Statement of Research Intent

Notes to the applicant:

 Use this form to provide a brief overview of your research interest. As your application
progresses you may be asked to submit more details.
 Students are required to submit their thesis after 3-4 years full-time study (6-8 years part-
time).
 Applicants can find academics who are accredited to undertake doctoral supervision on the
University Website and are expected to contact potential supervisors asap. Those unable to
do so will be supported, but the application process may be delayed. If no appropriate
supervisor can be identified, the application will be declined.

Details

Name of applicant: NAVEEN BABU GNANAMOORTHI

Student ID (if known):

Department/s (if known):

Are you applying for a University of Auckland Yes

Doctoral Scholarship?
(If no, we can expedite your offer so that you can
apply for other funding opportunities. If yes, please
complete the final section of this form)

Do you intend to, or have you applied for a Yes

scholarship from another fund (CSC, LPDP) to
study at the University of Auckland?

Proposed Supervisor/s (if known):

(a statement should be submitted separately by
your supervisor if applying for a scholarship)

Research interest

Provisional title, brief description of the research question or intended goals of the proposed
research, a justification for the project supported by current literature, a brief overview of the
proposed methodology, and a statement on the potential to contribute to knowledge in the field
of study (max 500 words)

Personalized Learning through Artificial Intelligence: Customizing Educational

Experiences in New Zealand Classrooms

Research Question and Intended Goals:

This research aims to investigate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in New
Zealand's secondary education system to deliver personalized learning experiences. The
central research question is: "How can AI-driven adaptive learning platforms be utilized to
customize educational content based on individual student data, and what impact does this
have on academic preparedness for higher education?" The intended goals are to assess the
effectiveness of AI in providing dynamic assessments, tailored feedback, and predictive
analytics to enhance student progress and to evaluate how these technologies support the
transition from secondary to tertiary education by fostering critical thinking and self-

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Statement of Research Intent
directed learning.

Justification for the Project:

Using AI in education transforms how we meet varied learning demands. Current research
suggests that AI might revolutionise education by giving personalised learning routes that
meet student preferences, learning paces, and performance indicators. Holmes et al. (2019)
and Zawacki-Richter et al. (2019) show that AI can provide real-time feedback and
adaptable learning settings that enhance educational results. There is little study on the
adoption of these technologies in secondary school, notably in New Zealand. This study
fills this gap by demonstrating the usefulness of AI-driven personalised learning systems
in bridging secondary and higher education.

Proposed Methodology:

The study will use mixed methodologies to gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative
data. AI-driven adaptive learning systems will be deployed in selected New Zealand
secondary schools for the project. Student performance, engagement, and feedback will be
gathered using pre- and post-intervention tests, interviews, and focus groups with students,
teachers, and administrators. AI interventions' effects on academic achievements will be
measured using quantitative data and statistical methodologies. Qualitative data will
provide stakeholders' AI integration perspectives. Ethics, especially data privacy and
security, will be carefully considered throughout the study process.

Contribution to Knowledge:

Secondary education and instructional technology may benefit from this research. By
examining how AI influences individualised learning and academic preparedness, the
research will provide information to educators, legislators, and technology developers. It
will assist in elucidating how AI may be used to educational frameworks in order to
enhance learning and advance postsecondary education. The findings will address data
privacy, teacher preparation, and the human element in education while also assisting
schools in using AI technology properly. The goal of this project is to advance AI in
education to create learning environments that are more inclusive, effective, and
customised.

Preparedness for Research:

My 20 years of experience in teaching and researching technology-driven AI efforts, such

as computer vision and automated transcribing systems, make me equipped to carry out
this study. I can better understand and address secondary school AI implementation
challenges because to my background in curriculum development and innovative teaching
methods. I can ensure that this research is grounded in theory and practice since I have
expertise turning complex AI concepts into useful teaching tools.

Research and professional background

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Statement of Research Intent
Briefly summarise previous experience in your area of interest. Provide appropriate information
concerning your research experience, relevant professional experiences, and influences on your
intellectual development (max 200 words)

With over 20 years of experience in teaching and conducting research in AI-driven

projects, my expertise lies at the intersection of education and technology. My doctoral
research focused on developing AI-based computer vision projects and automatic
transcription from videos, equipping me with a deep understanding of AI technologies
and their applications. I have led numerous projects aimed at enhancing learning
outcomes through innovative educational tools, demonstrating my ability to translate
complex AI concepts into practical solutions for educational settings.

My professional journey includes extensive experience in curriculum development and

integrating technology into educational practices. Influenced by pioneers in AI and
education, such as Seymour Papert and Marvin Minsky, I have been motivated to explore
how AI can transform learning environments. My collaborations with interdisciplinary
teams have further shaped my intellectual development, emphasizing the importance of
adaptive learning and personalized education.

This extensive background positions me to contribute significantly to research on AI-

driven personalized learning in secondary education, particularly in New Zealand. My
work aims to bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary education, ensuring students
are better prepared for higher education through tailored, AI-enhanced learning
experiences.

Social and cultural background

Provide appropriate information concerning your personal history, decisions concerning doctoral
research, career plans, and future goals. Include cultural and educational opportunities (or lack
thereof), social, economic, or physical advantages and/or disadvantages, and the ways in which
these experiences have affected your decisions (max 200 words)

Growing up in a community with limited educational resources, I witnessed firsthand the

transformative power of dedicated educators and innovative teaching methods. My
passion for technology and its potential to democratize education was sparked during my
undergraduate studies, where I excelled in computer science despite the lack of advanced
facilities.

Deciding to pursue doctoral research in AI-driven personalized learning stemmed from

my desire to address educational inequalities. My career in AI projects, particularly those
enhancing educational outcomes, solidified my belief in the power of technology to tailor
learning experiences to individual needs. This conviction drives my current focus on
integrating AI in secondary education to prepare students for higher education and

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Statement of Research Intent
beyond.

Career-wise, I aspire to be a leading researcher in educational technology, contributing to

both academia and practical implementations in schools. My goal is to develop AI
systems that provide equitable, personalized learning experiences, bridging the gap
between diverse educational backgrounds and ensuring all students have the opportunity
to succeed.

My experiences overcoming socio-economic challenges have instilled in me resilience

and a commitment to leveraging technology for social good. These experiences shape my
research philosophy and career ambitions, driving my dedication to creating inclusive,
adaptive educational environments for all learners.

Faculty Strategic Objectives

Only complete if you are applying for a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship

Explain how your research fits with the faculty’s strategic objectives (max 350 words). If your
application aligns with an advertised, strategic opportunity, please explain the connection and
ensure you contact the supervision team before applying. See this link for further details about
strategic opportunities.

Alignment with Faculty’s Strategic Objectives

The University of Auckland’s strategic objectives emphasize innovation in education, enhancing

student outcomes, and fostering equity through advanced technological integration. My proposed
research on "Personalized Learning through Artificial Intelligence: Customizing Educational
Experiences in New Zealand Classrooms" aligns closely with these objectives, offering a pathway
to revolutionize secondary education through AI-driven personalized learning.

Innovative Education Practices: The university aims to lead in educational innovation,

exploring new methodologies and technologies that can transform learning environments. My
research leverages AI to create adaptive learning platforms tailored to individual student needs,
which directly supports this objective. By integrating AI-driven tools that offer dynamic
assessments, personalized feedback, and predictive analytics, my study aligns with the faculty's
goal of using cutting-edge technologies to enhance teaching and learning processes.

Enhancing Student Outcomes: A core objective of the faculty is to improve educational

outcomes for all students. My research focuses on how AI can be used to customize educational
experiences based on individual learning styles, paces, and performance metrics. This personalized
approach aims to improve academic preparedness, foster critical thinking, and support self-
directed learning, thus enhancing overall student performance and readiness for higher education.
These outcomes align with the faculty’s strategic goal of ensuring students are well-prepared for
future academic and professional challenges.

Promoting Equity through Technology: The university’s commitment to equity in education is

another strategic priority that my research addresses. AI has the potential to level the playing field
by providing personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse student backgrounds and
learning needs. My research aims to explore how these technologies can be implemented

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Statement of Research Intent
equitably, ensuring that all students, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to high-
quality, individualized education. This focus on equity supports the faculty’s mission to create
inclusive learning environments that promote fairness and accessibility.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The university values interdisciplinary research and

collaboration, aiming to solve complex educational challenges through diverse perspectives and
expertise. My project involves collaborating with educators, technologists, and policymakers,
fostering a multidisciplinary approach to research. This aligns with the faculty’s objective of
building strong, collaborative partnerships that drive innovation and improve educational practices.

In conclusion, my research on AI-driven personalized learning not only fits but also advances the
University of Auckland’s strategic objectives by promoting innovative educational practices,
enhancing student outcomes, and ensuring equity through technology. By addressing these key
areas, my work aims to contribute significantly to the university’s mission of leading in educational
excellence and innovation.

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