Twelve JISC RSC Northern e-Learning Awards were won by inspirational teams and individuals from all over the North East, at a gala event held at Wynyard Hall on Thursday 4th December 2008.

The RSC Northern Awards celebrate exceptional contributions to e-learning and education in the North East. The winners were joined by over 200 guests from the North East's Further Education and Skills sector, including colleges, specialist colleges, work-based learning and adult and community learning providers. Winners received a sculptured glass award designed by the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, and presented by Paul Callaghan, a member of the Board of One Northeast, Deputy Chair of Governors of the University of Sunderland and Chairman of Leighton, the Sunderland-based technology and communications group.

Sponsored by JISC infoNet, the 'Bringing Fun to Learning Award' is open to someone who has used e-learning to make the learning experience fun and who has been innovative and inspiring to learners in order to ensure their experience is enjoyable. The winner, nominated by Philip Anderson, was Samantha Lavery of South Tyneside College.

As well as teaching full-time on a variety of courses such as A-levels, Foundation Degrees, and part-time evening classes, Samantha has spent much of her own time building up her e-learning resources and is passionate about making learning as enjoyable as possible. Having only joined the college last year, she has already had a huge impact on those around her, introducing a virtual business simulation package, interactive whiteboard resources and an on-line response system to questions from business students to aid revision. Students have commented on how much they have enjoyed using the technology this way and colleagues have been inspired by her ideas.

(L-R) Paul Callaghan, Samantha Lavery, Patrick Bellis (JISC infoNet), Philip Anderson

RSC Northern received a record number of nominations demonstrating the high regard in which the awards are held by further education professionals in the North East.

RSC Manager Gareth Davies said: "Learner experiences, throughout the Further Education and Skills sector of the North East are benefiting from the innovation and energy of you, our supported learning providers. These magnificent successes have been achieved through regional collaboration, cooperation and engagement. Your successes are our successes which is why we are here this evening, to celebrate the stimulation and innovation of e-learning that you have engendered in this region. We the RSC only broker and facilitate; you achieve".

The full press release is available here and the full list of winners here.