As I look forward in my career, my commitment to advancing the field of learning technology remains as strong as ever. I plan to continue exploring innovative ways to enhance inclusive learning design and critical media literacy, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges posed by rapidly evolving digital environments.
Expanding Inclusive Learning Design
One of my primary goals is to further my work on inclusive learning design, particularly through the development of additional open educational resources (OER). The success of the “Designing Learning Experiences for Inclusivity and Diversity” OER has demonstrated the need for more resources that guide educators and learning designers in creating accessible, equitable learning environments. I plan to expand this project by developing a series of OERs that address specific aspects of inclusive design, such as cultural responsiveness, designing for neurodiverse learners, and inclusive assessments.
Additionally, I aim to contribute to the growing body of research on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by conducting longitudinal studies that evaluate the impact of UDL-based designs on student engagement and success. By collaborating with other institutions and sharing best practices, I hope to influence wider adoption of inclusive design principles across the higher education sector, particularly in Australasian universities.
I also plan to continue leading professional development programs for educators and learning designers, with a focus on promoting inclusive design practices. Through my leadership roles in the Australian Association of Learning Designers (AALD) and the ASCILITE Learning Design Special Interest Group (SIG), I will organize workshops, webinars, and hackathons that provide hands-on opportunities for participants to develop their skills in this area. These initiatives will help to build a strong community of practice around inclusive learning design, ensuring that educators are equipped to meet the needs of all learners.
Advancing Critical Media Literacy Education
The issue of misinformation and disinformation remains a pressing concern, and I am committed to advancing my work in critical media literacy to address this challenge. My recent projects, including the development of a digital game that teaches young people how to identify and challenge misinformation, have laid a strong foundation for further exploration in this area.
In the future, I plan to expand the Challenging Hateful Misinformation project by collaborating with more schools and educational organizations to test and refine the game. I also intend to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing adaptive learning environments that can tailor critical media literacy content to the specific needs and skill levels of individual students. By integrating AI-powered tools, I hope to create more personalized learning experiences that can effectively support students in developing the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital world.
Moreover, I will continue advocating for the inclusion of critical media literacy in the New South Wales (NSW) curriculum, working with policymakers and educators to ensure that young people across the state are better equipped to understand and critically evaluate the media they consume. I plan to collaborate with experts in digital literacy and civics education to develop a comprehensive framework that can be integrated into both primary and secondary education.
Ongoing Professional Development and Contributions to the Learning Technology Community
As part of my ongoing professional development, I will continue to engage with the learning technology community through organizations like ASCILITE, the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), and the Australian Association of Learning Designers (AALD). I aim to stay at the forefront of emerging trends in learning design and educational technology, particularly in areas such as learning analytics, AI in education, and digital equity.
Additionally, I plan to pursue further research and publications on media literacy, inclusive education, and the impact of digital technologies on learning outcomes. My goal is to contribute to the growing body of literature in these areas and to provide practical, evidence-based insights that can inform both policy and practice in higher education.
Ultimately, my future work will continue to reflect my commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments and equipping learners with the critical skills they need to thrive in a digital society. I look forward to contributing to the ongoing development of learning technologies that are accessible, equitable, and empowering for all students.