Engineer is most innovative teacher of the year

Richard from Alloa came up with an innovative way of allowing employers of Modern Apprentices studying at the College keep up to date with their progress. He started using mini cameras to film students at work, allowing apprentices and their employers to review work. The videos, posted on YouTube, also allowed learners to share their growing expertise and pick up tips from one another more easily. The footage could be viewed on tablets and smartphones and links were provided to technical documentation on the equipment being used and other teaching materials. Imaginative use of QR codes particularly impressed the judging panel, and allowed learners to engage with prospective employers who were able to remotely view comprehensive electronic portfolios cataloguing their work. Richard also created a mobile app to keep students up to date with coursework schedules, announcements, photos and lecturer contacts, and developed online programs to allow students to complement college work with interactive video learning at home. The judges described his approach to teaching – praised by learners, colleagues and employers – as "imaginative, transformational and inspirational". Richard, who is married with two children said: "Getting recognition for the work I have done with my students is reward in itself, but to actually win the award is the icing on the cake. I am from Alloa, went to Alloa Academy and still live in the town, so I might pop in to the school to see my old teachers, who I hope will also be very proud of me." "I have some more creative ideas to develop the teaching techniques I have even further and I can't wait to get started on those," he added.