Mark Derbyshire, Learning Designer/Educational Technologist from RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) was a speaker at PebbleBash 2024 and presented ‘Virtual EnGenius – managing an online industry engagement event with Engineering capstone students.’
Discover how RMIT University transformed its flagship EnGenius event into a dynamic online experience using PebblePad. Traditionally held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, this showcase celebrates final-year engineering capstone projects, connecting students with industry for feedback and recognition.
When COVID disrupted face-to-face events, RMIT pivoted to a virtual format, hosting over 1,100 students, 150 academic supervisors, and 150 industry judges. PebblePad enabled secure submissions, interactive judging, and meaningful two-way feedback—often improving on the in-person experience.
The result? A streamlined process for project presentations, academic assessment, and industry engagement, culminating in an online portfolio and awards ceremony. Virtual EnGenius not only maintained the event’s impact but enhanced accessibility, collaboration, and promotional reach for future engineering talent.