About the Institute

The Australian Digital Futures Institute (ADFI) is a research and innovation institute at the University of Southern Queensland. Our research focus is on the discovery and exploration of innovative and emerging digital technologies that:

• enhance learning and teaching practice
• positively impact on the learning experience.

Our current research areas:

Mobile learning

Mobile learning emphasises using mobile devices such as e-readers, smartphones, and tablets and their associated services such as apps, e-books, video, and location awareness to support learning.

Social learning

Social learning emphasises using social media such as Twitter, Google+ and other web 2.0 tools to support and promote engagement, interaction and collaboration between learners and to build and sustain digital communities.

Simulated environments

Simulated environments include a number of learning technologies that simulate real world conditions in safe and enjoyable virtual spaces, including:

• Virtual worlds such as Second Life, Jibe and Kitely provide accessible and stimulating digital spaces to learn.
• Augmented reality – the blending of real and virtual elements to create richer learning experiences.
• Gamification– the integration of gameplay mechanics and rewards – to provide rich, stimulating and fun learning opportunities.

Learning analytics

Learning analytics tools allow for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data to build a richer picture of the learning journey. With this type of information:

• a tutor may identify areas where intervention may be helpful
• an institution can better understand trends in student behaviour
• a student may track their progress and direct their own learning.

Find out more

• Our projects 
• Working with us 
• Meet the team