Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education

Student Bursary Award Winners

The ASCILITE Student Bursary Award was introduced in 2017 and was open to all full-time PhD/EdD or equivalent students.  Award recipients receive $1,000 each towards their attendance at the ASCILITE annual conference. This amount is put towards the recipient’s conference registration, travel and accommodation.

Award submissions comprise of a 3 – 5 minute video that demonstrates how well an applicant is able to make use of educational technologies and is able to communicate effectively through the technology by explaining why he or she should receive the bursary.  Video submissions are available for viewing below.


2023 Award Winners

Weerapperuma Arachige Dimanthinie Lale De Silva (Queensland University of Technology) for “The world where we shall dwell – tomorrow”


2022 Award Winners

Erica Ho (University of Sydney) for “Using avatars in collaborative learning environments”


2019 – 2021 Award Winners

No Student Bursaries were awarded 2019 – 2021.


2018 Award Winners

Samantha Newell (University of Adelaide) for “Researching the Value & Validity of Educational Technology”

Abstract: My video highlights the importance of researching the value and validity of educational technology. As a qualified teacher, I bring pedagogical expertise into my psychology research. I also participate in a University eLearning community of practice with educational technologists. My PhD research is entirely relevant to the conference themes, so attending would be beneficial to my research (and aspirations of presenting results at ASCILITE next year).

A Student Bursary would grant me the opportunity to be inspired by keynote thought leaders, such as Dr Margaret Bearman. Given the chance to attend, I anticipate fruitful professional conversations about e-assessment strategies.

Video: https://biteable.com/watch/ascilite-student-bursary-award-nomination-1965886


Sophie Abel (University of Technology Sydney) for “Automated feedback on Student Writing

Abstract: My video explains how AcaWriter, an educational technology tool can help improve the quality of students writing. AcaWriter’s automated feedback prompts students to think critically about their writing, specifically the rhetorical moves in their texts. By prompting students to reflect on their writing encourages them to draft and revise, promoting good writing practice which leads them to produce better quality texts. I would like to receive this award so I can attend ASCILITE and share my research, establish peers, meet educational technology industry representatives and explore how others are using technology to enhance learning and teaching in tertiary education.

Video: https://youtu.be/i3GA19qvMBE


2017 Award Winners

Malcolm Burt for “Less VR in Education Is Better”

Abstract: I’m a PhD candidate in virtual reality and also create virtual reality objects for universities, which allow their students to experience more immersion and empathy (the two key reasons to use VR).

There’s too many huge ideas in this space which, while cool, scare people off. Perhaps we should be focusing on making the bare minimum that you need to enhance immersion and empathy?

I’d like to speak at ASCILITE with others in this field and to identify others who may be researching in this area, and of course to become a member.

Video: https://youtu.be/0tQkziBm82k


Tran Le Nghi Tran for “Educational technologies & me”

Abstract: This video describes how I use educational technologies to teach, research and communicate in my professional and academic life as a lecturer and PhD student. It also highlights my belief and reflection on educational technologies as the vehicles for me, my students and research participants on our career development journey.

I believe this video helps introduce new educational technologies to those interested, provides insights into how technologies can be used in different education sections and promotes the ASCILITE conference and Student Bursary to a wider public as I have a strong professional network of international students and Vietnamese teachers.

Video: https://youtu.be/sLiaiPQW42M


Paul Wiseman for “Fluctuations in Task Level Engagement”

Abstract: I am using digital learning tasks to understand how task-level engagement fluctuates during an online learning activity.

This research is informing my understanding of digital task engagement in higher education (PhD research topic), as well as my understanding of classroom engagement and blended learning in my role as a lecturer in Management at the Faculty of Business and Economics, the University of Melbourne.

I believe this research has relevance and application within the ASCILITE community, and I hope to have the opportunity to share it and receive feedback from my colleagues in this field of research.

Video: https://vimeo.com/229535800

Institutional Members