University scoops international award for inclusive digital practice

The University of Derby is celebrating after winning an international award for digital practice and excellence in education.

The university’s Digital Learning and Online Content team has been named as a winner in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging category of the 2024 Anthology Catalyst Awards.

The award recognises the notable work of the university in fostering a digitally accessible environment after colleagues embraced the transition to a new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Throughout the university’s Virtual Learning Environment Replacement Project, colleagues have seized the opportunity to transition to a new VLE, Blackboard Ultra, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive practice.

Academics and colleagues have been supported by extensive training opportunities, including mandatory courses.

Anthology Ally, an accessibility conversion platform and accessibility educational tool, has been placed central to the project to foster an inclusive digital environment.

Professor Keith McLay, provost – learning and teaching at the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the team has been recognised for its effort in creating an inclusive digital environment.

“The university has a long-standing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, which it has embedded successfully within its strategy, policy and processes.

“The Virtual Learning Environment Replacement Project has been an exemplar of this commitment to embed inclusive practice.”

John Hill, the university’s head of digital learning, said: “The award recognises the commitment driven through the project to deliver accessibility and ensure an inclusive experience for all our students.

“Inclusive practice has been a golden thread throughout the project with an ongoing responsibility to ensure the virtual experience is inclusive and equitable for all students.”