ECU Sri Lanka Academics Showcase Teaching Innovation at Navitas UPA Learning and Teaching Conference 2026
ECU Sri Lanka academics represented the university at the Navitas UPA Learning and Teaching Conference 2026, held under the theme “Teaching the Next Era: Evidence, Innovation, and Impact for Student Success.”
The conference brought together academics and education professionals from across the Navitas network to share evidence-based practices, research and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
ECU Sri Lanka academics contributed across several presentation formats, including presentation blocks, lightning talks, spotlight sessions and a masterclass.
In Presentation Block 5 – FOLTaN Showcase, Anusha Kanagasundaram presented “Reflections and Strategies from the Foundations of Learning and Teaching at Navitas Program.” Hansila Sudasinghe, Madawa Seneviratne (Program Convenor), L.K. Jethendri Perera (Lecturer) and Mapalagama Acharige Kavindi Tharaka (Lecturer) presented “Beyond the Applied Project: Embedding Industry Readiness Through an Innovative Applied Project Curriculum.”
In Lightning Talk Block 2 – Spotlight, Sakalya Rajapakse, Student Learning Advisor, presented “Active Learning with Mentimeter: Enhancing Real-Time Assessment, Engagement and Inclusivity in In-Class Workshops.”
Lightning Talk Block 4 – Spotlight featured Chaminda Ranaweera, College Principal, presenting “Predicting Foundation-Level Mathematics Performance Using Secondary School Academic Records: Evidence from a Sri Lankan Transnational Education Context.” Hasara Senadhipathi, Learning Advisor, also presented “Scaffolding Success – From Fear to Fluency: The Impact of Scaffolded Learning on Presentation Skills and Confidence in Computer Science Students.”
In Presentation Block 3 – Spotlight, Kaushalya Kasunthika, Lecturer, and Sunali Fernando, Convenor and Lecturer, presented “The Impact of AI Dependence on Critical Thinking in Marketing Units at Edith Cowan University.”
Sakalya Rajapakse also represented ECU Sri Lanka as a co-facilitator of the masterclass “Active Learning in the Age of AI,” alongside Chris Rayner from Griffith College and Mojtaba Sanati from Curtin College. The session explored practical approaches to creating engaging, learner-centred experiences while considering the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
The academics’ contributions highlighted ECU Sri Lanka’s commitment to evidence-based teaching, innovation, industry readiness and student success, while providing opportunities to share knowledge and practice with colleagues across the Navitas network.
Congratulations to all ECU Sri Lanka academics who contributed to the conference and represented the university on this international academic platform.
