Developer at Plymouth’s Sponge UK sets gold standard with top award

Sponge UK’s Jason Butler has been named Learning Developer of the Year at Europe’s largest learning technologies awards scheme. 

Jason, who works for the learning technologies business based at Plymouth Science Park, struck gold at the Learning Technologies Awards 2017 (LT Awards) held at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on 29 November.

Jason switched his talents from the indie games sector to the learning technologies industry when he joined Sponge UK in 2014.

And it was his innovative approach that really caught the eye of the judges, who said: “Jason shows a level of innovation and inventiveness in learning development that is unrivalled in terms of its breadth and complexity.”

Plymouth University graduate Jason, from Millbrook in Cornwall, is the first winner of the award, which is new this year.  He was up against some of the most talented learning technology developers in the world.

Jason said: “Winning this award is definitely a career highlight and a very proud moment for me. I feel it celebrates the Sponge approach of encouraging innovation and embracing new technologies to push digital learning forward. I'm very lucky to work alongside such talented people and this award celebrates the team's efforts, as much as my own.”

Jason added: “I'm looking forward to bringing the trophy back to Plymouth and displaying it in the development corner of the office!”

The judges were shown examples of Jason’s work, which, with his games background, places the emphasis on user experience to transform learning.  Among the examples were elearning and learning games Jason has developed for organisations such as the NHS, Tesco, Toyota and AXA UK.

Sponge UK also took home a second gold trophy at the LT Awards, winning the Best Use of Blended Learning category with insurance company AXA.  Sponge created the training programme to educate and empower business insurance advisors in delivering personalised and outstanding service to customers.  The judges proclaimed the programme ‘a considerable achievement’.
   
It’s the latest recognition for Sponge UK, which designs and delivers world-class digital workplace learning for global brands and organisations. In 2016, Sponge UK’s Head of Innovation, Kate Pasterfield, also won gold when she was named Designer of the Year at the Learning Technologies Awards.

The annual LT Awards recognise outstanding individuals, projects and products from across the globe.  Organised by the eLearning Network, the independent judging panel comprises over 40 experts.  Over 800 people attended the awards ceremony to celebrate the very best in learning technologies across the world, and entries were received from 30 different countries.