E-learning my new hobbie! Twenty years ago I was a computer programmer and left to start a family, but always missed working with IT technology. Since I re-trained as a Business Lecturer working in an FE College, but still missed having lots of IT knowledge - but didn't really know how to change this situation. Approximately a year ago I decided that I was going to try and catch up a little with e-learning, and started by joining a level 3 short course. I found it really enjoyable and realised the importance of improving my knowledge with e-learning. I struggled in places and found the course challenging, but I thoroughrily enjoyed it. Since I have just completed a 5 month course with the Open University and now started an online course with Oxford Brookes University. I am gradually building up some knowledge, but the more I find out about e-learning the more I realise I have to learn. I can sit down at my computer to do a couple of hours work and the next thing I know I have lost 5 hours! It has become my hobby rather than a chore!

In the College where I work it is really promoting e-learning and I'm very fortunate, as we have an excellent e-learning technologist who I try and meet for 30 mins every week to discuss my e-learning discoveries! In such a short time I have managed to introduce so much of what I have learnt from the two courses into my teaching.

I still categorise myself as a novice e-learning technologist, but would like to work towards the CMALT certification (Association of Learning Technology) - this will take me some while. If you are interested in finding out more about ALT their website is: http://www.alt.ac.uk/