Unicorn wins Gold at the Learning Technologies Awards
Joined by LAS and UCL, Unicorn was named winner of the ‘Best use of simulations or virtual environments for learning’ category at last night’s prestigious Learning Technologies Awards.
Taking the gold in this fiercely contested category represents an enormous achievement, and is just recognition for a pioneering and exciting project that forms part of the UCL MSc in Professional Accountancy.
Working in partnership with global accountancy body ACCA, the MSc is unique in its virtual availability to students located around the world, and represents a complex and highly immersive simulation which allows groups of learners to collaborate and work in teams over different time zones.
Following the win, the judging panel released a statement that read: “The judges felt that the choice of an airport as the focus was inspired because of the wide range of businesses and services and the complexities they introduce, that contribute to its success or otherwise. Particularly impressive was the ease with which the simulation can be customised and updated with real world events as they happen and how the impact of what may appear as an isolated incident can affect different parts of the business in very different ways. Focusing on demonstrable learner engagement and tangible outcomes required to secure the future of the programme, this project has been an unprecedented success.”
Peter Phillips, Unicorn CEO, said: “For thirty years, Unicorn have developed and used business simulations to enhance learning. We are ardent believers in the power of experiential learning. The Icarus simulation is an excellent example of how effective this immersive team based learning can be. And we are delighted to see this recognised by this prestigious award."
He continued, "I would like to thank the team at UCL for their courage in taking a risk on this highly innovative approach to delivering a global Masters programme. It has also been as pleasure to work on the project with LAS, whose technical excellence and flexibility has made a major contribution to the success of the project."
Rob Hubbard, Managing Director of Learning Age Solutions (LAS), added: “This was one of the most complex projects we have undertaken. It simply wouldn't have been possible without the way the UCL, Unicorn and LAS teams collaborated and pulled together to support each other. Tough but deeply satisfying – a true team effort."
For more information on the ICARUS simulation, or other simulation-based learning, please click here.