Teaching and Research interests
My teaching and research in the field of Education represents three interests:
- the transition of students with disabilities from school to work
- the use of ICT and emerging technologies
- Special Education in developing countries
1. The transition of students with a disability from school to work
I'm particularly interested in the skills and knowledge needed for students to gain and retain
employment. My current PhD research builds on that interest and concentrates on the social,
community and work skills required to retain employment.
My publications and presentations in this area are:
Carey, G.J.P. (2008) game2Work, Higher Degree by research Forum, UniSA, August
(Top 4 Presentations Award)
Carey, G.J.P. (2006) What makes those with disabilities game to work? Educational Research
Conference Flinders University November 2006
Griffiths, S and Carey, G.J.P. (1999) The Daws Road Experience - Transition School to Work Australian
Association of Special Education National Conference: September 1999, Sydney
Carey, G.J.P. (1994) Family and Professional Relationships: Partner or Family Adjutant? Australian
Association of Special Education National Conference, September 1994, Adelaide
2. The use of ICT and emerging technologies
In 2009, I have agreed to design and manage the Australian component of an international study
led by Associate Professor Thomas Hansson (Sweden) to explore a part of the mechanism behind
the young global net culture. The project involves the Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden,
the University of Southern Denmark, and the University of Wolverhampton. The study will look at
two schools in Sweden, one in the United Kingdom, and one in South Australia, who are offering
courses in hospitality for 16 to 18-year-olds,. The research examines the communication style and
content of these students as they interact in a virtual world (Active World) to examine and
compare aspects of the hospitality industry in the three countries. The results will be published in a
major handbook and articles are already in planning for national and international journals such as
Youth Culture, Education Technology and Digital Design. As well a web-based repository of Virtual
hospitality will be developed in Active Worlds for easy access and further use, development,
dissemination and evaluation. The project director would welcome a local university’s interest in
the South Australian part of this project
Throughout my career my interests and expertise have centred on students will intellectual
disabilities and learning difficulties, who display challenging behaviours. Part of this is a deep
interest in classroom management systems, and instructional methodologies. This has led to the
utilisation of technology in my classroom to support and manage learning, and the examination of
emerging technologies to better develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully be part
Some publications in this area are:
Carey,G.J.P (2008) Megatrends in Emerging Technologies, Australian Council for Computers in
Education (ACCE) National Conference, Canberra, October 2008
Carey, G.J.P. (2005) Using a Learning Management System to support the preparation of new workers
who have an intellectual disability. Moodle Moot 05, Oxford University Institute of Legal Practice, Oxford, United Kingdom, August 2005
3. The position of Special Education in the educational agenda of a developing country.
The opportunity to work on a project with a national government department that sought to
introduce a new and unique educational structure at the elementary level was exciting. In a
country where there are more than 620 distinct languages and over 700 cultural traditions my
experience as Special Education Adviser in the Elementary Teacher Training Support Program
opened opportunities to examine the position of Special Education in the educational agenda of
Papua New Guinea. As outlined in other parts of this application the research conducted to prepare
reports and recommendations were used to develop policies and practices that increased the
participation of students with disabilities in the formal education system.
The most important of these publications are:
Carey, G.J.P. and Aiwa,J. (2001) Participation in Education: Special Education PNG 1999-2001, GoPNG
report September 2001
Carey, G.J.P. (2001) PNG Elementary Teacher Education Support Project – Extension report: Special Education Component AusAID
Carey, G.J.P. (2000) PNG Elementary Teacher Education Support Project Final report: Special Education
Component AusAID
Carey, G.J.P. and Aiwa, J. (1999) Participation in Education: The inclusion of learners with a disability
in Papua New Guinea UNESCO report May 1999
While these represent my major interests there are a number of associated areas that I would like to
pursue, in particular the effect of classroom design on learning, behaviour management and classroom
Education Community involvement
Australian College of Educators – Fellow (1998)
Chair of the Fellowship and Awards Committee (South Australia)
Australian Association of Special Education – past committee member (South Australia)
The Bedford Group (formally Bedford Industries) – Service Excellence Committee
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