Special Interest Groups

The work of the Media & Learning Association is organised through Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These are standing committees that include different members of the association and which both direct and provide input and support the work of the association in different areas.

The following SIGs are active:

Special Interest Group on Management and Support of Media in Higher Education

This SIG focuses on the use of media in higher education and brings together members with a specific interest in this topic.

Current activities of this SIG include:

  • Members of this SIG participate actively in the Advisory Committee which is directly involved in developing the agenda for the annual Media & Learning Conference
  • Members of this SIG are also directly involved in the programme of online Workshops and Seminars organised for members and others on specific topics of interest.
  • Operation of a dedicated mail-list on the topic of media in higher education open to members wishing to share knowledge and to collaborate on topics of mutual interest.
  • Direct involvement in MLA European projects related to media in higher education, current projects are StrategyHack and TransACTION!
  • Contribution of articles and other content to the monthly newsletter on the topic of Media in higher education.
  • Engagement in MLA social media channels on the topic of media in higher education.

Special Interest Group on AI in Higher Education

This SIG focuses on exploring how AI can be used to enhance teaching and learning, identifying ethical considerations related to the use of AI in education and brings together members with a specific interest in this topic. It will take a particular interest in the role of AI in media supported teaching and learning.

Current activities of this SIG include:

  • Members of this SIG are also directly involved in the programme of online Workshops and Seminars organised for members and others on the topics particularly related to the use of AI
  • Contribution of articles and other content to the monthly newsletter on the topic of AI
  • Engagement in MLA social media channels on the topic of AI in higher education
  • Operation of a dedicated mail-list on the topic of AI in education open to members wishing to share knowledge and to collaborate on topics of mutual interest

Special Interest Group on XR in Higher Education

This SIG is organised jointly between MLA and XRERA, an initiative set up by the Centre for Innovation, Leiden University. It is responsible for organising relevant online knowledge exchange sessions on XR in education to members as well as shaping part of the annual Media & Learning conference on the topic of XR.

Current activities of this SIG include:

  • Members of this SIG participate actively in the Advisory Committee which is directly involved in developing the agenda for the annual Media & Learning Conference;
  • Members of this SIG are also directly involved in the programme of online Workshops and Seminars organised for members and others on the topics particularly related to the use of XR in Higher Education;
  • Contribution of articles and other content to the monthly newsletter on the topic of XR.
  • Engagement in MLA social media channels on the topic of XR in higher education.

Special Interest Group on OEMR

This SIG focuses on the use of open educational media resources and brings together members with a specific interest in this topic.

Current activities of this SIG include:

  • Members of this SIG are also directly involved in the programme of online Workshops and Seminars organised for members and others on the topics particularly related to the use of OEMR;
  • Contribution of articles and other content to the monthly newsletter on the topic of OEMR.
  • Engagement in MLA social media channels on the topic of OEMR in higher education.
  • Operation of a dedicated mail-list on the topic of OEMR in education open to members wishing to share knowledge and to collaborate on topics of mutual interest.

Special Interest Group on Digital and Media Literacy

This SIG focuses on the topic of digital media education and literacy and brings together members with a specific interest in this topic.

Current activities of this SIG include:

  • Operation of a dedicated mail-list on the topic of digital & media literacy open to members wishing to share knowledge and to collaborate on topics of mutual interest.
  • The organisation of the Wednesday Webinar series of online sessions open to all on the topic of digital & media literacy.
  • Direct involvement in MLA European projects related to digital & media literacy, current projects are SMILES and EDUMAKE
  • Contribution of articles and other content to the monthly newsletter on the topic of digital & media literacy.
  • Engagement in MLA social media channels on the topic of digital & media literacy
  • Representation on behalf of MLA in relevant organisations and fora including EDMO, EPRA and the different expert groups set up by the European Commission.