Visual applications specialist Direct Visual has been acclaimed for its role in an innovative educational project.

The Batley, West Yorkshire-based company has been short listed in the ‘Videoconferencing Project of the Year’ category by leading industry media title AV Magazine.

The accolade is a result of Direct Visual’s partnership with the Becta managed, Durham ICT Testbed Project, which is revolutionising learning techniques for youngsters across County Durham through the use of the latest visual communications technology.

In the last 12 months the Testbed have carried out a series of events to help make learning more interesting and to open the children’s eyes to what they can achieve.

In Christmas of 2003 Primary school children from across the county were visited by ‘Santa Claus’ direct from his grotto in Lapland, while in Spring of 2004 they were visited by star of CBBC’s Byker Grove, Daymon Britton. Daymon visited Parkside Comprehensive School and answered questions, via videoconference, from other schools in the Testbed about life on TV, how to get into acting and what he thought of videoconferencing.

In May 2004 the ‘Most Gifted and Talented’ after school group concluded their term’s work on debate and politics by conducting a question and answer session with government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong. The children had been discussing matters that were relevant to them such as school uniform, bullying and homework.

More recently, in June 12 schools from across the county took part in a story session with professional storyteller Malcolm Green. The children were carrying out research about life in Africa in order to be able to forge links with a school in Tanzania, and Malcolm used all of his experience of life in the Cameroon to help the children understand the culture and nature of the African continent.

Phill Smith, Testbed Co-ordinator said; “This new technology is opening up a whole range of exciting opportunities for the children – stimulating their imagination and proving to be of immense value in enhancing the whole learning experience.”

Direct Visual Marketing Manager Andrew Vaux comments; “The accolade is for everyone involved in the project, from the school pupils, to the project co-ordinators through to Direct Visual’s support team. It really has been a tremendous team effort.”

The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on 13th October at the Celtic Manor in Newport.