College digital innovation recognised with ALT Awards nomination

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) has been nominated for the ALT Awards 2025 in the category Award for Digital Transformation for its pioneering project, ‘Flora Regenerate’, a National Forest immersive collaboration developed in partnership with Sterran Dance.

BSDC’s nominated project, “Flora Regenerate”, is an immersive, AI-enhanced experience that integrates dance, music, and digital storytelling.

Funded by the National Forest, the project was brought to life in the College’s state-of-the-art 360 immersive suite, pushing the boundaries of creative innovation in education.

Driven by a visionary collaboration between Zoe Tierney, BSDC’s learning technologist, and Katy Sterran, Patron of Dance and Theatre Arts at BSDC and artistic director of Sterran Dance Company, the initiative aims to connect young people with the local landscape of the National Forest through powerful immersive experiences.

Zoe Tierney, learning technologist at BSDC said “The National Forest Project has been an incredible opportunity to explore the synergy between AI and the arts, while also inspiring young people to engage with and explore the National Forest.

“Being nominated for the ALT Award for Digital Transformation is a huge honour that recognises the innovative spirit behind ‘Flora Regenerate’.

“We’re excited to share this groundbreaking initiative with the Further Education sector and beyond, showcasing how immersive storytelling and AI-driven creativity can transform learning and collaboration.”

The Association for Learning Technology (ALT) Awards celebrate excellence in research, practice, and achievement in learning technology.

Since their inception in 2007, the awards have set the benchmark for innovation in the field, attracting highly competitive entries from across the UK and internationally.