Arden University
Offering an immersive and narrative-driven experience, Arden University’s virtual crime world is made up of situations and locations which are specifically designed to complement a student’s studies.
Among the virtual scenes is a fully rendered murder scene at a private home, encouraging students to search the surroundings for clues; gather, label, and treat evidence; and analyse interactive elements like blood splatter and dust for fingerprints, as they solve the case. The scenes also take students inside a forensics lab, as well as an office scene which enables students to build out their skills as an analyst.
The immersive platform has been created to allow distance learning students to experience real-life vocational aspects of investigative roles that they would not normally encounter in a DL course. With a series of scenes, examples, and environments, the tasks in the VR enhance learner’s digital, knowledge, and investigative skills. It also allows students to work through processes that investigators would do in the real-world, either investigating a serious offence or investigating another police officer for gross misconduct.
Arduino Education
Arduino Education epitomizes the fusion of cutting-edge technology with purposeful learning. Our revamped Arduino Cloud for Schools revolutionizes STEAM education by merging coding, IoT, and accessibility into a comprehensive ecosystem. Meanwhile, the relaunched Explore IoT Kit is not just technologically advanced; it also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, promoting practical solutions to global challenges. The kit empowers students to delve deep into data communication, management, and societal problem-solving. Furthermore, our innovative Greenhouse Kit addresses urban farming issues, turning students into active participants in sustainability endeavors. Across our offerings, Arduino Education’s commitment isn’t merely to educate; it’s to inspire, empower, and lead, paving the way for a brighter, informed, and sustainable future. Our nomination for the Innovator of the Year award is a testament to this enduring commitment to innovation that truly matters.
iAM Compliant
iAM Compliant is an industry-leading web-based compliance tool built for schools to simplify estate, health and safety, reporting, and staff training management. Forget spreadsheets and juggling tasks—iAM streamlines compliance and estates management into one simple, cost-effective tool.
Manage assets, building conditions, energy, budgets, DfE policies, risks, and incidents from one seamless platform. As one of the fastest-growing solutions in the sector, iAM is pushing innovation with a first-of-its-kind sustainability tool.
With climate resilience becoming a priority, iAM’s estate management has been enhanced with a sustainability tool to create bespoke Climate Action Plans. Using artificial intelligence, data analysis, and learning content, this addition spearheads helping schools implement sustainability.
Trusted by small schools to MATs, iAM is fully inclusive without expensive, disjointed modules, and includes key learning courses, such as vital safeguarding and H&S topics, as an included extra. It’s a one-stop compliance shop sharing knowledge and advice, so schools remain compliant safely and affordably.
iAM’s ethos focuses on supporting leaders with the expertise and technology to simplify compliance. The new sustainability features build on the platform’s existing strength—helping schools efficiently manage estates so they can focus on developing tomorrow’s leaders and change-makers.
Indiavidual Learning
REVOLUTIONISING EDUCATION WITH AFFORDABLE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES FOR INTERACTIVE LEARNING
Traditional learning involves reading books, but bookish theory is not always comprehensible. Students find it challenging to visualise theory while reading from books. Practical learning through lab experiments is essential to every curriculum; however, many schools lack operational labs, let alone the latest laboratory equipment and facilities. Even schools with labs restrict students’ access and ability to conduct experiments at their own pace due to limited resources and safety concerns, significantly hindering the learning experience.
In 2023, EMBIBE launched innovative products to solve these problems.
EMBIBE Lens empowers students to enhance their understanding of complex concepts by simply scanning book paragraphs using their smartphone cameras. The app then allows them to select concepts, bringing them to life in 3D models they can interact with, complete with annotated labels.
EMBIBE Lab Experiments provides a 3D Virtual Laboratory to students on their own smartphones. The repository comprises 300+ Lab Experiments for Physics, Chemistry and Biology across High and Secondary Schools.
Through partnerships with the government, these apps have touched the lives of 40 Million+ students, propelling them towards a brighter, more equitable future.
Noun Town
Noun Town: VR Language Learning is the new way to learn a foreign language! Pick things up, listen, read, and speak your chosen language in a world that regains colour as you learn. Test your skills with mini-games & have conversations with the local villagers while learning one of seven languages.
Noun Town is game studio headquartered in London, UK, founded by Dr. Jack Ratcliffe. Dr. Ratcliffe’s research during his PhD, focusing on virtual reality and cognition, unveiled an exciting opportunity to enhance second language acquisition through gaming. The Noun Town gaming series was the result.
Sphero
For more than a decade, Sphero has led the way in building the skills of today’s students to prepare them for the careers and challenges of tomorrow. Hand-in-hand with educators around the world, Sphero makes learning the foundations of computer science, engineering, and robotics fun and engaging. We also recognize there is a spectrum of entry points to learning STEM subjects. Building confidence and the approachability of the material is key to making this innovative style of learning accessible. Through our products and educator resources, we make it clear that becoming an engineer, programmer, architect, or any career path a student chooses, is possible with the right content and support. Learning can and should be fun for everyone.
Tooled Up Education
They say, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, and Tooled Up Education is at the heart of that village. Since 2021, this platform has been bridging the gap between research and real-life by providing evidence-based resources for whole school communities, with an expanding global presence. At Tooled Up, we believe there is a manual for parenting and pedagogical practice within available research evidence. Our platform supports anyone who educates or cares for children and young people.
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do; we have a unique relationship with global academics whose work we translate and disseminate, we re-set the home-school partnership and demonstrate that children’s mental health, learning, digital diets and home environments are all interconnected, requiring holistic support.
To date, 90 schools across Europe are ‘Tooled Up’ subscribers, giving access to over 20,000 people. Founder, Dr Kathy Weston describes the platform as ‘a digital sculpture shaped by usage and expressed needs over time’. It saves staff time and saves schools money whilst empowering parents and carers with optimal and actionable tips. We believe the future of pastoral care, teacher CPD and effective parenting lies in this dynamic educational product. See: www.tooledupeducation.com
YourGamePlan
In today’s unjust society, talent alone doesn’t ensure success. That’s why we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation of visionary business leaders at YourGamePlan through our Side Hustle Initiative.
Now in its third triumphant year, this annual competition is a beacon of opportunity for young entrepreneurs. They submit innovative ideas or thriving side hustles for a chance to win a share of our generous £10k prize pool. But the real magic happens with the top 50 participants, who receive six months of transformative professional mentorship.
Our impact is evident, as last year saw over 400 applicants, thanks in part to our brand ambassador, Tim Campbell, winner of “The Apprentice,” and sponsorship from the Cavendish Group (formerly FinnCap). This year, we’re thrilled to have received 600 applications from UK youth aged 13-19.
The Side Hustle Initiative isn’t just a competition; it’s a catalyst for transformation. It empowers underprivileged students, giving them a seat at the table where their voices and ideas matter. We believe it not only provides financial support but also mentors tomorrow’s leaders, ensuring their success today.
