W.E.B. Dubois
The Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) focuses its research on understanding the transformative role of technology in education. Our research projects explore how technology is reshaping the way we learn, teach and lead in a digitally connected world.
Our innovative research in education on artificial intelligence (AI), learning analytics and educational technologies is world leading. We have been at the forefront of the most significant educational trends of the past several decades including digital learning, learning analytics, distributed learning, augmented learning, and AI in education.
Our researchers are amongst the most influential globally in implementing and evaluating new technologies and pedagogies to enable future learning models.
The Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) research expertise spans key areas including:
C3L takes a holistic view of the education system and lifelong learning. We investigate how present education models can transition to more effectively focus on attributes and processes beyond the cognitive aspect of their curriculum. C3L will seek to research and apply novel approaches that facilitate curriculum models that actively incorporate the skills needed for creative knowledge work, self-regulation, collaboration, and mindsets that enable acceptance of ambiguity and uncertainty.
The complex problems that define contemporary education cannot be understood and managed through traditional, often reductionist, research approaches – instead an integrated, holistic and networked approach is required.
We research an individual’s lifespan of learning and apply these findings to develop new opportunities for Adelaide University programs. This involves investigations into the learning skills, mindsets and developmental aspects of education that are necessary for a digitally rich and complex age. C3L pursues research that directly impacts education and society. C3L investigates learning and development through the collection of diverse data sets about how learners engage in formal and informal learning settings. This data provides an important lens into the development of people within a society, the impact of interventions, and how the interaction points that a person has with society’s institutions impacts their education and wellbeing development.
At the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), our research projects explore how technology is reshaping the way we learn, teach and lead in a digitally connected world.
We investigate the possibilities and challenges of emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, learning analytics and augmented learning – to understand their impact across educational, professional and lifelong learning environments.
Our projects are grounded in real-world contexts and guided by strong partnerships with educators, students, leaders, government, and industry. Together, we examine how digital tools and data can enhance learning outcomes, build future-focused capabilities, and support inclusive, engaging education systems.
From networked learning environments to complexity of leadership in times of change, our work aims to transform theory into practice – building tools, frameworks and strategies that unlock learner potential and prepare educators to lead with confidence in complex digital ecosystems.
As a Centre, we actively:
C3L collaborates with students, educators, leaders, education systems, government departments, and organisations to investigate how emerging technologies and digital learning approaches are being implemented in educational, professional and lifelong learning settings.
By collaborating with educators and leveraging research-backed tools, C3L helps unlock learner potential and highlights the transformative power of AI in education. We also equip educators with the resources they need to create innovative and engaging learning environments, and designs that benefit all learners.
