Indie gamer turned learning developer named as LT Awards…

Sponge’s Jason Butler has been shortlisted as Learning developer of the year for Europe’s largest learning technologies awards scheme.

Jason, who joined Sponge in 2014 after working as an independent games developer, is in the running to be the first recipient of the prize at the Learning Technologies Awards 2017 (LT Awards).

The award organisers introduced the new category to recognise the contribution that developers make to the success of learning technologies projects.

Louise Pasterfield, Managing Director, Sponge said: “Jason is using his passion and knowledge of gaming to create a new generation of digital learning solutions that are big on both fun and impact. He’s played a fundamental role in expanding our ability to deliver effective and entertaining digital games and elearning to thousands of people around the world. Everyone at Sponge is delighted that his considerable talents have been recognised by the judges.”

Jason’s indie game approach to prototyping and iterative development has led to advances that are benefiting the whole learning technologies industry including the creation of innovative components for popular elearning authoring tools.

Tom Kuhlmann, Vice President of Community, Articulate told the judges: “Articulate Storyline is used in over 65,000 organisations. Thus, it takes a lot to do something novel and innovative with the software. However, Jason Butler does both. Jason does outstanding work that shows everything from innovative video scenarios to effective gamified challenges. In fact, much of what he creates is shared at the Articulate workshops to represent the best of what can be done with the authoring tool.”

The annual LT Awards recognise outstanding individuals, projects and products from across the globe. An independent judging panel, comprising over 40 experts and organised by the eLearning Network, whittle down this year’s finalists from hundreds of entries. The winners are announced on 29 November at the gala dinner in London.

"Jason does outstanding work that shows everything from innovative video scenarios to effective gamified challenges." Tom Kuhlmann Vice President of Community Articulate

Jason Butler said: “It is such a privilege to be flying the flag for learning developers in our industry. Working at Sponge, I’m able to take current technology to the next step, always pushing on the edge of what we can get away with in elearning, to drag it forwards to achieve more for learners and organisations. It’s a very exciting role and I’m delighted to be a finalist at this prestigious event.”

Sponge is one of Europe’s leading custom learning providers, working with global organisations to deliver better workplace performance using advanced learning technologies.

In 2016, Sponge’s Head of Innovation, Kate Pasterfield was named gold winner of Learning technologies designer of the year.