Research Seminar - Completion Seminar
Seminar recorded - click here
This Completions Seminar features Faisal Alshammari, Damian le Goullon and Lorraine Gaunt who will each share a 15-20 minute presentation based on their completed thesis. Each presentation will be followed by 10 minutes questions and answers related to the respective study. This seminar offers an opportunity to celebrate and learn from the completed HDR research work within the School of Education.
Date: Friday 6 May 2022
Time: 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Venue: 24-S402
Zoom link: https://uqz.zoom.us/j/83350643552
Mr Faisal Hakim, Alshammari
Adoption technology in educational context
Abstract: Research into new technology and education is an ever-expanding field. Cloud computing apps have become increasingly widely used in recent years, including in higher education settings. Despite the demonstrated benefits of cloud computing apps, there is the lack of research into the cloud computing acceptance studies that explore faculty members' voices and perspectives in Saudi universities. My research used a mixed methods approach to achieve the aims. In my study, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) (Venkatesh, 2012) model was reconceptualized, adding three additional variables to better understand academics' behaviour and use of cloud technology. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of factors that influence faculty members' behavioural intentions to implement cloud computing in the context of higher education in Saudi Arabia.
BIO: Faisal Hakim, Alshammari is approaching the submission of his PhD thesis in July 2022 (Dr Kay McLay, Dr Vicente Reyes). He is currently a lecturer with the School of Education, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. He is the senior manager of the Deanship Of E-Learning and Distance Learning. He is a Fellow of the National eLearning Center (NELC), Saudi Arabia. Faisal has experience in educational technology settings and taught Information Communication Technology (ICT) at high school, undergraduate courses and government sector. His current research interests are ICT in the context of higher education. Faisal also pursues inquiries into the application of both quantitative and qualitative research in educational technology.
Mr Damian le Goullon
Places to Belong: The Community Experiences of Adults with an Intellectual Disability
Abstract: Community participation has increasingly become a benchmark for policies and practices focused on enabling people with a disability. This study investigated how adults with intellectual disabilities identify and experience their community participation. In exploratory studies of this kind, community participation is alluded to as either a feeling of being part of a group or as a satisfaction with access to prescribed community activities such as recreation and employment. This study clearly identifies the breadth and depth of community participation of adults with intellectual disabilities through illustrated stories, shared and analysed from their perspective. The lessons learnt from their experiences are then examined through the lens of the educational philosopher John Dewey for their contribution to a democratic understanding of community participation. The implications for the role of educators as promoters of growth, social habits, communication, and the enhancement of community experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities are discussed.
BIO: Damian le Goullon was awarded his MPhil at UQ SoE in 2021 (Prof Karen Nankervis, A.Prof Rhonda Faragher). He uses creative processes to engage adults with disabilities in learning to develop their voice in community. He has worked as a community artist in health promotion, a high school teacher and as a literacy teacher in the mental health network, A Place to Belong. He is currently the Community Leader Brisbane Larche which works with adults with intellectual disabilities to co-construct intentional communities of support.
Dr Lorraine Gaunt
Supporting numeracy for adults with intellectual disabilities
Abstract: Numeracy has been shown to play an important role in the lives of adults. It has relevance to our work, personal, and citizenship commitments. However, the role of numeracy in the lives of adults with intellectual disability is less understood. This study explored how four adults with intellectual disabilities engaged with numeracy in everyday contexts and investigated how numeracy development could be supported. Findings indicate that participating adults used numeracy skills daily and, through the use of specifically designed tools, demonstrated improvements in areas of interest to them. Further, when adults with ID demonstrated improvements in their numeracy, other people noticed and endeavoured to further support this development. This has potential for empowerment and developing independence in adult learners
BIO: Lorraine obtained her PhD at UQ SoE in 2020 (A.Prof Karen Moni, Dr Jana Visnovska) and is currently a Lecturer in Education at Charles Sturt University. She has 12 years of teaching experience in tertiary education, 25 years' experience in teaching secondary mathematics, and acted as a Head of Special Education Services at Queensland secondary schools. Lorraine’s research interests include understanding the means of supporting numeracy development and of promoting inclusive mathematics education in secondary school classrooms. Additionally, Lorraine is passionate about improving the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusive communities.