BGU winners of inclusive education award 2019

2018-19 was an exciting year in the development of Bishop Grosseteste University’s use of the Virtual Learning Environment. Following an extensive and rigorous tender process, Bishop Grosseteste University, worked with Blackboard to implement a renewed VLE. As part of this process, a new rubric and series of templates were created following extensive consultation with students and staff across the University.

Led by CELT, the Implementation Group comprised Dr Claire Thomson, Dr Sue Cordell, Barry Clarkson, Adam Elce, James Duke, Mark Hall, Phil Davis and academic staff across BGU, particularly Dr Jon Begley and Dr Elizabeth Kimber

The Implementation Group worked closely with staff to utilise blended learning approaches, to transfer resources and importantly, ensure materials are inclusive and accessible which has contributed to winning the Blackboard Catalyst Award.

Bishop Grosseteste University, was named as the winner of the Blackboard Catalyst Award for Inclusive Education, which honours those Blackboard users whose methods have ensured their pedagogy, content, technology, and educational services are fully inclusive and supportive of all learners with disabilities. Taking specific steps to rethink how learning is achieved, Bishop Grosseteste University has provided the means to help students succeed. As a small institution, the implementation of our new VLE has had a major impact on pedagogic practice.

Founded in 2005, the annual Catalyst Awards recognise and honour innovation and excellence in the Blackboard global community of practice, where millions of educators and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. Winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Blackboard experts.

“I’m proud to recognise this year’s outstanding recipients of the Blackboard Catalyst Award for their demonstrated commitment to using technology to enhance the learning experience, and sharing their best practices with the education community,” said Lee Blakemore, Chief Client Officer and President, Global Client Operations & Success at Blackboard. “Their outstanding contributions will help to support learner success in the Blackboard user community.”

The Implementation Group at Bishop Grosseteste University was honoured alongside other Blackboard Catalyst Award winners during TLC Europe 2019, Blackboard’s user conference held on 13-16 May in Newcastle.

Blackboard is the leading provider of learner success-focused technology solutions and services. Its product portfolio is unmatched in the marketplace, spanning teaching and learning, analytics, community engagement and student services.