Benefits of Membership in NC ALTA

Learning is being transformed through the use of new technologies like computer simulations, virtual reality, videogames, social networking, haptics and biofeedback. These technologies and others are increasingly shown to be highly effective tools for improving education, training, and positive behavioral change.
The effort to realize the benefits of Advanced Learning Technologies is going to require the convergence and integration of a number of tools and practices from different organizations and disciplines. It will require:

• Hardware companies to provide the devices and infrastructures to support new learning technologies.
• Game development companies to furnish the talent and expertise of developing realistic 3-D worlds and interesting scenarios.
• Learning institutions to do basic research on how people learn and how learning can be most effectively improved.
• Learning content development companies to provide the structure and elements of pedagogy that will add education to the entertainment value of games and simulations.

NC ALTA was formed to bring organizations in the above areas together so they can share knowledge, combine their mutual expertise and products, and identify opportunities for joint work that will further both the adoption of new technology for learning as well as the growth of member companies.
In addition, for the ALT industry to grow and thrive there must be more public awareness and more government support for the industry and our members. To this end, NCALTA will provide its members with legislative and regulatory representation, and will work with our Association members to develop a pro-active legislative agenda.  The association will seek assistance in the form of state and federal funding, tax incentives, public awareness, and other means to foster the grown of the industry.
Regular meetings of NC ALTA will allow members to learn from others and get a chance to form synergistic relationships with other organizations to advance learning technology. These meetings will also identify challenges that need to be overcome to support adoption of the new technologies.  Member organizations can work together to develop solutions to these challenges, which will enhance the growth prospects of individual companies as well as the industry as a whole.
This December, NC ALTA is producing the first annual Advanced Learning Technology Summit. The event will bring together experts in learning theory and will showcase tools and practices that are being used to advance learning.  Members will have the opportunity to present the capabilities and directions of their organization in the Advanced Learning Technology space during the conference. Association members will receive reduced registration fees for the event.
By joining this association, members gain the leverage of leading universities, game companies and other corporations interested in fostering the creative advancement of learning to do many good things in the State of North Carolina.  We can help foster job growth and a more prepared workforce at a time when our State is losing jobs in textiles, furniture manufacturing and agriculture.