Dr James Birt
Associate Dean - External Engagement
Level 2, Building 1a, Faculty of Society & Design, Bond University
Accepting PhD StudentsContact details
Professional biography
James is the Associate Dean of External Engagement for the Faculty of Society Design, and an Associate Professor of Creative Media studies at Bond, and his distinctive contribution to academia is evidenced in over 80 publications and multiple national media engagements, including The Conversation, ABC News, and The Project. His research spans computer science, applied design, the development of virtual, augmented, and extended reality (VR/AR/XR) technology, as well as the use of games-based experiences for assisting learning and knowledge discovery.
James is recognized as an international leader in educational technology, extended reality (XR), and games, which is reflected in his engagement with a variety of external organisations and academic bodies. James holds an editorial role with Springer Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D); a position on the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) working group for AR/VR technology; an assessor’s role for the International Serious Games Showcase and Challenge (SGSC); and an expert role on the 2022 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report.
He is committed to improving student learning and engagement and enhancing authentic experiential teaching through innovations in mixed reality technology and development. James’ continuous leadership and passion for the practical juxtaposition of art and science in multi-media education, has earned him two Universities Australia citations, in 2014 and 2020. His service to higher education and the community has formed around his 20-year experience and leadership in interdisciplinary teaching, mentorship, presentations, and research led approaches to the enhancement of XR and games education
Research interests
Dr James Birt is Associate Dean – External Engagement and Associate Professor at Bond University. His research examines the design, adoption and governance of artificial intelligence, extended reality and other emerging technologies, with particular interests in educational technology, immersive learning, serious games and interactive media.
His work spans education, health, creative industries and professional practice, using applied and design-oriented approaches to understand how emerging technologies can be used effectively, responsibly and at scale. Current research includes generative AI and XR learning design, privacy and governance in immersive environments, and the safe and responsible use of AR, VR and mixed reality.
Dr Birt holds a PhD in Software Engineering, with research in artificial intelligence and genetic algorithms. He also contributes to international standards development, connecting research with industry, policy and professional practice.
Teaching awards
- 2020 Australian Awards for University Teaching Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
- 2017 Bond University Faculty of Society and Design Researcher of the Year
- 2014 Australian Awards for University Teaching Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
- 2013 Bond University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - Excellence in Learning and Teaching Award
Qualifications
- Software Engineering, PhD, Award Date: 30 Oct 2006
- Information Technology, Honours (1st class), Award Date: 11 Apr 2003
- Information Technology, Bachelors, Award Date: 14 Apr 2000
Fields of Research
- Graphics, augmented reality and games
- Specialist studies in education
Statement for HDR students
Dr Birt welcomes enquiries from prospective HDR students interested in artificial intelligence, extended reality, educational technology, serious games and technology governance. He is particularly interested in applied research examining the design, adoption, evaluation and responsible use of emerging technologies across education, health, creative industries and professional practice.
His supervision emphasises theoretically grounded, methodologically rigorous and practically relevant research, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and engagement with industry and international research networks.