Dr. Owen Noel Newton Fernando
College of Computing & Data Science · Nanyang Technological University · Singapore
Primary Teaching

Courses where I serve as lecturer — designing the curriculum, delivering lectures, and leading tutorials and laboratory sessions.

CE6121
Formerly DM6121
Postgraduate
AY2016 – Present
Lectures

Human-Computer Interaction: Theory and Practice

Introduces the principles and practices of designing interactive digital systems that are user-friendly, accessible, and aligned with user needs. Students learn foundational theories in HCI — including cognitive models and interaction paradigms — and apply them through hands-on projects involving task analysis, interface prototyping, and usability evaluation. The course equips students with both conceptual understanding and practical skills for creating effective and meaningful user experiences, and serves as a strong foundation for careers in UX design, interface development, or further studies in human-centred computing.

SC1007
Core Programme · AI-Augmented
Undergraduate
AY2020 – Present · Python redesign AY2025
Lectures · Tutorials · Labs

Data Structures and Algorithms

Covers (i) fundamental data structures — arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees — that are critical for efficient algorithms; (ii) algorithm analysis, including time and space complexity; and (iii) searching techniques such as sequential and binary search, hash tables with collision-resolution methods, and string search using Tries. In AY2025 the course was fully redesigned and converted from C to Python, with new OBTL-aligned lecture notes, tutorials, labs, assignments, lab tests, and practice questions, aligning the syllabus with CCDS’s strategic emphasis on Data Science and AI.

As part of the Learning with AI (LWAI) initiative, lab sessions now run on AlgoGPT — a multi-agent LLM tutoring platform grounded in Cognitive Load Theory and Self-Regulated Learning. The system pairs a Driver Agent that delivers strictly non-directive feedback in four tiers (analysis → hints → questions → suggestions) with a Navigator Agent that injects plausibly flawed code calibrated to each student’s reasoning level, requiring them to evaluate and accept or reject the AI’s output. The design transforms AI from an answer generator into a Socratic coach that promotes productive struggle and metacognitive reflection.

Deployment at scale (Jan–Apr 2026): 1,000 active students, 10,333 sessions, 35,433 code submissions across 14 lab questions over 7 lab weeks. Mode-level evidence shows distinct, statistically significant learner behaviour (Kruskal–Wallis H = 886.01, p < 10−192): Navigator Mode produces the most efficient solution paths (1.80 attempts to first accept) while Driver Mode produces the highest-quality submissions (5.13/10 tests passed). An accompanying SRL survey (N = 155) returned an overall mean of 3.39/5 with Reflective Self-Evaluation the strongest dimension, all 12 items above neutral midpoint at p < 0.05. AlgoGPT’s findings are reported in Beyond the Perfect Assistant: Provoking Learning with Flawed AI Partners (ACM DIS 2026) and at NIE RPIC 2026.

CT2009
B.Tech Programme
Undergraduate
AY2025 – Present
Lectures · Tutorials · Labs

Design Thinking

Cultivates a human-centred mindset and practical problem-solving skills through the iterative design-thinking process. Students learn to empathise with users, define meaningful problems, ideate creative solutions, prototype effectively, and test iteratively. By integrating insights from real-world contexts and interdisciplinary perspectives, students develop the ability to design innovative, desirable, and feasible solutions for complex challenges. The course prepares students to apply design thinking across technology, product development, service design, and social innovation, with an emphasis on usability, empathy, and impact.

CT2010
B.Tech Programme
Undergraduate
AY2025 – Present
Lectures · Tutorials · Labs

Capstone Project

An integrative, project-based course in which students apply the full arc of skills developed across the B.Tech programme — problem framing, design thinking, user research, software development, and evaluation — to deliver a substantial team project. Students work under close supervision to scope a real-world challenge, prototype iteratively, and present a polished outcome with documented impact.

SC3061
Formerly CZ2004
Undergraduate
AY2015 – Present
Lectures · Tutorials · Labs

Human-Computer Interaction

Provides an introduction to HCI, with the overarching goal of inculcating a user-centric perspective on usability when designing, evaluating, and innovating user interfaces. Students learn to: (a) appreciate the significance of usability in interface development, including user requirements, measurements, and various usability tests; (b) acquire vocabulary to frame and articulate HCI considerations across computing applications; (c) apply first principles of UI design to current and future interface modalities; (d) align HCI with human thought processes and physical abilities; and (e) appreciate how HCI design is applied across sectors of the computing industry.

CT3101
B.Tech Programme
Undergraduate
AY2026 – Present
Lectures · Tutorials · Labs

UX/UI Design

Provides a comprehensive understanding of user experience and user interface design principles, methodologies, and tools. Students learn to conduct user research, develop personas, create information architectures, wireframes, and prototypes, and apply visual design principles such as colour theory, typography, and layout systems. The course emphasises usability testing to evaluate and improve design quality through iterative feedback, and covers responsive design and cross-platform consistency. Graduates leave able to design functional, aesthetically appealing, and user-centred interfaces that effectively meet user needs and expectations.

SC3061
GEM Trailblazer Summer Programme
Undergraduate
Summer 2026 · Annually since 2020
Lectures · Tutorials · Labs · Exam

Human-Computer Interaction (Summer Course)

An intensive month-long delivery of the SC3061 HCI curriculum, taught annually since 2020 as part of the GEM Trailblazer Summer Programme (3 AUs, June–July). The full course — 40 hours of teaching spanning lectures, tutorials, labs, and a final examination — is compressed into a single month. The cohort is highly international: visiting undergraduates from partner universities across North America, Europe, and Oceania study alongside NTU students, building lo-fi and hi-fi UI prototypes, conducting usability evaluations, and developing fluency in user-centred design vocabulary and methods. Delivery is physical on the NTU campus; a computer-science background is preferred but not required.

Supporting Teaching

Courses where I lead tutorials and laboratory sessions, supporting the lecturer of record. These contributions help large core courses scale while maintaining small-group, hands-on instruction.

SC1003
Introduction to Computational Thinking and Programming
Undergraduate · AY2021 – Present · Tutorials · Labs
CE2006 / CZ2006
Software Engineering
Undergraduate · AY2015 – Present · Tutorials · Labs
CE3004 / CZ3004
Multidisciplinary Design Project
Undergraduate · AY2015 – Present · Labs
Academic Supervision & Mentoring

A core part of my work at NTU is supervising students and research staff — from doctoral candidates and Master’s researchers through to FYP and URECA undergraduates. Many former students and staff have moved on to research and engineering leadership roles internationally.

Master’s (Coursework)
12
Graduated
2
Current
Final Year Projects
150
Graduated
17
Current
URECA
50
Graduated
6
Current
Current PhD Students
Internal candidates at NTU and external candidates supervised at partner institutions.
Yeo Shi Jing
Nanyang Technological University · Internal
Improving blockchain scalability through multi-layers
2025 – 2029
Co-Supervisor
Ongoing supervision
Ms. Nuha Fareed
Faculty of Information Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka · External
Developing an AI-Driven Approach to Transform Natural Language Requirements into UML Diagrams
2025 – 2029
External Supervisor
Ongoing supervision
Master’s Students (By Research)
Xia Deneng
Nanyang Technological University · M.Eng (Part-Time)
SkinDiseaseGLM: An Automated Interactive Chat-based Skin Disease Diagnosis System using Large Language Model
2023 – 2024
Main Supervisor
Graduated
Research Staff Mentored
Former research assistants, engineers, and fellows in my group, with their current positions.
V. U. Wanniarachchi
Research Assistant · Various Projects
Now Research Fellow at The University of Auckland
2016 – 2018
Y. Fernandopulle
Research Engineer · Various Projects
Now Solution Architect at Sim Centric, Sri Lanka
2016 – 2018
C. Deshan
Research Engineer · Various Projects
Now Solution Architect at Inova Technologies, Sri Lanka
2012 – 2014
V. S. Rathnayake
Research Engineer · Various Projects
Now Operational Director at SoftSolvo, Sri Lanka
2012 – 2014
H. Iroshan
Research Engineer · Various Projects
Now Lead Engineer at CHAMP Cargo Systems, Singapore
2012 – 2014