What’s AT?

Helen Redman, the College’s Student Support Manager

Staff and students from Hopwood Hall College have entered a national technology competition called Accessible by Design.

The challenge is run by an organisation called JISC and is open to teams of staff and students who have a bright idea for improving the accessibility and inclusion of higher and further education and skills.

Those with an idea had to submit it online before 26 October; once an idea has been submitted, people are able to vote if they like the idea.

Hopwood Hall College’s idea is a learning tool called ‘What’s AT?’

‘AT’ is an abbreviation for assistive technology, which is the name given to any piece of technology or equipment that can help someone with their studies, it often applies to people with a physical or learning disability, but it could be anyone that struggles with their studies.

The ‘What’s AT?’ tool is a place where learners can work out for themselves how assistive technology can help them with their studies.

Helen Redman, the College’s Student Support Manager, has taken a lead on assistive technology at the College and developed the concept since coming up with the idea in January. It was created and rolled out at the start of the September term by the College’s e-Learning Developer Daniel Nuttall.

Helen says: “This would help to put Hopwood Hall College at the forefront of colleges developing assistive technologies for their learners. Once the voting period closes, Jisc will evaluate the six ideas with the most votes and select the most suitable to be developed further.”

“The winners will receive £5,000 and a group of designers to turn the idea into a product which could be rolled out at colleges across the country.”

“Please support us and vote ASAP.”