A LECTURER at Southampton Institute who has won acclaim for her use of the Internet in lessons has been nominated for a prestigious national education award.

Glynis Young teaches at the college's Business School and uses computers extensively so students can access lectures and study information both in and out of the classroom. She is one of only six hopefuls short-listed for the Outstanding Tutor Award at the Edexcel Achievement in Education Awards 2002. If she wins, she will receive £1,000 to spend on an educational activity or item of her choice and Southampton Institute will also receive £1,000.

All the awards will be presented at a special VIP dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London in July. Glynis, of Moor Green, Cowes, Isle of Wight, teaches leisure management and uses the latest computer methods. She said: "Knowing there is a certain reluctance of students to go to the library, I have brought the library into the classroom.

"I would argue that many of my first year HND students have better research skills than many second and third year undergraduates."

However, this is not at the expense of more traditional methods of teaching. Glynis's contacts in industry and the private sector have resulted in a stream of guest speakers.

She is improving the Institute's facilities for disabled students, looking at accessibility as well advising colleagues on new ways of approaching teaching. She also teaches a popular weekly exercise class and has helped the British Paralympic Sailing Team by devising fitness programmes. A spokeswoman for Southampton Institute said: "Glynis is extremely effective in providing a stimulating learning environment through her personal magnetism, her energetic approach to teaching, and her passion for the subjects she teaches.

"She is well-known among the staff and student body as a teacher who is extremely conscientious. She is always available to provide guidance and encouragement to students."