Dr. Owen Noel Newton Fernando
College of Computing & Data Science · Nanyang Technological University · Singapore
โญ Learning with AI (Flagship Research Area)

This research investigates how AI can act as an interactive partner in learning, supporting reasoning, reflection, and skill development through human–AI collaboration. Key projects include:

AlgoGPT — AI Tutoring Platform for Programming Education

AI-driven tutoring platform addressing “vibe coding” — where students rely on AI-generated solutions without understanding. Supports self-regulated learning through adaptive problem sequencing, learner profiling, and reasoning-based assessment aligned with Bloom’s & SOLO taxonomies. Deployed at scale in SC1007. Funded: NTU-EdeX S$40,000 (2025–2027)

AIView — Multi-Agent Technical Interview Simulation

Multi-agent AI platform simulating realistic technical interview environments with live coding, speech interaction, emotion recognition, and behavioural analysis. Provides structured, personalised feedback on technical performance and communication skills. Technology Disclosure filed: NTU Ref 2025-208

NALA-Assess — Self-Regulated Learning Analytics Dashboard

Learning analytics system visualising learner behaviour, progress, and topic dependencies for AI chatbot-based learning. Features peer comparison, self-referenced progress tracking, and structured feedback mechanisms.

NALA-Teach — Microteaching Simulation for Teaching Assistants

Multi-agent AI simulation enabling teaching assistants to interact with AI-driven student agents representing diverse learning behaviours, supporting development of facilitation and instructional skills at scale.

๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Human-Computer Interaction

Designing and analysing interactive and human-centred systems that enhance user experience and real-world interaction. Research investigates behaviour, feedback, and interaction patterns with emphasis on usability and interaction design.

Key Projects

  • ChatGPT in Educational Environments — personalised, context-aware AI systems reshaping HCI in education
  • Affective State Detection in Programming — keyboard & mouse signals to infer emotion during coding tasks (ICARCV 2018)
  • PoseBuddy — real-time AI exercise feedback using MoveNet pose estimation (Cyberworlds 2022)
  • Twittener — AI-enhanced news experience with sentiment analysis (HCII 2024, C&C 2017)
  • Snake Alert — snake tracking & reporting system (ACM DH 2017)
  • Voyager — crowdsourced travel safety application (HCII 2024)
๐Ÿ“š Interactive Technologies for Learning

Exploring how interactive technologies enhance learning across diverse educational contexts, integrating technology with pedagogical principles for accessible, personalised environments.

Key Projects

  • Learning Companion (MEL901, NIE/NTU) — Socratic questioning & ZPD scaffolding for academic writing. Co-PI: NIE I3G Grant S$104,897
  • La Petite Fée Cosmo — 2D puzzle game for linked-list learning via productive failure (Cyberworlds 2019)
  • Interactive Course Materials — dynamic digital formats improving engagement in higher education (HCII 2023)
  • Productive Failure via Educational Games — tertiary education game-based learning. Co-PI: MOE-TRF S$285,866
  • Personalized Interventions During E-lecture — adaptive e-learning system. Co-PI: NTU-EdeX S$40,000
๐ŸŽญ Multimodal Learning Interactions

Understanding human interaction through visual, auditory, and behavioural signals. Analysing multimodal data to model interaction patterns and extract meaningful pedagogical insights.

Key Projects

  • AI Sports Coaching & Class Observation Analysis — video, audio & behavioural pattern analysis for educators and coaches
  • Automated Lesson Microgenre Analysis — LLMs + computer vision for spatial pedagogy & lesson heatmaps (RP 2026)
  • Multimodal Virtual Anatomy Learning System — 3D CT/fMRI models with multi-touch interactive learning (IMCIC 2011)
  • AI-based Health Assistant for Young Adults (HCII 2025)
  • Hidden Shrines of Singapore — AR + clustering for cultural heritage. Co-PI: NHB HRG Grant S$70,000
Research Funding Summary
RolePeriodProjectAmount (S$)Funder
PI2025–2027AlgoGPT: Multi-Agent AI for Data Structures Learning40,000NTU-EdeX
Co-PI2025–2026GenAI for Graduate Critical Reasoning & Writing104,897NIE I3G Grant
PI2016–2018Socially Mediated AR for Enhanced User Experience148,000Edge Lab (AIA)
PI2017–2019Twittener: Twitter Speech Synthesis with NLP50,000MOE AcRF Tier 1
PI2016–2018Code Quality Assessment Tool (CQAT)18,000NTU-EdeX
Co-PI2022–2024Migrant Deities: Sacred Pantheon in Singapore89,000MOE AcRF Tier 1
Co-PI2018–2020Hidden Shrines of Singapore70,000NHB HRG Grant
Co-PI2017–2019Productive Failure via Educational Games285,866MOE-TRF Grant
Co-PI2010–2012AR for Military Applications1,880,000MINDEF Singapore

Also: 1 patent filed (Petimo), 20 technology disclosures filed at NTU, 3 technology disclosures licensed.