In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael J. Henderson, a former electrical engineer turned educator whose lifelong fascination with technology began with a crystal radio set and evolved into a career spanning decades of innovation, education, and digital transformation. From early computing in the 1970s to current explorations with AI and data analytics in education, Michael shares how informal learning, hands-on experimentation, and technological curiosity have shaped his teaching and learning practices. Join us as we explore what it means to be ‘technologically agnostic,’ the role of AI in higher education, and the importance of developing system thinking and self-directed learning in a digital world.

Interviewer is: Dr Elham(Ellie) Manzari (She/her), Lecturer, Monash University
School of Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education | Faculty of Education.

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This episode focuses on how Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are being used innovatively in primary school classrooms to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. Niamh shares practical examples where these technologies have created immersive, interactive environments that support student understanding and engagement, particularly in subjects such as science, geography, and mathematics.

The episode highlights the benefits of using AR and VR for formative and summative assessment, allowing teachers to observe how students apply knowledge in simulated or enhanced real-world contexts. These tools enable new ways of capturing learning evidence—beyond traditional paper-based methods—by focusing on student thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Strategies for implementing AR and VR meaningfully in primary settings are addressed, with a focus on equity and sustainability.

Al-Ansi, A. M., Jaboob, M., Garad, A., & Al-Ansi, A. (2023). Analyzing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) recent development in education. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100532

Hui, J., Zhou, Y., Oubibi, M., Di, W., Zhang, L., & Zhang, S. (2022). Research on Art Teaching Practice Supported by Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in the Primary Schools. Sustainability, 14(3), 1246. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031246

Laine, J., Korhonen, T., & Hakkarainen, K. (2023). Primary school students’ experiences of immersive virtual reality use in the classroom. Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2196896

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In this episode we talk to David Dixon, Senior Creative Developer, Visualisation in the Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CSALT) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. David discusses the innovative application of immersive technologies—such as virtual reality, mixed reality, and large-scale 3D visualisation in the Cave—in enhancing teaching and learning across a variety of disciplines. He provides examples of a range of projects, including midwifery training simulations, virtual art galleries, and citizen science experiences, all designed to facilitate authentic, accessible, and engaging learning environments.

This conversation offers valuable perspectives on the practical integration of emerging technologies in higher education, with real-world examples demonstrating how these tools can support discipline-specific pedagogy and improve student outcomes. For those interested in the future of educational technology and its role in advancing teaching practice, this episode provides thoughtful reflection and expert insights.

https://www.usc.edu.au/study/life-at-unisc/facilities/visualisation-and-simulation

https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/explainers/virtual-production/what-is-virtual-production

https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/what-is-photogrammetry/

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