Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
Scholarship
$42,483pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
This project is part of the Next Generation Scholarship Program, Augmented Human Operations.
Background and Aims:
Immersive learning is a cutting-edge educational approach that immerses students in interactive environments using technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR). These technologies simulate real-world scenarios or create hands-on experiences, promoting active participation, multisensory engagement, and contextual understanding.
The advent of Generative AI (GenAI) technologies, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT introduced in late 2022, presents a unique research opportunity. By integrating GenAI's adaptability and vast knowledge accessibility with the contextual understanding provided by immersive learning, we can potentially revolutionize educational methods.
This project aims to investigate the integration of GenAI and immersive technologies to enhance learning experiences for students in their formative years (Years 7-9 in high school). The focus will be on leveraging the strengths of both technologies to create a more engaging and effective educational environment.
Approaches/Outcomes:
This project will begin by reviewing recent advancements in human-AI collaboration, particularly focusing on the emerging chain-of-thought reasoning. Additionally, the attributes and features of the commercial immersive learning system, Lumination, https://lumination.com.au/, will be examined. These reviews will serve as a foundation for discussions with the School teaching staff to identify suitable learning subjects for the integration of immersive AI learning technology.
The expected outcome of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how GenAI and immersive technologies can be effectively combined to enhance educational experiences. The findings will provide insights into the practical applications of these technologies in a classroom setting, potentially leading to improved student engagement and learning outcomes in Years 7-9.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend funded by the CSIRO's Next Generation Graduate Program (NGGP) and Launceston Church Grammar School of $42,483 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also receive a:
- Top-up scholarship of $2,000, paid as a lump sum upon commencement of candidature
- Top-up scholarship of $3,000, paid as a lump sum when confirmation of candidature has been completed
- Training allowance of $5,000 per annum for 3 years, to be administered by the School
- Travel allowance of $5,000, to be administered by the School
These scholarships and allowances are funded from the NGGP.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Domestic students (Australian Citizen, Australian PR) and New Zealand Citizen
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in human-computer interaction
- Knowledge of Generative AI
- Experience in usability testing design
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Interest in the Australian curriculum and School education
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Winyu Chinthammit to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 April 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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