CARY, N.C. – In a Q&A for WRAL Local Tech Wire, Jerry Heneghan, chief executive officer of Virtual Heroes, talks more about the North Carolina Advanced Learning Technologies Association.
What is NCALTA?
The North Carolina Advanced Learning Technologies Association (NCALTA) is a 501(c6) organization created to provide a vital network and bridge between educators, legislators and technology developers regarding the use and creation of Advanced Learning Technologies.
How would you define Advanced Learning Technologies?
Advanced Learning Technologies is the term used to describe the implementation or use of technology-based learning, teaching, education and training. This includes but is not limited to innovative web-based learning and teaching/training technologies, streaming multimedia technologies, reusable learning objects, virtual reality, learning simulations and serious games.
Why was NCALTA created?
We believe that U.S. advantages in the marketplace and specifically in science, engineering and technology have begun to erode, due to advanced knowledge and widespread low-cost labor available elsewhere. We felt that a comprehensive and coordinated effort was needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness in these areas through the use of advanced learning technologies for education and workforce development.
Our goal with NCALTA is to create a vital network and bridge between educators, legislators and technology developers regarding the use and creation of Advanced Learning Technologies.
Who is involved in NCALTA?
North Carolina educators, scientists and business executives have joined together to create NCALTA in an attempt to provide thought leadership and collaboration. Our goal is to create a vital network and bridge between educators, legislators and technology developers regarding the use and creation of Advanced Learning Technologies.
What will NCALTA focus on?
We will focus on advancing research and multidisciplinary collaboration on the innovative paradigms, architectures and implementations of learning systems for adaptive learning related to STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), mobile learning, life-long-learning, just-in-time, and on-demand learning. NCALTA is committed to the development of new technologies to empower learners of all types and ages.
We will support attempts to integrate technology into education as well as provide resources and tools for carrying out professional growth and development among developers, educators and researchers.
What the impact of Advanced Learning Technologies on the state of North Carolina?
North Carolina has a rare blend of leading learning institutions, innovative educators, game development studios, new media companies, and companies dedicated to creating learning programs. NCALTA will leverage these resources to establish North Carolina as the world’s foremost hub for creating Advanced Learning Technologies, a burgeoning source of high-paying jobs and transformational learning tools.
How can others get involved?
Others can learn more about NCALA or join our efforts by visiting our website at www.ncalta.org or emailing us at info@NCALTA.org.
