Stoo Sepp

Stoo Sepp is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Technologies for Learning at the School of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, University of New England (UNE), Australia. He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Wollongong and has over 25 years of experience in learning design and educational technology across polytechnic, university, and Indigenous educational contexts.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Psychology), University of Wollongong, Australia
• Master of Cross-Disciplinary Art and Design, University of New South Wales, Australia
• Master of Education (Learning Design / Online Learning), Western Washington University, United States
• Bachelor of Arts (East Asian Studies), Western Washington University, United States

His research lies at the intersection of educational psychology, cognitive science, and learning technologies, with a strong focus on embodied learning, gesture-based interaction, cognitive load theory, and multimedia learning. He investigates how physical movement, particularly hand gestures, enhances learning in digital environments, especially in STEM domains. His work combines theoretical development with empirical studies using innovative tools like tablet apps for capturing gesture data.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on how human movement—such as tracing and pointing—impacts learning outcomes in multimedia contexts. His research trends emphasize evidence-based strategies for online teaching, gesture integration in instruction, and the refinement of cognitive load measurement tools. He frequently collaborates with international scholars, particularly in Europe and the Americas.

Scientific Awards:

• University of New England Unit Commendation for outstanding student satisfaction (2021, 2023)
• University of New England School of Education Citation for Education Excellence (2022)
• School of Education Outstanding Thesis Award, University of Wollongong (2019)

Stoo actively supervises PhD, EdD, and Masters by Research students in areas related to educational technology, learning analytics, and cognitive psychology. He has served as Director of Learning Design and contributes to curriculum development and faculty training in online education. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI), Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE), and the International Cognitive Load Theory Association (ICLTA). He also consults on learning design, embodied learning, and augmented/virtual reality in education.

Labs and Research Teams: While no formal lab name is specified, his research is conducted in collaboration with international teams and centers on developing and evaluating digital tools for gesture-based learning. Projects such as Geometry Touch and Movement Capture Pro indicate an active research group focused on embodied cognition and educational technology innovation.