a lot to say about change, so why not check previous #altc23 blogs: “Becoming (more) accessible by design” & “When Diversity & Inclusion is a key conference theme, it changes the whole game” – and there is more in the #altc23 blogs series. Happy reading!
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This blog emanates from the themes of #altc23. While reading this blog today, I seek that you to reflect on your engagement for change in the learning tech sector:
- Why is change needed?
- Who is responsible for change?
- What change is needed?
Why is change needed?
The understanding of technology design and development and its target users plays a huge role in understanding how inclusive our line of work is. Here are pointers for change and reflection:
- What makes your team/department uncomfortable?
- What does it take to make sectorial teams to be more inclusive in practice?
Surviving ≠ Thriving
Who is responsible for change?
Change in the sector is everyone’s business. Here are pointers for change and reflection:
- In leading teams to solve complex and difficult problems, do you play it safe or do you go the full extent of what it takes to see change? What is your level of responsibility?
- What is everyone’s role in team or departmental change management?
Are you response-abled?
What change is needed?
The hardest part is identifying what needs to be done for change to be long-lasting and sustainable. Here are pointers for change and reflection:
- In this day and age, what are the barriers to inclusivity that may not be overcome during our lifetime?
- What role do ethics, integrity, and values play in your organisation’s and your own life?
Transcending the status-quo for change
Next steps
If you are planning to attend #altc23, I invite you to join me in an action-oriented workshop on “Our engagement for change in the sector”.
Please note that participants will be expected to already have a basic knowledge of inclusive technologies and inclusivity, to be able to focus on reflections, actions, and commitment during the workshop. I provide below some preworkshop readings.
Preworkshop Readings
- Equity analysis of 6 job blurbs – a podcast for TalkingHE (Santanu Vasant)
- Modern slavery in UK HEIs
- Race equality in learning technology – digital poverty
- Race equality in learning technology – digital poverty – group discussion notes
- Ouch! Another year on, and your board room is still with 1 black woman, still better, she ticks other boxes too
- Taking an action-oriented approach to recruitment
- Changing mindsets to reduce discrimination at work (ft. Dominic Pates)
- Skip your sleep, it is 23:59 – an ALT 2022 presentation followup
- Creating visibility for POC LTs in junior roles – ARLT SIG discussion
Taking responsibility of your #altc23
Remember to check out:
- #altc23 registration
- #altc23 scholarship applications
- #altc23 programme
- #altc23 website for more information
The committee has put together an #altc23 blogs series and there are more coming, especially from the accessibility sub-committee. Happy reading!