Research student James Bockhart builds on previous success in the Postgraduate Annual Research Presentation to win the Chowen Award for Digital Learning 2010-11. His filmed presentation on type 1 diabetes was selected from among the undergraduate and postgraduate filmed presentations submitted from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science (PABS). Dr Raymond Whitby, a researcher in nanotechnology in PABS and also leading the Global Education Outreach for Science, Engineering and Technology (GEOSET) for the University of Brighton said "It was a pilot scheme to gauge the level of interest in constructing multimedia presentations for outreach in the sciences. We were blown away by the quality of filmed work by the participants and hope to build on this scheme is successive years, widening the scope of participation across the university and developing its integration into the e-learning environment."
The filming was coordinated by Sarah Pannell from the STEM Sussex office. STEM Sussex and GEOSET had recently been awarded the LSN’s Triple Science Network and have been looking at a multitude of ways in which digital learning techniques can enhance the outreach activities, particularly for the benefit of local schools. Sarah said "James’ clear explanation of his work made it perfect for supplementing classroom teaching on diabetes with current cutting edge research. Clips like this on GEOSET enable the learning that goes on in a science class to be set in context. Schools have been very interested in the possibilities that GEOSET present and are now suggesting future topics that they would like to see covered."
Michael Chowen, retired businessman and a university ambassador, presented James with the award, an iPod Touch, at the GEOSET annual meeting on 19th January 2011. In his address he said "James managed in a few minutes to educate me up to degree standard in an aspect of type 1 diabetes. Possessing the ability to do this is incredible and I believe this type of activity will help revolutionise the delivery of science education. The fact that I have been allowed to be part of this programme makes me feel very privileged indeed."
