The Learning Impact Awards (LIA) are designed to recognise and honour the use of technology to support learning worldwide. The award recognises the outstanding and innovative ways in which PebblePad helps students, teachers, and professionals to develop their learning, reflective skills, and personal-development planning.

Shane Sutherland, Development Director of Pebble Learning, says, "We're thrilled to receive this international recognition, which helps validate the kind of software we've been developing and the innovative ways in which PebblePad has been used at the University."

He adds, "From its roots as a tool to support learners new to university, PebblePad now supports learning well beyond the traditional university reach. Its impact on learning starts from the moment that learners prepare for university through their early experiences and their later research projects. Ultimately it supports their transition from university into employment and their ongoing professional development."

The judging process was exhaustive, starting with a thirty-page submission about how the software had had an impact on learning at a named institution. Each entry was evaluated according to eight criteria, including impact, improving access to learning, improving affordability of learning, and improving the quality of learning.

The shortlisted entrants were then asked to complete a five-minute online presentation. The 27 finalists were invited to the IMS Global Conference at Long Beach, where judges had the chance to ask any final questions and where Pebble Learning presented its case to fourteen "delegate panels", whose cumulative vote was added to that of the judges before the decision was made.