University nominated for prestigious global learning award

The Instructional Management Systems (IMS) Learning Impact Awards are designed to recognise and reward the use of influential technology in the support of learning worldwide.

The University teamed up with Pebble Learning, the company behind the PebblePad eportfolio tool to present a submission entitled ‘PebblePad: from project, to pilot, to personalised learning for all’.

PebblePad is an innovative web-based eportfolio system which allows users to make and store records about their learning, achievements and goals.

Records are collected over time and can then be used for assessment, reflection, accreditation, or simple story telling. Users choose to share their work with others who can be invited to feedback.

The University provides PebblePad for all staff and students as an online tool for assessment as well as a space for students to display and reflect upon their work over the course of their studies.

Shane Sutherland, Development Director and co-founder of Pebble Learning, said: “Joining with the University to take stock of where we've come from and how far we have travelled has been a really useful and affirming process.”

Emma Purnell, Blended Learning Advisor at the University, said: “The IMS Learning Impact Award has given us the opportunity to bring together and recognise all the examples of ePortfolio innovation and best practice that exist across the university and to celebrate the institution wide achievements in the area of ePortfolio based learning”

The University entry is in the running against 13 other finalists from a variety of different countries. Other UK finalists include Durham and Nottingham universities, as well as the BBC.

The finalists will be given the chance to showcase their work at the annual Learning Impact conference which takes place in Long Beach, California, on May 17 to May 20. A panel of experts in technology based learning will confirm the final award winners.

ENDS

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