e learning age - the magazine for the learning organisation

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• Most innovative new learning hardware or software product

  As we have seen repeatedly over the past 30 years innovative new hardware and software products have the potential to revolutionise the way learning is designed, delivered, supported, enhanced or managed. This award seeks to recognise such products.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • How the new product enhances the way that learning can be designed, delivered, supported, enhanced or managed.
  • The benefits that the new product has brought to end users.
  • How the new product differs from its predecessors and/or competitors.

   

  Note that this category is designed to recognise hardware and software products themselves and not specific learning interventions that might have made use of them.

   

  Products that have already delivered benefits to end users will have a greater chance of success than those that are in development or only just launched.

   

  Supporting evidence from end users is required. Comments from single learners and end users will carry less weight than broader surveys or research. Comments from leading commentators in the field will also carry some weight.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.
  
  

• Excellence in the production of learning content - private sector

  This award recognises excellent content that enables learning for those working in the private sector.  There are many ways in which excellence may be judged, such as:

   

  • The contribution made to individual learning and performance.
  • The views of learners and other key stakeholders.
  • The impact on organisational performance.

   

  The judges will use all of these criteria as appropriate to judge excellence.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • Alignment of the content to a clearly identified learning need.
  • Effectiveness of the overall learning strategy.
  • Effective and appropriate use of text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements.
  • Effective and appropriate use of various forms of interactivity.
  • Reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the content.
  • Impact that the content has made in terms of individual and organisational performance.

   

  The submission must include a summary of the client brief and/or a statement of the training need that had been addressed. A summary of the analysis should be included to explain how the solution links to the learning need.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.
  
  

• Excellence in the production of learning content - public sector

  This award recognises excellent content that enables learning for those working in the public sector. There are many ways in which excellence may be judged, such as:

   

  • The contribution made to individual learning and performance.
  • The views of learners and other key stakeholders.
  • The impact on organisational performance.

   

  The judges will use all of these criteria as appropriate to judge excellence.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The alignment of the content to a clearly identified learning need.
  • The effectiveness of the overall learning strategy.
  • The effective and appropriate use of text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements.
  • The effective and appropriate use of various forms of interactivity.
  • The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the content.
  • The impact that the content has made in terms of individual and organisational performance.

   

  The submission must include a summary of the client brief and/or a statement of the training need that had been addressed. A summary of the analysis should be included to explain how the solution links to the learning need.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

• Excellence in the production of learning content – not for profit sector

  This award recognises excellent content that enables learning for those working in the not for profit sector. There are many ways in which excellence may be judged, such as:

   

  • The contribution made to individual learning and performance.
  • The views of learners and other key stakeholders.
  • The impact on organisational performance.

   

  The judges will use all of these criteria as appropriate to judge excellence.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The alignment of the content to a clearly identified learning need.
  • The effectiveness of the overall learning strategy.
  • The effective and appropriate use of text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements.
  • The effective and appropriate use of various forms of interactivity.
  • The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the content.
  • The impact that the content has made in terms of individual and organisational performance.

   

  The submission must include a summary of the client brief and/or a statement of the training need that had been addressed. A summary of the analysis should be included to explain how the solution links to the learning need.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.
  
  

• Best use of e-learning to ensure compliance with external regulations or internal policies

  One of the most popular uses of e-learning is to provide training that is required by an organisation to comply with the demands of an external regulator or to satisfy a policy requirement from within an organisation. An important aspect of this training will be the quality of assessment and record keeping.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The alignment of the content to a clearly identified learning need.
  • The effectiveness of the overall learning strategy.
  • The effective and appropriate use of text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements.
  • The effective and appropriate use of various forms of interactivity.
  • The steps that were taken to engage employees with the subject matter of the training and thus reduce the risk of the training being no more than a ‘tick-box’ exercise.
  • The ways in which compliant performance was secured and measured more speedily, economically or successfully through the application of technology.
  • How compliant performance was reliably and validly measured, whether or not this aspect of the training was achieved using technology.

   

  It is not necessary for all aspects of the training to be delivered using technology, although the e-learning element should be significant.

   

  The submission must be supported by either extracts from reports from an external regulator or with equivalent internal evidence. You should submit statistical evidence to support your claims with regard to the reliability and validity of the assessment methods used.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

• Best use of mobile learning

  Devices such as mobile phones, Blackberries, tablets and handheld games consoles are enjoying increasing use for the delivery of learning and performance support. This category seeks to recognise those projects that make innovative and effective use of mobile devices to reach audiences, achieve goals or deliver efficiencies that were previously unobtainable.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The rationale for the use of mobile devices to meet the particular requirement.
  • How the design takes account of the particular characteristics of the devices in question and the environments in which they could be used.
  • How the use of mobile devices for learning or performance support has helped in reaching new audiences and/or achieving learning more efficiently.
  • The reaction of learners to the offering.
  • How effective mobile learning has been in meeting organisational needs.

   

  The mobile offering could be primarily content-orientated, but could also provide facilities for collaboration with tutors, fellow learners or other relevant people.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

• Best use of rapid e-learning

  In the past few years there has been significant growth in the use of rapid e-learning development tools and processes to support many different workplace learning requirements. In many cases rapid content is being designed and developed by subject experts and generalist trainers without formal e-learning skills, although also often in conjunction with specialist developers. In all cases the emphasis is on responding quickly to organisational requirements, typically within a few weeks.

   

  This award seeks to recognise ‘best practice’ uses of rapid tools and processes by organisations looking to respond speedily to their learning requirements.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The case for rapid e-learning in the organisation.
  • The ways in which rapid processes have been adopted without unduly compromising on effectiveness.
  • The active involvement of subject experts and/or generalist trainers in design and/or development.
  • The efficient use of rapid e-learning tools.
  • The time savings achieved in the use of rapid techniques for content design and development.
  • The reaction of learners to the content.
  • The effectiveness of the rapid approach in meeting organisational needs.

   

  For the purposes of this award, rapid content can be interpreted broadly to include tutorials, quizzes, podcasts, videos, games, screencasts, presentations and similar media formats. To be eligible, the development of this content must have been achieved with the active involvement of subject experts and/or generalist trainers, using streamlined tools and/or processes over condensed periods, typically of no more than a few weeks.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

   

• Best use of synchronous e-learning

  The application of synchronous e-learning through the use of web conferencing and virtual classroom tools has increased enormously in recent years. As a result, distance learners and those employees working in dispersed geographical locations have been able to interact, collaborate and access information in real-time without the need for expensive and time-consuming travel. Synchronous e-learning has also been used to overcome the perceived ‘loneliness’ of self-paced e-learning and to enable the benefits of face-to-face classes, workshops and seminars to be made available to learners over the Internet.

   

  This award seeks to recognise examples of where synchronous e-learning technologies have contributed to the overall delivery of learning and development interventions, and where without this technology the interventions would have been disadvantaged.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The rationale for the use of synchronous e-learning.
  • How the particular synchronous e-learning tool(s) selected has been used to meet the requirements of the project
  • Any innovative ways in which synchronous online communication has been used.
  • The ways in which synchronous e-learning has been integrated effectively with other learning methods and media.
  • How instructors/facilitators have been developed to take full advantage of the technology.
  • How the use of the technology has been received by learners.
  • The effectiveness of the technology in meeting the organisational needs.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

   

• Best online distance learning programme

  Distance learning courses have been enhanced considerably by the use of the internet as a means for accessing content, assessment, communication and collaboration. The majority of distance learning courses now include a considerable online component, sometimes blended with face-to-face, print and other media.

   

  This award seeks to recognise those distance learning programmes which have made excellent use of online media and tools to facilitate learning. The award is particularly focused on those programmes that employ a range of methods and media over many weeks or months of part-time study, typically leading to a formal qualification.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The rationale behind the choice of online distance learning as an approach to meet the requirement.
  • The basis for selection of the various online tools and techniques.
  • The appropriate use of media within the learning materials.
  • The effectiveness of the support provided to learners by tutors and facilitators.
  • The ways in which learner collaboration has been encouraged and facilitated.
  • How the use of online tools and techniques has achieved the required results in terms of learner satisfaction, take-up and pass rates.

   

  The submission must show how the use of online tools and techniques has improved the distance learning programme in question or effectively replaced other methods and media. Reasons may be economic, logistical, practical or related to enhancing the learning experience.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners is required. Comments from single learners will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

• Best learning game, simulation or virtual environment

  The use of games, simulations and virtual environments as an aid to learning has become more widespread as the tools and technologies for developing these become more accessible, and as the population in general becomes more familiar with video games as well as multi-user online games and worlds.

   

  This award seeks to recognise games, simulations and virtual environments that play a key role in the support of specific learning aims. We will recognise innovative uses of these techniques, as well as the extent to which they lead to greater engagement, enjoyment and motivation, and provide a more effective learning experience than more traditional approaches.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The rationale behind the use of a game, simulation or virtual environment as an approach to meet the requirement.
  • The appropriate selection of games, simulations or virtual environments as learning tools to meet a specific learning requirement, whether on a stand-alone basis or in conjunction with other media and methods.
  • The innovative use of games, simulations or virtual environments.
  • The effective alignment of games, simulations or virtual environments with learning objectives and outcomes.
  • The extent to which games, simulations or virtual environments have contributed to learner engagement, enjoyment and motivation.
  • The extent to which games, simulations or virtual environments have successfully contributed to the achievement of learning objectives.
  • The reaction of learners to the approach.
  • The extent to which games, simulations or virtual environments have delivered value for money, particularly in comparison with alternative methods.

   

  There are many ways in which excellence may be judged: the views of stakeholders, the recognition of peers and professional colleagues and the responses of learners. The judges will use all of these criteria as appropriate to judge excellence.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to a judging panel.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

   

• Best use of social media for learning

  The usefulness of social media to increase the reach and power of informal learning is becoming increasingly recognised by organisations.

   

  This award seeks to find examples of organisations that are effectively using social media to enhance learning opportunities and meet organisational needs.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The organisational requirements that prompted the use of social media for learning.
  • Why social media were chosen to support these requirements.
  • How and why particular tools and methodologies were chosen.
  • How the introduction of the use of social media for learning was planned for and supported.
  • How social media have contributed to learning.
  • How learners have responded to the use of social media.
  • How the effectiveness of social media has been evaluated.

   

  The submission must show how the use of social media has added to the overall learning architecture. The results put forward as evidence must be quantifiable, including user feedback.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

   

• Best e-learning project **NEW FOR 2012**

  E-learning has the potential to have a huge positive impact within an organisation. This award seeks to recognise where excellence across the board, in terms of content, use of technology, and matching design to user and organisational needs, has led to a lasting, measurable and positive impact.

   

  The project may consist of a single intervention or a broader implementation of learning technologies. The target population may include employees, students, private individuals and other groups. The term ‘e-learning’ can also be interpreted widely to include all forms of online content, and may incorporate such things as synchronous learning, use of social media, or mobile technologies.

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • The alignment of the content to a clearly identified learning need.
  • The effectiveness of the overall learning strategy.
  • The effective and appropriate use of text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements.
  • The effective and appropriate use of interactivity.
  • The appropriate choice of technology
  • The effective use of innovation or originality
  • The successful management of the implementation, including alignment with organisational goals, engagement with key stakeholders, marketing, support and evaluation.
  • The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the content.
  • The impact that the project has made in terms of individual and organisational performance.

   

  The submission must include a summary of the client brief and/or a statement of the training need that had been addressed. A summary of the analysis should be included to explain how the solution links to the learning need.

   

  Supporting evidence from learners and other stakeholders is required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

• E-learning development company of the year

  This award recognises e-learning development companies that have achieved exceptional results within their customers’ organisations as a direct result of the bespoke e-learning content that they have developed.

   

  The award seeks organisations that have a positive contribution to their service/product offering backed up by solid customer service, account and project management. Organisations must demonstrate that they have made positive steps in exceeding customer expectations and that these are backed up by testimonial and other supporting evidence. Both quantitative and qualitative evidence will be taken into account. 

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  Those shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel.

   

• E-learning designer of the year **NEW FOR 2012**

  This is an individual award that recognises the contribution that learning designers make to the success of e-learning projects. The award is assessed based on consistent high quality and effective learning design over a number of years. 

   

  Individuals must demonstrate that their work is characterised by a number of key qualities, such as:

   

  • Understanding the needs of users.
  • Designing the most appropriate learning intervention within constraints.
  • Creating designs that are fit for purpose.
  • Showing originality and innovation where this matches the requirement
  • Consummate communication skills - with external clients, with internal project teams and through clear writing.

   

  Evidence for the submissions will be based on a portfolio of projects.  It should be backed up by testimonial and other supporting evidence from users and other stakeholders.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  A presentation to the judging panel is not required.  This award will be judged only on the written submission backed up by portfolio based evidence.

   

• E-learning internal project team of the year

  This award recognises internal project teams who have achieved a positive change within their organisation using e-learning as a performance development tool.

   

  The team may have implemented a new programme or used many different ways to ensure that the adoption and take up of new tools has made a demonstrative and highly effective impact on the organisation and how it performs against its objectives.  The team may have produced a new technique that saves time and money in achieving performance change using e-learning.  

   

  Internal teams must demonstrate that they have made positive contributions and that these are backed up by testimonial and other supporting evidence. Both quantitative and qualitative evidence will be taken into account. Internal project teams will be chosen by a panel of judges who are established and recognised within the industry.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  A presentation to the judging panel is not required.  This award will be judged only on the written submission backed up by portfolio based evidence.

   

   

• E-learning industry award for outstanding achievement – individual

  This is an individual award and assessed based on the contribution made to the sector either over a number of years or from achieving a significant positive change.

   

  Individuals must demonstrate that they have made significant contributions and that these are backed up by testimonial and other supporting evidence.  Both quantitative and qualitative evidence will be taken into account.

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  A presentation to the judging panel is not required.  This award will be judged only on the written submission backed up by portfolio based evidence.

   

   

• E-learning industry award for outstanding achievement – corporate

  This special award is designed to recognise great organisations doing great work and achieving great things in learning, development and technology

   

  Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence of:

   

  • High levels of proven achievement including specific project work.
  • Business excellence - dramatic growth, product/service innovation.
  • Client recommendation/testimonial.
  • Making a real difference

   

  Use of Additional Media

  Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following if you feel they will add value:

   

  • A short video file (maximum 5 minutes in length).
  • URL links to additional material, such as a demo of the programme or product.
  • Slides or static screen displays (maximum of 12).

   

  Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions (Point 2(vi)) relating to the use of additional media.

   

  Presentation to the Judging Panel

  A presentation to the judging panel is not required.  This award will be judged only on the written submission backed up by portfolio based evidence.