Damien Raidis

Professional Profile
With 20 years in education, I bring extensive experience from primary and middle school settings, complemented by leadership roles in student well-being and curriculum development. My career has centred on fostering supportive, inclusive learning environments that embrace a constructivist approach, working in partnership with students to place them at the centre of their learning through active, engaging experiences.

In addition to my work in education, I am a qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach with credentials from the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and the Australian Weightlifting Federation. My coaching experience spans sub-elite and community levels, particularly in Australian Rules Football and netball. My research interests focus on integrating GPS technology into Australian Rules Football and exploring translational applications within sport science.

Currently, I serve as an Assistant Coach at the Glenelg Football Club, where I enjoy coaching players to better themselves and working within an organisation that provides holistic support for young people. Beyond this role, I am deeply engaged in community coaching across multiple sports, including junior netball, cricket, soccer, AFL, and basketball.

Using AI Agents and Digital Avatars in Higher Education to Enhance Student Learning, Engagement, Success, and Wellbeing
Recently, I’ve developed a strong passion for applying AI in higher education to drive meaningful learning experiences and outcomes. By utilising AI agents, I aim to enhance student learning, engagement, support their academic success, and contribute to their overall well-being. I am particularly interested in how these AI tools create responsive, personalised learning with 24/7 access, empowering students to stay on track and engage more deeply with their studies.

I also enjoy exploring other AI technologies within teaching and learning, which allow us to ‘do more with less,’ including innovative video platforms that use generative AI to streamline video creation with customisable digital avatars. My goal in using these tools is to make learning more engaging and dynamic, bringing a new level of interaction and accessibility to the educational experience.