Student Delighted to win UK Award for Positively Embracing Technology

Staff are celebrating the news that former Game Development student Ihor Syvanenko has been recognised nationally, with the Digital Student Award for Positively Embracing Technology.

The recognition is awarded by the UK’s Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc), who are the leading authority that support colleges and universities with their IT systems.

Ihor signed up as a Digital Student Ambassador during his course, a voluntary role that would see him supporting all of the College community with their technological needs.

Ihor’s recognition reflects the huge contribution he made to the College. He changed workbooks into digital versions for the Beauty department, saving £4000. He also looked into VR apps for the whole college, suggested which ones to buy, and ran two VR sessions for some of the students.

He went on to help the Uniformed Protective Services department by arranging a photoshoot and editing the photos to look like they were from Top Gun!

Ihor joined the college in 2020, initially studying an English for Speakers of Other Languages programme before moving on to the Level 3 BTEC in Games Design course.

Throughout his time at the college, he’s been helpful and understanding to both staff and students.

Ihor said:

“I was very surprised and happy to win this award. It inspired me to do more work to help other people with technology. I’m now doing a similar role in my degree too, helping other students to use software.

“My plans now are to complete my degree in Games Development and start my career with a specialism in coding within the gaming industry.”

Principal CEO Virginia Barrett said:

“This award is a tremendous validation of Ihor’s contribution to the College through his technological support.

“There aren’t many people in the College who haven’t benefitted from his involvement, so we are all delighted that he has won the award and we look forward to seeing how his energy and talent continue.”

E-Learning Design Programme Manager Michael Corwell said:

“Ihor carried out a week of work experience supporting me at college. His enthusiasm for the tasks was commendable as was his ability to problem-solve.

“He has helped staff and students, formally and informally, in a kind and empathetic manner for his whole time at the College.”