My Learning Essentials wins global award for Community Engagement

The University of Manchester Library’s contribution to Widening Participation (WP) through its My Learning Essentials (MLE) resources has been recognised with a Catalyst Award for Community Engagement, awarded by Blackboard Inc.

This award for the Library’s WP service in partnership with the University’s Widening Participation and Outreach Team showcases the use of MLE’s eLearning and blended learning approaches to improve quality, scale and reach in three programmes of WP activity with successful outcomes: Manchester Access Programme (MAP), Manchester Distance Access Scheme (MDAS) and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Blackboard is an education technology company which the University of Manchester uses for its teaching, learning and student engagement. The annual Catalyst Awards recognise innovation and excellence in the Blackboard global community of practice.

The Community Engagement Award recognises those institutions who are dedicated to improving student achievement by fostering a connection between school districts, institutions, educators, students, and their communities.

Katy Woolfenden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Students at The University of Manchester Library, said: “This award serves as a wonderful endorsement of the success of My Learning Essentials and recognition for the programme’s resources, created to support the University’s Widening Participation work. This project expanded existing MLE resources and tailored them to meet the needs of WP students more specifically. This work has only been possible through strong collaboration between the Library’s WP service and University Widening Participation and Outreach Team.”

Stephanie Lee, Head of Widening Participation and Outreach at The University of Manchester, said: “The success of the eLearning aspect of MAP and MDAS exemplifies an institutional approach to improving access to students from widening participation backgrounds.”

The University of Manchester Library was one of three institutions in the UK to win an award which was presented at BbWorld 2017, Blackboard’s annual user conference, in New Orleans on 26 July.

Katy Woolfenden added: “We would like to thank all staff who have contributed to WP, but particular credit is due to the innovative work of Carlene Barton (eLearning Support Assistant and Library WP Lead Assistant), Dave Hirst (Teaching & Learning Librarian and Library WP Lead) Kate Reed (Teaching & Learning Assistant and Library WP Admin Lead) and Chris Millson (eLearning Manager).

“This is the Library’s second Blackboard Catalyst Award for MLE, so it is especially pleasing to know that our work continues to be seen as exemplary in its field, as we continue to deliver leadership and excellence in the support of online teaching and learning.”