Conversations: TechDem Champs

Jess Carniel is an Associate Professor in Humanities in the School of Humanities and Communication, where she teaches across the International Relations, Politics, and Popular Culture majors. She is also Chair of the UniSQ Human Research Ethics Committee.

Jess’s teaching career has spanned more than two decades. She has previously taught into the areas of Australian Studies, Gender Studies, Sports Studies, International Studies, and History at the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and Victoria University.

From the early days when online quizzes and readings were cutting edge, Jess has been deeply interested in how technology can be used to improve learning outcomes and educational experiences. Currently, she is particularly interested in how to improve asynchronous engagement and how to foster collaboration. Jess is a Voicethread Certified Educator, a Padlet enthusiast, and a Teams novice.

In 2024, Jess won the School/College Learning and Teaching Award for the School of Humanities and Communication for “effective use of Voicethread as a tool to develop asynchronous conversation and community in third year International Relations advanced seminar courses”, and the Excellence Award for HASS Disciplines Learning and Teaching.

Jess can help with embedding Voicethread and Padlet into your courses, but is also happy to brainstorm other course design ideas – and to learn from you in return.