At its annual conference on learning technology, ALT-C, in September, the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ascilite). ALT’s chief executive, Seb Schmoller, said: “The MOU aims to put collaboration between ALT and ascilite on a firm footing; reduce duplication of effort; promote efficient use of resources, and ensure fruitful synergy.”

Apparently, synergies will be encouraged through initiatives such as:

• Encouraging and stimulating collaboration between people, projects and organisations involved in technology supported teaching, learning and research to help promote good practice.
• Promoting the sharing of organisational knowledge, resources, facilities and member services.
• Connecting with existing professional networks and fostering working relationships within international communities of educational practice.

Comment: One of the dangers in this rapidly developing technological world is that any organisation that is restricted in its gaze and ambition by national boundaries will find itself out-manoeuvred by its competitors. In taking a more international view – for whatever reason – ALT is to be congratulated. Organisations in the technology-delivered learning private sector would do well to adopt a similar strategy.