College of Education
Emerging Technology Research Lab
Led by Nigel Newbutt · School of Teaching and Learning
What we study
The Emerging Technology Research Lab studies how virtual reality (VR) can help autistic individuals by co-designing inclusive tools with their input. The lab uses qualitative and mixed-methods research to understand community needs and create meaningful VR experiences.
What working here is like
- Building & testing
- Surveys & interviews
- Human participants
- Coding helps
- Papers
- 5
Recent papers, explained
- Beyond Accommodations: A Personal Reflection of Accessible Education Spaces for Neurodivergent Students
2026 · Neurodiversity
Describes how neurodivergent students face challenges in traditional classrooms.
- “There’s No Greater Feeling”: Empowerment and Achievement Through Neurodivergent Co-Design
2026 · Autism
Studies how neurodivergent people feel when working on VR projects with researchers.
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- Parent and Primary Carer Perspectives on Virtual Reality Use with Autistic Children and Adults: An Exploratory Survey
2026 · Virtual Worlds
Asks parents of autistic people about their views on using VR with their child.
- Barriers and enablers shaping autistic college students’ pathways into advanced manufacturing careers
2026 · Australian Journal of Psychology
Investigates barriers and enablers for autistic students in advanced manufacturing careers.
- “ After I stayed there, I got more relaxed ”: views and experiences of employees with disabilities using virtual reality guided meditation in their place of work
2025 · Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology
Looks at how disabled workers use VR meditation to feel more relaxed at work.
Plain-language summaries are AI-written and reviewed by us; check the paper for details.
How to reach out
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