A Senior Learning Technologist from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been recognised with an industry award for his influence on supporting the use of technology within the education sector.

Chris Melia received the National Impact Award for Further Education & Higher Education from the Microsoft Education community at a virtual celebration event.

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Chris, who has worked in the University’s Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching (TELT) team and wider Learning and Information Services (LIS) team for six years, said: “It was a really nice surprise to receive the award, which is testament to the work of our wider support teams and academic community here at UCLan.

“We’re passionate about helping our staff and students get the most out of the technology available to us, and we also want to share our experiences with the wider sector.”

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The award recognises the work Chris and the TELT team have done with the DigiLearn recognition programme for staff, which has raised digital capabilities among academics and encouraged them to embrace new and innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment.

This also includes the exponential growth of UCLan’s DigiLearn Sector community, which is now a recognised hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration across the education sector.

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Chris said: “In recent months we have clearly seen how vital technology has been to ensure teaching, learning and assessment have been able to continue.

“Our team have been there to help support colleagues and students in making a smooth transition to remote teaching, learning and working.”

Chris has also been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s annual Edufuturists Summit on 10 July.

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