The Association for Educational Communications and Technology is pleased to announce the newest chapter of AECT, ID&T at ISU.
On January 22, 2026, the AECT Board of Directors approved the request from Instructional Design & Technology at Idaho State University (ID&T @ ISU) to establish a chapter of AECT. As a chapter, ID&T @ ISU will bring together ISU students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are involved in instructional design, educational technology, or related programs.
The proposal for the chapter was submitted by current ID&T @ ISU chapter president, Cathy Leavitt. When asked why, she explained, “The students at Idaho State University are establishing an AECT chapter to create an enduring community of practice that supports students’ professional growth and advances the field of educational technology throughout the year. By connecting ISU students, alumni, faculty, and practitioners with the international AECT organization, this chapter will provide a forum for collaboration, help align our local work with AECT’s mission and goals, and ensure that our students learn from the best practices of researchers and professionals in the field.”
AECT President-Elect and distinguished ISU faculty member, Dr. John Curry, told us, "AECT has been a part of my professional life since I was a graduate student myself. This organization has connected me not only with current research in the field, but it has been the jumping off point for dozens of professional partnerships and collaborations with others in the field. I’ve always wanted to provide the same experience to my students, and I’m excited that they took this step themselves to formalize their relationship with the organization as well."
AECT President, Dr. Chris Miller, also highlighted the value of becoming an AECT Chapter to strengthen the relationship between AECT and specific groups, such as students on a college campus. He said, “I am excited to see that the Idaho State University Instructional Design and Technology student group is now AECT’s newest chapter… Student AECT chapters not only can provide those connections but also provide connections to a larger worldwide community of students, scholars, and practitioners.”
More about ID&T @ ISU
President: Cathy Leavitt
Vice President: Kelly Alvarado
Secretary: Rebekah Gruel
Communication Chair: Shayla Nelson
About Chapters
A Chapter of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) may be organized to provide a local focal point for individuals interested in using technology in education and training. Chapters may be formed on a university campus or on a city, metropolitan, or regional basis and are expected to encourage interaction among instructional technology practitioners in government, industry, and academia.
How to Establish a Chapter
A group of individuals who wish to establish an AECT Chapter on a university, city/metropolitan, or regional basis should contact the Office of AECT for planning guidelines. A minimum of five individuals, two of whom must be AECT members, is required to establish a Chapter.