In this week's episode, Tim Burnett chats with Dean Blewitt, Senior Innovation Investments Manager within the Research and Innovation Directorate at NCFE. Dean leads technology testing initiatives in assessment contexts, including the Assessment Innovation Fund and internal Sandbox Pilots at NCFE.

They discuss:

- The launch of NCFE's Assessment Innovation Fund's seventh window, offering grants up to £125,000 in partnership with UFI VocTech Trust

- Previous successful projects, including VR implementations at Calderdale College and Sheffield College, and innovative digital credentialing solutions

- The three-stage application process and eligibility criteria for UK-focused vocational and technical education projects

During their conversation, Dean shares insights about NCFE's commitment to advancing assessment practices through technology. He explains how the fund, established in 2021, has already supported twelve projects impacting over 3,000 learners and 200 educators. Dean highlights the fund's focus on deployability rather than development, emphasising their interest in projects that can scale to reach up to 1,000 learners. The discussion also covers the growing role of AI in assessment innovation while considering sustainability factors.

https://www.ncfe.org.uk/help-shape-the-future-of-learning-and-assessment

Connect with Dean Blewitt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-blewitt/

Connect with Tim Burnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tburnett/

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