Awards

To enhance students’ use of the Learn Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), the University has invested in improvements over the last few years that have made it easier for students to find course specific materials and ensure Learn is used more consistently across the University.
These improvements were delivered through a multi-year service improvement programme called Learn Foundations, which won two awards as a result of the work undertaken for students.

Blackboard Catalyst Award for Learn Foundations - 2020 

The Learn Foundations team won the 2020 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Student Experience.  The award recognises those institutions whose educational and administrative innovations have markedly improved the total learner experience: 

"I am delighted Edinburgh has been recognised in this year’s Blackboard Catalyst Awards.  Improving the student experience is at the heart of Learn Foundations.  I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable support of our student helpers without whom this achievement would not have been possible." 

Melissa Highton, Director, Learning, Teaching and Web 

Project Team of the Year Award for Learn Foundations - 2021 

Learn Foundations won Project Team of the Year in the prestigious Digital Technology Leaders Awards 2021.  The award recognises the role of students as digital workers and their huge contribution to enabling Edinburgh to deliver an enhanced student experience online. 

Students have been at the heart of Learn Foundations from the start of the three-year project, informing the design of the Learn Foundations approach, co-creating solutions, and building the capacity of the project to provide hands-on support for School and Deanery colleagues.  The support has been so well received it is hoped to offer this as an annual service after the closure of the project. 

Melissa Highton, Director of LTW and Sponsor of Learn Foundations said, “Students are the main consumers of our services and by employing them to work on projects that affect them, we benefit from a rich source of productivity and innovation to help share and improve these services.  I would like to congratulate all involved.” 

This article was published on