ELESIG Scholar Scheme

ALT ELESIG is pleased to announce that we are relaunching the ALT-ELESIG Scholar Scheme, a reciprocal mentoring programme for learning technology professionals, led by the Association for Learning Technology’s special interest group on Evaluating Learner Experience in E-Learning (ALT ELESIG). 

The scheme is designed to develop and strengthen participants’ research and evaluation capacity in digital education. It pairs scholars (professionals looking for research support with experienced advisors in the learning technology field.  

Who is it for?  

The scheme is open to two types of participants:  

• Scholars: Those working in learning technology who want to develop their research and evaluation skills. They may have limited local support for their research goals and are not nearing the end of a doctoral degree or have an extensive publication history. The programme is free to participate.  
• Advisors: Experienced professionals in the learning technology field who are interested in sharing their skills and experience to support emerging researchers.  

How does the scheme work? 

• The scheme is structured as a facilitated, group-based, and reciprocal mentoring programme. The 2026 cohort will be based on the “Change Laboratory” model, a collaborative approach for identifying and solving systemic challenges.  
• Advisor/scholar pairing: Selected participants are paired up and expected to meet independently at least four times independently over the duration of the scheme. The advisor acts as a supportive listener, not a supervisor per se, supporting the scholar to reflect and advance their ideas. 
• Group workshops: Opportunity to participate in a series of Change Labs, designed to explore challenges to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and co-create possible solutions.  
• Workload: The scheme requires a commitment of time from participants. At least x6 Change Labs (optional) and a minimum of x4 one-to-one sessions with a scholar/advisor  

What are the benefits of taking part in the Scholar Scheme?  

• Enhance your professional development: Develop a feasible professional development plan.  
• Strengthen your research and evaluation skills: Build capacity and gain valuable guidance in research and evaluation in digital education.  
• Grow your network: Connect and build professional relationships with other scholars and advisors.  
• Advance your career goals: Work on developing an application for a Senior Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT) or a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).  
• Disseminate your research: Create a publishing plan to share your research through a Scholar Scheme Showcase and other ALT events.  

How to apply: 

Applications are submitted through an online form. While places are limited, we welcome expressions of interest from all eligible applicants and encourage you to tell us about your goals and what you hope to gain from the scheme. Please register your interest by Monday, 23 February 2026.

For further information, contact Jess Humphreys (jessica.humphreys@warwick.ac.uk) or Denise Sweeney (denise.sweeney@nottingham.ac.uk)