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  • Professor Mark McMahon

    Professor Mark McMahon

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Professor Mark McMahon

Director, International Strategy

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 6434
Email: m.mcmahon@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Mount Lawley  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8434-5513

Mark is Professor of Games and Interactive Design and Director, International and Strategic, in the School of Arts and Humanities

Qualifications

  • doctor of Philosophy, Edith Cowan University, 2005.
  • Master of Education, Edith Cowan University, 1998.
  • Bachelor of Arts, The University of Western Australia, 1991.

Research Outputs

2025

Journal Articles

  • Husada, S., Yunus, U., Ramonita, L., McMahon, M. (2025). Community engagement in digital banking: Insights from Jakarta and Perth. Jurnal Kajian Komunikasi, 13(1), 160-182. https://doi.org/10.24198/jkk.v13i1.61278.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Hollett, R., McMahon, M., Monson, R. (2021). Associating Psychological Factors With Workplace Satisfaction and Position Duration in a Sample of International School Teachers. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(20 January 2021), Article number 601554. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601554.
  • Berg, V., McMahon, M., Rogers, S., Garrett, M., Manley, D., Miller, G. (2021). A Game-Based Online Tool to Measure Cognitive Functions in Students. International Journal of Serious Games, 8(1), 71-87. https://doi.org/10.17083/ijsg.v8i1.410.

Conference Publications

2020

Journal Articles

  • Berg, V., Rogers, S., McMahon, M., Garrett, M., Manley, D. (2020). A Novel Approach to Measure Executive Functions in Students: An Evaluation of Two Child-Friendly Apps. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(16 July 2020), Article number 1702. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01702.

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Jung, J., Brook, L. (2020). A Multi-domain approach to assuring digital literacy in an undergraduate discipline. ICERI2020 Proceedings. 13th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (3031-3041). International Academy of Technology, Education and Development. https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2020.0697.

2019

Conference Publications

  • Berg, V., McMahon, M., Rogers, S., Garrett, M., Manley, D. (2019). The eFun App: A New Tool to Measure Executive Functions to Support Learning in a Child-Friendly, Valid and Engaging Way. EdMedia 2019 proceedings (76-85). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/8236.

2017

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Heather, J. (2017). Using Blog Comments as Feedback to Promote the Metacognitive Development of Creativity. Proceedings of the HEAd’17. 3rd International Conference on Higher Education Advances (933-940). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd17.2017.5478.

2016

Journal Articles

  • McMahon, M., Garrett, M. (2016). A Classification Matrix of Examination Items to Promote Transformative Assessment. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 27(3), 267-287.

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Garrett, M. (2016). Mind vs. Machine: A comparison between human analysis and autonomous natural language processing in the classification of learning outcomes. Proceedings of EdMedia 2016--World Conference on Educational Media and Technology (635-643). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
  • McMahon, M., Garrett, M. (2016). Evaluation of a learning outcomes taxonomy to support autonomous classification of instructional activities. Show Me The Learning. Proceedings ASCILITE 2016 Adelaide (421-430). University of South Australia.
  • Jung, J., McMahon, M. (2016). Peer review as learning tool in design units. Proceedings of ACUADS 2016 Adaptation (15 pages). ACUADS Publishing.
  • McMahon, M., Jung, J. (2016). Applying a Learning Outcomes Taxonomy to Ensure Digital Literacy in Undergraduate Units of Study. EdMedia 2016--World Conference on Educational Media and Technology (1061-1067). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.

2015

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Garrett, M. (2015). A Classification Matrix of Examination Items to Promote Transformative Assessment. Global Learn 2015 - Global Conference on Learning and Technology (175-184). AACE.

2014

Journal Articles

  • McMahon, M., Garrett, M. (2014). Applications of binocular parallax stereoscopic displays for tasks involving spatial cognition in 3D virtual environments. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations, 6(4), 17-33. https://doi.org/10.4018/ijgcms.2014100102.

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M. (2014). A multidimensional approach to understanding and addressing digital literacy in higher education. Research and Development in Higher Education: Higher Education in a Globalized World (237-244). HERDSA.
  • McMahon, M. (2014). Ensuring the development of Digital Literacy in higher education curricula. Rhetoric and Reality: Critical perspectives on educational technology. Proceedings ascilite Dunedin 2014 (524-528). ASCILITE.

2013

Book Chapters

  • McMahon, M. (2013). Enhancing Nutritional Learning Outcomes within a Simulation and Pervasive Game-Based Strategy. Cases on Digital Game-based Learning: Methods, Models, and Strategies (119-130). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-2848-9.ch007.

Journal Articles

  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2013). Indirect measures of learning transfer between real and virtual environments. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 29(6), 806-822.

Conference Publications

  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2013). Identifying learning transfer in simulations without access to real world performance measures. EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (515-520). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Li, R., McMahon, M., Haddad, H. (2013). An investigation into a new aesthetics of scientific data visualisation. 2013 Proceedings of Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools Conference (14p). Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools.
  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2013). Generalised Design Guidelines for Supporting Knowledge Construction and Learning Transfer using 3D, Problem-based Learning Environments. EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (883-893). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • McMahon, M., Haddad, H., Medley, S. (2013). The Making of SCA Face: building a school of art and design identity within a university. ACUADS 2012: Region and Isolation: The changing function of art & design education within diasporic cultures and borderless communities (10p). Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools.

2012

Conference Publications

  • Jung, J., McMahon, M. (2012). Press Any Key: Repositioning digital literacy as an enabler for self-regulated learning. Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2012 (632-637). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Bradbury, P., McMahon, M. (2012). Web 2.0 technologies in remote community schools in Western Australia. Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2012 (139-148). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.

2011

Book Chapters

  • McMahon, M. (2011). Mark-UP: Promoting Self-Monitoring of Reading Comprehension through Online Environment. Fostering Self-Regulated Learning Through ICT (278-294). Information Science Reference. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61692-901-5.ch017.
  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2011). The SUPL Approach: A Conceptual Framework for the Design of 3D E-Simulations Based on Gaming Technology within a Problem-Based Learning Pedagogy. Professional Education Using E-Simulations: Benefits of Blended Learning Design (233-254). Business Science Reference.

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Henderson, S. (2011). Exploring the Nature of Immersion in Games to Enhance Educational Engagement. Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2011 (1395-1402). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2011). Online Supervisor Compliance Training. Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2011 (3356-3361). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • McMahon, M., Jung, J. (2011). The Natives are Restless: Meeting the diversity and needs of millennial students in a large undergraduate unit. Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2011 (476-481). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • McMahon, M. (2011). Managing Large E-learning Development Initiatives: Lessons learnt from the Australian Flexible Learning Toolbox Project. ASCILITE 2011 Changing demands, changing directions (852-856). University of Tasmania.
  • McMahon, M., Henderson, S. (2011). Enhancing nutritional learning outcomes within a simulation and pervasive game-based strategy. Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2011 (3599-3604). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2011). Exploring the Use of Audio-Visual Feedback within 3D Virtual Environments to Provide Complex Sensory Cues for Scenario-Based Learning. Changing Demands, Changing Directions. Proceedings ascilite Hobart 2011 (412-422). University of Tasmania.

2010

Journal Articles

  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2010). Enhancing the spatial awareness of trainee submariners using 3D game engines as training tools. International Journal of Intelligent Defence Support Systems (IJIDSS), 3(3/4), 151-171. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJIDSS.2010.037088.
  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2010). Computer-Generated Three-Dimensional Training Environments: The Simulation, User, and Problem-Based Learning (SUPL) Approach. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations, 2(3), 43-60.

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M. (2010). Ponderers, Sloggers, Slackers and more: understanding the profiles of student bloggers to help promote academic self-regulation. Curriculum, technology & transformation for an unknown future. Proceedings Ascilite Sydney 2010 (620-629). University of Queensland.
  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2010). Maximising Efficiency of Training Outcomes using Inexpensive 3D Technologies. SIMTECT 2010 Conference Proceedings (6p.). Simulation Industry Association of Australia.

2009

Book Chapters

  • McMahon, M. (2009). The DODDEL Model: A Flexible Document-Oriented Model for the Design of Serious Games. Games-based Learning Advancements for Multi-Sensory Human Computer Interfaces (98-118). IGI Global.

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M. (2009). Using the DODDEL model to teach serious game design to novice designers. Same places, different spaces. Proceedings ascilite Auckland 2009. 26th Annual ascilite International Conference (646-653). University of Auckland.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2009). Online Metacognitive Tool Development: Final Development. Ed-Media 2009 World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (3422-3427). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M. (2009). Developing Knowledge for Real World Problem Scenarios using 3D Gaming Technology within a Problem-based Learning Framework. SIMTECT 2009. Simulation, Concepts, Capability &Technology. Conference Proceedings (6p.). Simulation Industry Association of Australia.

2008

Conference Publications

  • Garrett, M., McMahon, M., Widdis, A. (2008). Serious Games For Defence Training: Using The Location And Scenario Training System To Enhance The Spatial Awareness Of Trainee Submariners.. Simtect 2008 Conference Proceedings (1-7). Simulation Industry Association of Australia.
  • McMahon, M., Ojeda, C. (2008). A Model of Immersion to Guide the Design of Serious Games. Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2008 (1833-1842). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2008). Using Design-Based Research For The Evolutionary Development Of An Online Metacognitive Tool. ED-MEDIA 2008: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications (5029-5034). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.

2007

Conference Publications

  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2007). JAMTART: An online performance support system for project management. Apple University Consortium Conference; "contribute, Communicate, Collaborate" (12-1 to 12-8). Apple Computer Australia.
  • Clarkson, B., McMahon, M. (2007). Explorations in measuring metacognition: the design of an open source assessment instrument for an online setting. ED-MEDIA 2007 : World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications : proceedings of ED-MEDIA 2007, World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (2170-2176). AACE.
  • McMahon, M. (2007). A Document Oriented Model for the Design of Serious Games. Proceedings of ECGBL 2007 The European Conference on Games Based Learning (187-204). Academic Conferences Ltd.
  • McMahon, M., Luca, J., John, C. (2007). A Self-Assessment Tool to Help Learners Develop Teamwork Skills. ED-MEDIA 2007 : World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications : proceedings of ED-MEDIA 2007, World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (2913-2920). AACE.
  • McMahon, M., Luca, J. (2007). Explorations in Metacognition: The design, development, and implementation of an online teamwork tracking environment. Information and communication technologies : providing choices for learners and learning (676-685). AScilite & Centre for Educational Development, Nanyang Technology University.

2006

Conference Publications

  • Oliver, R., McMahon, M., Higgs, P., Shum, R., Wait, L., Lou, D. (2006). The trial of learning objects: exploring the design and delivery of VTE courses with learning objects. Who's Learning, Whose Technology? (603-613). Sydney University Press.
  • McMahon, M., Luca, J. (2006). Online Student Contracts to Promote Metacognitive Development. Who's learning? Whose technology? (563-572). Sydney University Press.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2006). Developing Multidisciplinary Teams through Self-Assessment, Supported with Online Tools. Ed-Media 2006 (2357-2363). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • McMahon, M., Oliver, R. (2006). Mark-up: Design and evaluation of an on-line annotation tool to support metacognitive development of reading comprehension. Critical visions: Thinking, learning and researching in higher education (237-244). HERDSA.

2005

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Luca, J. (2005). Developing metacognition through student contracts. Proceedings of Ed-Media 2005: World conference on educational multimedia, hypermedia & telecommunications (3260-3268). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • McMahon, M., Martin, R. (2005). Laptops for a digital lifestyle: The role of ubiquitous mobile technology in supporting the needs of millennial students. Conference Proceedings Educause Australasia (0). The Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland.
  • McMahon, M., Martin, R. (2005). Laptops for a digital lifestyle: Millennial students and wireless mobile technologies. Proceedings of the 22nd Ascilite Conference (421-432). Queensland University of Technology, Department of Teaching and Learning Support Services.
  • McMahon, M., Luca, J. (2005). Design explorations for an online environment to promote metacognitive processing through negotiated assessment. Proceedings of the 22nd Ascilite Conference (411-420). Queensland University of Technology, Department of Teaching and Learning Support Services.

2004

Conference Publications

  • Stoney, S., McMahon, M. (2004). Bulletproof assessment, war stories and tactics: Avoid cybercheating. Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference Volume 2 (0). ASCILITE.
  • McMahon, M., Oliver, R. (2004). Design experiments as a research methodology for innovation in ICT. Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 2004 World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (0). Association for the Advancement of Computing Education.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2004). Promoting metacognition through negotiated assessment. Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference Volume 2 (0). ASCILITE.
  • Stoney, S., McMahon, M. (2004). Bulletproof assessment, war stories and tactics: Avoiding cybercheating. Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference Volume 2 (0). ASCILITE.

2003

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Oliver, R. (2003). Teaching metacognitive regulation of reading comprehension in an on-line environment. Proceedings of Ed-Media 2003: World conference on educational multimedia, hypermedia & telecommunications (2464-2471). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • McMahon, M., Dunbar, A. (2003). Mark-UP: Facilitating reading comprehension through on-line collaborative annotation. Proceedings of the Apple University Consortium Conference (17-1 - 17-9). AUC: Apple Computer Australia.

2002

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M. (2002). Designing an on-line environment to scaffold cognitive self-regulation. Research and Development on Higher Education, Vol 25: Quality Conversations (). HERDSA.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2002). Scaffolding the development of students' cognitive self-regulatory skills. ED-MEDIA 2002 (). AACE.

2001

Conference Publications

  • McMahon, M., Parrott, C. (2001). Choreograph3d: collaborative inNovation through dance and multimedia. E- xplore 2001: A Face-to-Face Odyssey : Apple University Consortium Conference (0). Apple Computer.
  • McMahon, M., Oliver, R. (2001). Promoting self-regulated learning in an on-line environment. Ed-media 2001 World Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (0). AACE.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2001). Assessing student's self-regulatory skills. Meeting at the Crossroads (0). Biomedical Multimedia.
  • McMahon, M., Fetherston, T. (2001). Technology as text: the application of literary theory to the use of interactive multimedia in secondary schools. Ed-media 2001 World Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (0). AACE.
  • Luca, J., McMahon, M. (2001). Promoting reflective practice through a working skill inventory. Working for Excellence in the E-conomy (0). We-b centre, edith cowan university.

Research Projects

  • The effect of digitally supported schema acquisition on middle school students' problem-solving achievement, CingleVue International Pty Ltd, Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement PhD Projects , 2019 ‑ 2024, $120,000.
  • What makes a child school ready? Executive functions and self-regulation in pre-primary students, CingleVue International Pty Ltd, Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement PhD Projects , 2017 ‑ 2021, $105,000.
  • Algorithmic Matching of Employee Attributes with Employer Contexts and Needs, AusIndustry, Innovation Connections Grant, 2018 ‑ 2019, $99,998.
  • Applications of an online, self-completed, psychometric tool for the purposes of furthering education, AusIndustry, Innovation Connections Grant, 2017 ‑ 2018, $91,487.
  • Developing an online, self-completed, psychometric tool for quantifying students' individual learning differences, AusIndustry, Innovation Connections Grant, 2016 ‑ 2017, $91,427.
  • Research and Development of Transformative Assessment within a Learning Management System Stage 2, CingleVue International Pty Ltd, CingleVue - Grant, 2015 ‑ 2016, $9,059.
  • Professional development program to embed inclusive and explicit teaching practices in higher education first year units, Office for Learning and Teaching, OLT - Innovation and Development Grant, 2013 ‑ 2015, $46,000.
  • Research and Development of Transformative Assessment within a Learning Management System, CingleVue International Pty Ltd, CingleVue - Grant, 2013 ‑ 2014, $29,224.
  • Research into Flexible Learning Toolboxes Development Processes Series 13, 2010, Kangan Batman TAFE, Kangan Batman TAFE - Grant, 2011, $7,353.
  • Promoting metacognitive processing through negotiated assessment, Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher - Grant, 2005 ‑ 2007, $14,000.
  • External relations-committees-flag strategy 2005 evaluation & research quality e-learning resources, TAFE NSW, Grant, 2005 ‑ 2006, $36,300.
  • Toolbox Series 8 Mentoring Service, e-Works, Grant, 2005, $82,003.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The Effect of Digitally Supported Schema-Complexity in Middle School Problem-Solving

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Master of Education, Family engagement and its influence on children's academic self-efficacy: the Children's University program in Western Australia
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Supporting Creative Media Education: A Mixed-Method Study of Post-Secondary Student Self-Efficacy

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Integrated Incubators: A Novel Framework for Technology-Based Creative Arts Education

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Developing knowledge for real world problem scenarios: Using 3D gaming technology within a problem- based learning framework
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Measuring executive functions and problem solving in an engaging new way in students
  • Doctor of Philosophy, A new approach to data visualisation through traditional Chinese aesthetics and gesture-based gaming technology

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Communications by Research, Connecting dots: Interaction design for holistic learning
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Using technology to foster leaner reflection in higher education.
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