Deakin-Coventry Cotutelle - AI-in-inclusive-assessment

Location

Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (United Kingdom)

Research topic

This is a doctoral cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (United Kingdom).

The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and Coventry University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Deakin University and one from Coventry University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The program is for a duration of 4 years and scheduled to commence in December 2023.

The PhD Student is anticipated to spend at least 6 months of the total period of the program at Coventry University, with the remainder of the program based at Deakin University.

The project will examine how artificial intelligence impacts on inclusive assessment practices and feedback. The diversity of students accessing higher education is greater than ever before. Yet universities’ assessment and feedback practices have remained largely unchanged, underpinned by a traditional view of fairness in assessment where “one-size-fits-all". This approach is problematic when principles of inclusion advocate for assessments which offer all students, irrespective of their differences, to demonstrate their learning through tasks which align with their capabilities, and be evaluated accordingly. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning opens up new possibilities to remove barriers for non-traditional students and create a level playing field, but incorporating AI may also exacerbate existing inequality or create new forms of disadvantage.

Project aim

The project aims to investigate how AI influences, enhances, or detracts from inclusive assessment practices in higher education. The successful candidate will use qualitative research methods to focus on any aspect of inclusive assessment or feedback, and may focus on any student demographic, e.g. students from various cultural, ethnic, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, as well as students with different learning needs and disabilities. There is an opportunity, through the application process, for applicants to propose their specific focus for the PhD within the outlined scope of research.

Important dates

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 25 October 2023

Benefits

This scholarship is supported by Deakin University, is available over 3 years and includes:

Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
International students only: Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
Full Tuition Fee Waiver for up to 4 years
Funding to support travel of PhD Student between Deakin University and Coventry University

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

be either a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Coventry University, including English language proficiency requirements
be enrolling full time or part-time
be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (United Kingdom) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Coventry’s research entry criteria page for further information.

How to apply

Applicants should firstly contact Dr Joanna Tai to discuss the project. After discussing your application with the Deakin Supervisor, you will be required to submit an Expression of interest directly with the Faculty of Arts and Education.

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If successful, you will be invited by Deakin University to lodge a formal HDR application.
The successful applicant will also be required to lodge a separate PhD application to Coventry University via the Coventry University application page.

Please be aware that screening for this advert will commence immediately and the scholarship may be awarded prior to the closing date.