Description
In the summer of 2025, a collaborative initiative between Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University was launched to support learning technologists and educational technology professionals across Northern Ireland in preparing and submitting their portfolios for Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT) and Senior CMALT.The series, co-organised by Dr Aideen Gibson (Ulster University) and Dr Matt Birch (QUB), consisted of three targeted workshops, each designed to provide dedicated time, structured guidance, and peer support to individuals working towards professional accreditation. The sessions were carefully designed to foster a local network of practice, encouraging ongoing collaboration and mutual support throughout the application process.
Workshop 1: CMALT Portfolio – General Overview
Ulster University, Belfast (May 19th, 2025)
This introductory session provided an overview of the CMALT framework, application process, and portfolio expectations, helping participants gain clarity on the requirements and timelines.
Workshop 2: CMALT Portfolio – Principles and Values
Queen’s University Belfast (June 16th, 2025)
Focused on the core principles and values of ALT, this session enabled attendees to explore and articulate their own professional values and align them with the expectations of the CMALT framework.
Workshop 3: CMALT Portfolio – Core Areas
Venue Belfast MET (September 8th, 2025)
This final session concentrated on the core areas of professional practice, encouraging participants to reflect critically on their experience and gather evidence to build strong, well-structured submissions.
Each workshop began with an informal welcome and networking time, followed by a structured session on portfolio development from 9:30am to 12:30pm. In the afternoons, the space remained available until 4:30pm, allowing participants to continue writing, reflecting, and discussing their portfolios in a supportive and collegial environment.
This initiative played a key role in raising awareness of professional accreditation opportunities, promoting evidence-based reflection, and reinforcing the professional identity and recognition of learning technologists within and beyond their institutions. By creating a regional peer-support network, the workshops strengthened community ties and supported a culture of continuous professional development in the learning technology sector across Northern Ireland.
| Period | 19 May 2025 → 08 Sept 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event type | Workshop |
| Degree of Recognition | National |
Keywords
- Learning Technology
- Education Technology
- EdTech
- Third Space
- e-learning
- professional development
- networking
- ALT
- ALTNI
- peer-support
- continuous professional development
- CPD
- evidence-based reflection