And the Winners are......
Now in their fourth year, the E-Learning Awards have, once again, attracted more entries from e-learning suppliers and users than ever before. The quality of entries was exceptional and the award winners showcase not only outstanding capabilities in the sector, but also the extending reach of e-learning across organisations. As Joe Quilter, chair of the judges, comments: “The entries were of an impressive standard and the level of achievement is a real reflection of UK and overseas e-learning at the forefront of organisational performance development. The entries demonstrate that e-learning has become a ‘must have’ rather than an add on to traditional learning interventions.”
You can also view photos of all the winners.
Most innovative new product or tool in e-learning
Gold winner: digital publishing
This entry is an impressive example of how technology can be harnessed to improve the learning experience by putting the learner in control of learning a language. Using technology such as voice recognition and focusing on some of the more difficult elements of learning a language, such as tone, the programme clearly illustrates how learners can overcome difficulties and speak a foreign language competently. The entry also demonstrates clear support mechanisms as well as management tracking and quantifiable outcomes.
Silver winner: Autology
Autology demonstrates how technology taken from one sector can be applied to another, in this case the schools market. The Autology technology supports course work and referencing of material more effectively than traditional browser technology. Using additional download tools, Autology illustrates how teachers and students can easily reference material for essays and course work that is appropriate to the student. The judges were impressed with the actual and potential benefits to schools.
Bronze winner: Diageo and Epic
Diageo, working with Epic, has built the beginnings of a tool that shows a link between assessment, job role competencies and recommended learning paths, and which can provide company managers with a decisive development route. The judges were impressed that Diageo and Epic were developing the concept
of performance development into a living tool.
Most innovative application of learning technology
Commendation: Edvantage Group and Bupa
Edvantage Group (formerly Futuremedia Learning) achieved a close relationship and level of personisation using Performance Zone for Bupa's 3,200 employees.
Commendation: Royal Navy in conjunction with IMC (UK)
This entry used the Sony PlayStation in a very innovative way to deliver portable learning to engineering technicians in the Royal Navy.
Excellence in the production of learning content
Gold winner: NCALT
The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) programme delivered by Ncalt demonstrates richness of content and variety. The NPIA has created a piece of e-learning encompassing emotional and sensitive issues that have always been perceived to require face-to-face training. The programme has been successfully received with positive outcomes.
Silver winner: The Royal Bank of Scotland Group
MoneySense for Schools is The Royal Bank of Scotland Group’s flagship financial education programme, which was redesigned in 2007 as an online resource. The programme is based around an interactive website for 11 to 18 year olds and offers educationally sound, good quality materials that are attractive to teachers and help them teach personal finance ad enterprise skills, while young people develop their money management skills.
Special mention: LINE Communications
LINE Communications worked with the Identity and Passport Service to achieve an impressive organisational transformation using their Authentication by Interview Learning and Development Programme.
Meeting the needs of compliance for an external regulator or internal workforce
Winner: Coventry Building Society
Coventry Building Society demonstrates clear links between compliance and the performance of individuals in terms of time and cost savings. Full compliance training is scheduled for all staff and tracks who needs to do what and when. The programme is supported by quarterly follow-ups by managers and regular auditing. It is also monitored so that those who do not complete and pass the e-learning tasks will not progress to workshops.
Commendation: Unicorn Training Group, the Chartered Insurance Institute and the British Insurance Brokers Association
Unicorn Training, the Chartered Insurance Institute & the British Insurance Brokers Association displayed a big impact in their market especially for smaller firms who couldn’t afford to develop their own compliance material.
Best e-learning project securing widespread adoption
Gold winner: Doctors.net.uk
Doctors.net.uk produced excellent evidence to support all the award criteria. The drivers for the target audience were well researched and influenced both programme design and implementation. Multiple communication routes were used to address the challenge of reaching and engaging high numbers of busy doctors. Strong statistical analysis and evidence was also provided to illustrate success with learners and stakeholders. Doctors.net.uk tailored its approach to the unique needs of its audience. The judges particularly liked the focus on tailored messaging for individuals to encourage take-up and provide relevance.
Silver winner: Toyota and CERTPOINT Europe
The Toyota and CERTPOINT programme was a complex rollout across Europe. The team identified obstacles and created detailed, yet flexible, plans that could adapt to different interventions. Constructive and well proven ideas addressed challenging issues.
The programme was effective in overcoming resistance and obstacles preventing adoption. This was achieved through extensive communication plans and varied communication channels including newsletters, the use of champions and focus groups. The ability for local regions to adapt and contribute to the system also supported the programme’s success.
Special mention: NCALT
NCALT provided anecdotal and survey feedback showing strong understanding of their audience together with varied and detailed communications plan using multiple proven techniques for addressing known obstacles.
Best use of rapid e-learning content
Gold winner: BBC Training & Development
BBC Training & Development shows an appropriate use of a blended learning solution that fits the culture of the organisation and uses peer-to-peer support to engage busy line managers in leadership programmes.
This entry does not focus only on speed and reduction of cost, but also on a strong commitment to production quality and credible and authoritative content. The design process was pivotal in transforming the role of the learning and development professional from course deliverer to business enabler.
Silver winner: Kineo and Cable & Wireless
This entry demonstrates a mature design approach with excellent use of a longer, up-front design process followed by repeated rapid development. It is a good example of team working between an e-learning company and customer, with a high level of engagement of subject matter experts throughout. Turnaround times in response to business demand are excellent and the rapid solution has been seamlessly integrated into Cable & Wireless’s overall offering to the learner.
Best use of synchronous e-learning
Gold winner: The Dental Channel
The Dental Channel presents an excellent example of the use of synchronous e-learning, not in isolation, but as part of a blended programme of continuing professional development. It is evident that The Dental Channel is sensitive to the ways in which dentists and dental care professionals engage in learning and understands the working conditions of a busy dental practice. The synchronous e-learning programme responded to these factors and is an important part of delivering meaningful professional development.
Silver winner: Stockton City Learning Centre
The intervention described in this submission has made a significant difference for learners. The model used by Stockton City Learning Centre to apply synchronous e-learning has encouraged collaboration across schools involved in the project. The focus on learning, for both teaching assistants and pupils, is a highlight.
Best online or distance learning programme
Gold winner: e-Learning for Healthcare
e-Learning for Healthcare is a great example of a comprehensive solution that uses online materials and peer-to-peer collaboration between authors and trainers. The solution is integrated with classroom delivery and includes online mentoring supported by consultants and managers. e-Learning for Healthcare has created a course including learner support for a three-year study period. Learners collaborate with colleagues on a regional basis, online and in workshops.
The submission provides anecdotal data demonstrating that learner support is integrated, effective and successful. Programme users can comment on the accuracy and quality of individual components, ensuring content remains current.
Silver winner: Hibernia College
The Hibernia College programme reflects a sound systems rationale for providing key interactive learning content for a masters degree in pharmaceutical medicine. The submission is to be applauded for taking a leadership position that will benefit others operating in the sector. The use of online collaboration and support is strong, and the submission recognises the positive impact on learners.
Commendation: Plan
Plan, in partnership with LMMatters and Harvard Business Publishing, demonstrated sound rationale in developing and delivering their solution to a diverse multi-cultural audience.
Best learning game, simulation or virtual environment
Winner: Caspian Learning
Caspian Learning has tackled a topic in need of revitalisation and created an immersive world in which learners can go on a voyage of discovery and complete challenges and tasks. The learning objectives embedded in the game play hit all the buttons for learning engagement and achievement, while the technology used to deliver the solution successfully over the web is also meritorious.
E-learning internal project team of the year
Winner: AXA UK
AXA’s New Learning Solutions team is responsible for delivering e-learning throughout the AXA Group. Despite being established relatively recently, the team has clearly demonstrated its impact by using each member’s personal strengths to deliver blended learning consultancy, design and technical development that shows a clear understanding of users and retains their attention.
E-learning development company of the year
Winner: Kineo
Kineo employs a fresh approach and has an unrelenting focus on customer development and client satisfaction. The company uses all available technologies and works with customers at every stage, managing and developing for their individual needs, a process that has led to 90% repeat business. The judges
noted outstanding customer feedback.
E-learning industry award for outstanding achievement – individual
Winner: Nick Lee, Hampshire Learning Centre, Hampshire County Council
When Nick Lee joined Hampshire Learning Centre he was faced with a vast range of e-learning modules that lacked any consistency and were difficult and complex to complete. After reviewing each module and researching options offered externally, Lee implemented consistency across the e-learning modules, making them easier to navigate and more attractive to users. The judges saw clear evidence that Lee’s work has increased the uptake of e-learning and has made a substantial impact on Hampshire County Council.
Winner: Peter Phillips, Unicorn Training Group
Peter Phillips is the founder and chairman of Unicorn Training Group. Over the past 20 years he has led the development of Unicorn as a market leading provider of e-learning solutions to the UK insurance sector. Phillips also pioneered the development and use of business simulations, serious games and immersive training. Unicorn simulations have run successfully in over 30 countries around the world.
E-learning industry award for outstanding achievement – corporate
Winner: NCALT
NCALT produces e-learning and researches new learning technologies for the 43 police forces and the wider criminal justice sector in the UK. NCALT’s team of focussed professionals faced significant challenges in implementing high quality, accessible e-learning, but overcame the challenges to create positive change in the learning and development of police officers and staff. The judges recognised this as an impressive project, backed up by outstanding testimonials and excellent statistics demonstrating increased adoption.