Award categories

This information relates to all categories.

Word limit

Submissions must be a maximum of 2,000 words including:

• appendices,
• testimonials,
• PowerPoint slides,
• any other written information. 

The word count does not include the 100 word Executive Summary or any text provided as explanation for images.  Any explanatory text must be kept to a minimum.

Submissions exceeding the maximum word limit by more than 10% (2,200 words) will not be judged and therefore not considered for shortlisted.

Executive Summary

Each submission should be accompanied by an 100 word Executive Summary. This will be published on our website, if your entry is shortlisted, and may be used later in other collateral connected with this awards scheme.

The Executive Summary should not contain any confidential information as it will be published without prior consultation with you.

Additional media 

Submissions may be accompanied by any or all of the following:

• a short video file or files or a link to a video sharing site (maximum cumulative length of video(s) should be no more than 5 minutes),
• 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 relating to the use of additional media.

Presentation to the judging panel

Please refer to the individual criteria to see if a presentation will be required for that category.

Terms and conditions

Please ensure you have read the full terms and conditions.  By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, these terms and conditions.

Learning technologies 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 in the private or commercial sector.

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 ‘learning technologies’ 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 that:

• The project has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need in the private or commercial sector.
• The project has made appropriate use of technology from the options available.
• There is demonstrable evidence of a successful implementation strategy, including alignment with organisational goals, engagement with key stakeholders, marketing, support and evaluation.
• The overall learning strategy has been effective.
• The project has made an impact 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

Learning technologies 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 in the public and/or non-profit sector.

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 ‘learning technologies’ 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 that:

• The project has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need in the public and/or non-profit sector.
• The project has made appropriate use of technology from the options available.
• There is demonstrable evidence of a successful implementation strategy, including alignment with organisational goals, engagement with key stakeholders, marketing, support and evaluation.
• The overall learning strategy has been effective.
• The project has made an impact 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

This award recognises excellent content that enables learning in the private or commercial 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 that:

• The design has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need in the private or commercial sector.
• Text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements have been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• Interactivity has been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• The design displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• The design displays innovation or originality.
• The design represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered.
• The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the design has been positive.

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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

This award recognises excellent content that enables learning in the public and/or non-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 that:

• The design has been aligned to a clearly identified performance need in the public and/or non-profit sector.
• Text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements have been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• Interactivity has been used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.
• The design displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• The design displays innovation or originality.
• The design represents the best possible solution given the constraints and issues encountered.
• The reaction of learners and other key stakeholders to the design has been positive.

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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

Devices such as smart phones, tablets and 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 that:

• There was a clear rationale for the use of mobile devices to meet the requirement.
• The design takes account of the particular characteristics of the devices in question and the environments in which they would be used.
• 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 has been positive.
• Mobile learning has been effective 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

The usefulness of social and collaborative technologies 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 and collaborative technologies to enhance learning opportunities and meet organisational needs.

Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence that:

• There was a clear rationale for the use of social and collaborative technologies to meet the requirement.
• Social and collaborative technologies have been appropriately chosen to support the requirement.
• The use of social and collaborative technologies was effectively enabled and supported;
• The target group has participated significantly in the use of social collaborative technologies
• The use of social and collaborative technologies has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance. 

The submission must show how the use of social and collaborative technologies has helped create or enhance the overall learning culture.

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

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

One of the most popular uses of learning technologies 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 that:

• The content was aligned to a clearly identified performance need.
• Steps 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.
• Compliant performance was achieved and measured more speedily, economically or successfully.
• The overall learning strategy was effective.
• Text, images, animation, audio, video and other media elements were used in a way that encourages and reinforces learning.

It is not necessary for all aspects of the training to be delivered using technology, although the learning technologies 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

As we have seen repeatedly over the past 30 years, innovative new 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 ways in which:

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

Note that this category is designed to recognise learning 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

The use of games as an aid to learning is more widespread as the tools and technologies for developing them becomes 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 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 that:

• There was a clear rationale for the use of a game as an approach to meet the requirement.
• The game displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• Innovative use has been made of games.
• The use of games has been effectively aligned with learning objectives and outcomes.
• Games have contributed to learner engagement, enjoyment and motivation.
• Games have successfully contributed to learning.
• The reaction of learners to the approach has been positive.
• Games have delivered value for money, particularly in comparison with alternative methods.
• The use of games has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.

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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

The use of simulations and virtual environments as an aid to learning is more widespread as the tools and technologies for developing these becomes 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 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 that:

• There was a clear rationale for the use of a simulation or virtual environment as an approach to meet the requirement.
• The simulation or virtual environment displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• Innovative use has been made of simulations or virtual environments.
• The use of simulations or virtual environments has been effectively aligned with learning objectives and outcomes.
• Simulations or virtual environments have contributed to learner engagement, enjoyment and motivation.
• Simulations or virtual environments have successfully contributed to learning.
• The reaction of learners to the approach has been positive.
• Simulations or virtual environments have delivered value for money, particularly in comparison with alternative methods.
• The use of simulations or virtual environments has made an impact in terms of individual and organisational performance.

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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

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 that:

• A sound case has been made for the use of online distance learning to meet the requirement.
• Appropriate choices have been made with regard to online tools, techniques and media.
• The content of the programme has been aligned to a clearly identified learning need.
• The programme displays innovation or originality that has been applied to positive effect.
• Learners have been supported effectively, either by tutors or facilitators, or by other specified means.
• Collaboration between learners has been effectively encouraged and facilitated.
• 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

Learning technologies are often only part of a bigger programme of activity designed to bring about change.  They may form part of what, for many years now, has been called blended learning. This award seeks to find examples of outstanding blended learning, in which learning technologies and other strategies and media have been applied to complement each other to achieve an overall organisational goal.

Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence that:

• There is a clear rationale for the mix of other methods with online media within the solution.
• The solution is appropriate to the learning requirements, audience characteristics and practical constraints.
• Effective educational/training methods have been chosen for each phase in the solution.
• The most efficient and flexible learning media (e.g. face-to-face, online, etc.) have been chosen to deliver these methods without compromising their effectiveness.
• The solution includes the elements necessary to ensure effective transfer of learning.
• The solution has proved both effective and efficient in practice.
   

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

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

A learning platform has the potential to have a huge positive impact within an organisation. This award seeks to recognise that impact in terms of contribution to organisational success, use of smart new technologies, impact on the learners and return on investment.

The learning platform will consist of a single implementation or cloud solution for a specific organisation. The term ‘learning platform’ can also be interpreted widely to include all forms of systems that manage the learning processes of an organisation, for example LCMSs and other software systems that help organise and support learning.

Judges will be looking for demonstrable evidence that the learning platform has:

• Contributed to the overall success of the organisation including alignment with organisational goals.
• Demonstrated an effective return on investment.
• Made effective use of technologies.
• Enhanced opportunities for learning, for example through personalisation, increasing speed to deployment of learning materials, improved quality, increasing access to materials or other learners, building communities of practice).
• Been implemented successfully, via both quantitative and qualitative data.

The submission must include a summary of the client’s initial requirements. Supporting evidence from the client and the supplier will be required. Comments from single learners and stakeholders will carry less weight than broader surveys or research.

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

This is an individual award that recognises the contribution that learning designers make to the success of learning technologies 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 and external clients.
• 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.

Presentation to the judging panel

A presentation to the judging panel is not required in this category. This award will be judged solely on the submission backed up by portfolio based evidence.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

This is an individual award that recognises the contribution that developers make to the success of learning technologies projects. Developers are taken to mean anyone involved in realising designs specified at the learning design stage, and thus may include software developers, graphic artists or video developers.  The award is assessed based on consistent high quality and effective development work over a number of years.

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

• The developer demonstrates a quick and detailed understanding of the requirements of the brief
• The developer produces the most appropriate learning media or software solutions within set constraints.
• The developer shows originality and inventiveness where this matches the requirement.
• The developer is proactive in seeking out and adopting innovative tools and techniques.
• The developer has demonstrated consummate communication skills with external clients and/or internal project teams.
• The developer is exemplary in their responsiveness and adaptability, for example by proactively seeking solutions and making suggestions to the learning designer about approaches that are more efficient to build whilst not sacrificing usability.
• The developer has produced consistent high quality and effective media or software solutions over a number of years.

 

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.

Presentation to the judging panel

A presentation to the judging panel is not required in this category. This award will be judged solely on the submission backed up by portfolio based evidence.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

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

Judges will be looking for evidence that:

• The team's efforts have led to savings in time or money and/or achieved performance change in their organisation.
• The team has taken measures that have ensured the successful adoption of the learning technoloiges.
• The team has made a demonstrable and highly effective impact on the organisation and how it performs against its objectives.
• Sharing the team's successes is likely to inspire excellence in others.

 

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 learning technologies.

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.  

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.

This award recognises learning technologies organisations that have:

• achieved exceptional results within their customers’ organisations as a direct result of the learning technologies content that they have developed.
• made 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. 

Presentation to the judging panel

Entries shortlisted in this category will be required to give a short presentation to the judging panel. For more information on judging presentations, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Further information

Please ensure you have read the details relating to all categories for details of word limit, summary, media and other important information.

By making a registration or submission to this awards scheme, in any category, you agree to adhere to, and be bound by, our terms and conditions.