University wins award for Innovative Use of Technology
The University has won the ‘Innovative Use of Technology’ award at the Herald Education Scotland Awards. The award recognises a digital solution that helps students request coursework extensions in a more consistent and supportive way.
The project was developed by Scotia McDonald, one of our Application Developers in IT Services, in consultation with colleagues across the University. It was designed to add efficiencies when managing extension requests. Each Academic School had its own way of handling extension requests, which often meant relying on email. This made it hard to track requests and spot where extra support might be needed. From a student perspective, relying on an email rather than a form also meant having to know what details to include and who to direct the email to.
Scotia used Microsoft Power Automate, a tool the University was already subscribed to, to build a system that could be adapted to suit each School’s current processes. After initial consultation, each School was given the opportunity to request additional features or changes to the workflow to suit their individual needs. Scotia used the feedback to develop tailored solutions for each School. The result is a more joined-up approach across the institution that gives Schools the flexibility they need whilst fitting into their existing ways of working. Jisc, the judge for this category, stated that it was the use of a relatively straightforward technology to tackle the problem that impressed the panel.
“This project is a fantastic example of simple, high impact innovation that has the potential to be replicated across the tertiary education sector – great work!”
Jason Miles-Campbell, director of Scotland and Northern Ireland at Jisc, and Herald Education Award judge, stated in Jisc press release
Sharon Leahy, Associate Dean Education (Science), also attended the awards in recognition of her role in the project’s success. As the strategic sponsor, she championed the initiative and engaged with the Academic Schools, acting as an ambassador for the forms-based solution.
Now, when a student submits an extension request, the right person receives all the details directly in Microsoft Teams. They can approve or decline the request with notes or start a conversation with the student if more information is needed. This not only makes the process quicker and clearer, but also helps staff spot patterns. If a student is asking for multiple extensions, it may be a sign that they need extra help.
This award is a great example of what we can achieve through cross-departmental collaboration. It shows how we can leverage the tools we already have in new ways to improve the student and staff experience.
Congratulations to Sharon and Scotia and the other IT staff members that contributed to the success of the project. This includes our Systems Specialists, Kyle Patullo, Hugh Watson, and David Wykes, and Application Developer, Stuart Purdie.
Sharon and Scotia are pictured below with fellow winner Emma Hughes, who received the award for Outstanding Contribution from a University Student. Well done everyone!
