Redbridge Institute of Adult Education
Learning with Technology Award
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education has won the ‘Learning with Technology’ Award at Get the Nation Learning Awards this year. The adult learning provider was recognised for its innovative use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality across courses including Maths, Childcare, and ESOL.
Redbridge Institute was recognised with the ‘Learning with Technology’ Award, sponsored by Ufi VocTech Trust, for being an inspiring example of how technology can positively impact the learner experience. During Redbridge courses, learners use virtual reality headsets to simulate real-life scenarios, such as nursery and school environments for learners on Early Years Childcare and Teaching Assistant courses, and job interviews for learners seeking employment. Their interview skills platform assesses what learners say, their body language and their level of eye contact and provides personalised feedback enabling them to develop the skills and confidence for real-life interviews.
Redbridge Institute has also had an immersive classroom installed which allows live collaboration with other groups of students in different physical locations- supercharging the peer-to-peer learner experience. The commitment to using technology in teaching is making a difference to staff too, with tutors and managers at Redbridge Institute achieving certificates in Technology Enhanced Teaching.
The spotlight fell on Redbridge Institute at the Barbican this week, where the inaugural Get the Nation Learning Awards ceremony was held. The awards are held within Get the Nation Learning Week, the high point of the Get the Nation Learning campaign, led by Learning and Work Institute and supported by over 100 organisations including Channel 4 and Make UK.
There were ten awards up for grabs at the Get the Nation Learning Awards this year, across a range of awards and for learners, tutors and organisations. The awards seek to shine a light on people and organisations getting the nation learning and recognise examples of adult learning that support healthier futures, stronger communities, more opportunities, regional growth, and richer lives.
William Pickford, Principal at Redbridge Institute of Adult Education, said:
“We are thrilled that Redbridge has won the ‘Learning with Technology’ Award at the Get the Nation Learning Awards. The LSIF (Local Skills Improvement Fund) project gave partners opportunities to collaborate and innovate and the result is that technology is enabling learners across various courses to thrive. Give people time and space – and they will create. Special thanks to London South East Colleges and Newham College for leading the project – and to Our Newham Learning and Skills, Mary Ward Centre and Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service for agreeing to co-design and co-deliver sessions with us.”
Rebecca Garrod-Waters, CEO at Ufi VocTech Trust, sponsors of the award, said:
“We’re delighted to celebrate Redbridge Institute of Adult Education’s win this year. Their thoughtful use of technology is creating learning experiences that are engaging, personalised, build confidence and deliver positive learning outcomes – helping adults develop the practical skills they need to succeed.”
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“Technology can enhance learning in many different ways, and Redbridge Institute of Adult Education is a fantastic example of how that can be done. The provision is offering learners innovative new ways to gain the skills they need to progress and helping them find routes to employment.”