Computing Education · Monash University

Dr. Charith Jayasekara

Educator. Researcher. Academic leader.

Lecturer, Department of Human Centred Computing, FIT, Monash University

Deputy Course Director, Masters of Computer Science (Monash Online)

I design authentic, inclusive learning experiences that prepare computing students for complex professional practice.

Research specialisations Computing Education · Quantum Computing

  • Ph.D (Monash)
  • BSc.Eng(Hons)
  • FHEA
  • SMIEEE
  • MACM
  • MIEAust
  • MACS CP
  • AMIESL
Open to: PhD / Masters / Honours projects

About

I support students and teams to solve meaningful computing problems with clarity, care, and rigour. My primary work spans computing education, responsible AI-enhanced learning, and systems-focused teaching practice, complemented by research in quantum algorithms and intelligent systems.

I currently serve as Deputy Course Director for the Master of Computer Science (Monash Online), helping shape high-impact learning experiences for a diverse global cohort.

Education & Qualifications

PhD - Monash University 2017

Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (ECSE), Faculty of Engineering, Monash University.

BScEng(Hons) - University of Ruhuna 2012

BSc.Eng in Electrical and Information Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna.

Professional Memberships

Fellow Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Credential ID: PR290293

Issuer: Advance HE

Senior Member (SMIEEE)

Credential ID: 92391439

Issuer: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Full Member (MACM)

Credential ID: 9823098

Issuer: ACM, Association for Computing Machinery

Member and Certified Professional (MACS CP)

Credential ID: 4194222

Issuer: ACS (Australian Computer Society)

Professional Engineer (MIEAust)

Credential ID: 5055625

Issuer: Engineers Australia

Education in practice

Teaching for confident, capable technologists

Monash teaching commitments grounded in active learning, inclusion, and real-world practice.

Chief Examiner & Lead Lecturer

  • FIT1056 Introduction to Software Engineering
  • FIT2100 Operating Systems
  • FIT3142 Distributed Computing
  • FIT2165 / FIT3165 / FIT4165 Computer Networks
  • FIT3159 Computer Architecture
  • FIT9137 Introduction to Computer Architecture and Networks

Previous / Additional Teaching

  • FIT1047 Introduction to Computer Systems, Networks and Security
  • ENG3121 Engineering Electromagnetics
  • ENG1060 Computing for Engineers

Teaching approach

Active student engagement, inclusive pedagogies, real-world problem-solving, and evidence-informed assessment design.

Research specialisations

Computing Education and Quantum Computing

01 · Primary specialisation

Computing Education

Designing authentic, scalable, and fair learning and assessment experiences, including responsible uses of GenAI to improve feedback, inclusion, and student outcomes.

Authentic assessment Learning analytics Student engagement RAG workflows Responsible GenAI Equity

02 · Research specialisation

Quantum Computing

Modelling quantum search under noise and building hybrid approaches for complex optimisation problems.

Quantum search QAOA / VQE Noise modelling

Flagship work

Practice-led authentic assessment (PSAs): building real-world, feedback-rich tasks that improve engagement and graduate readiness in computing education.

Work with me

Education-led projects and quantum research

Current project opportunities listed on Monash Supervisor Connect.

Computing education

The Feedback Lens: Generative AI for Personalised Feedback in Computing Education

Build a prototype that generates rubric-based feedback on student submissions using LLM APIs, then evaluate feedback accuracy, usefulness, tone, and alignment with educator benchmarks.

Honours and Masters project · Prototype · Evaluation study

Project details

Quantum computing

Hybrid Quantum-Classical Optimisation for Intelligent Urban Transport Systems

Design and benchmark hybrid optimisation pipelines (QAOA/VQE + classical solvers) for routing, scheduling, and energy management in EV/AV urban mobility scenarios.

Honours and Masters project · Quantum computing · Transport optimisation

Project details

Quantum computing

Simulation and Analysis of Quantum Search Algorithms under Noise

Use Qiskit Aer to model decoherence, gate, and readout noise; quantify impacts on Grover-style search; and evaluate mitigation methods such as measurement error correction and zero-noise extrapolation.

Honours and Masters project · Quantum simulation · Noise analysis

Project details

Videos & Talks

Selected presentations from conferences, symposiums, public talks, and workshops.

Problem-Solving Assessments in Computing Education: Can This Be an Authentic Evaluation?

2025 AI in Higher Education Symposium Australia & New Zealand · 2025

Presented by Charith Jayasekara (Monash University) on authentic evaluation through problem-solving assessments in computing education.

Symposium

Watch

Are Problem-Solving Assessments Better for Engineering Education?

EETE Sectional Committee, IESL Webinar

Webinar session discussing the role of problem-solving assessments in strengthening engineering education practice.

Workshop

Watch

AI in Education and Related Areas

AusLanka TV, Melbourne

Public talk in Sinhalese for AusLanka TV, Melbourne, discussing AI in education and related areas.

Public Talk

Watch

Publications (Selected)

  1. 2026 · Conference Paper · Accepted Jayasekara, C., Akuratiyage, L., Kopp, C., Arora, C., Lee, V. & Gunasekara, C. (2026). Structured Integration of Generative AI in Authentic Learning and Assessment with Cognitive Perspectives. Accepted for presentation at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (IRAI 2026), Melbourne, Australia. Conference
  2. 2026 · Conference Paper · Accepted Zhong, G., Jayasekara, C. & De Silva, N. (2026). Modeling Noisy Quantum Search as an Intelligent Dynamical System with Structural Drift in Grover Dynamics. Accepted for presentation at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (IRAI 2026), Melbourne, Australia. Conference
  3. 2026 · Conference Paper · Accepted Prager, F., Jayasekara, C. & Paterson, S. (2026). When Accuracy Is Not Enough: Rationale Extraction for Vulnerable Customer Protection in Electricity Disconnection Decisions. Accepted for presentation at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (IRAI 2026), Melbourne, Australia. Conference
  4. 2026 · Conference Paper · Accepted Li, H., Zhou, G., Saji, M., Jayasekara, C. & Arachchige, L. (2026). The Feedback Lens: A Trustworthy AI Feedback System for Higher Education. Accepted for presentation at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (IRAI 2026), Melbourne, Australia. Conference
  5. 2026 · Journal Article Liyanage, C., Yu, Y., Gunasekara, C., Law, D. W., Jayasekara, C. & Setunge, S. (2026). Data-driven compressive strength analysis of nano/micro cellulose-modified cement composites for sustainable design. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 157, 116881. View
  6. 2025 · Journal Article Jayasekara, C., Kopp, C., Lee, V. & Arora, C. (2025). Enhancing Engagement and Learning in Computing Education: Automated Moodle-Based Problem-Solving Assessments. International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 3, 1-12. View
  7. 2025 · Conference Paper Jayasekara, C., Arora, C., Lee, V. & Kopp, C. (2025). Are Problem-Solving Assessments More Effective for Evaluating Learning in Computing Education? Proceedings of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2025), Brisbane, Australia. View
  8. 2016 · Journal Article Jayasekara, C., Premaratne, M., Gunapala, S. D. & Stockman, M. I. (2016). MoS2 spaser. Journal of Applied Physics, 119(13), 133101. View
  9. 2016 · Conference Paper Jayasekara, C., Premaratne, M., Gunapala, S. D. & Stockman, M. I. (2016). Is MoS2 better for spasers than graphene? In CLEO 2016 - Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics, San Jose, USA (IEEE). View
  10. 2015 · Journal Article Jayasekara, C., Premaratne, M., Stockman, M. I. & Gunapala, S. D. (2015). Multimode analysis of highly tunable, quantum cascade powered, circular graphene spaser. Journal of Applied Physics, 118(17), 173101. View
See full list on Monash profile

Awards & Recognition

21 Nov 2025

Software System and Cybersecurity (SSC) Innovation in Teaching Award

Recognition for innovative teaching practice and impact in software systems and cybersecurity education.

Sept 2017

Postgraduate Publication Award (PPA)

The Postgraduate Publications Award is designed to encourage research degree students to share their research findings with the wider public through publishing.

Feb 2014

Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS)

A prestigious scholarship awarded to support outstanding doctoral candidates at Monash University. The MGS provides a living stipend for the duration of the PhD and is granted based on academic excellence, research potential, and demonstrated capacity for independent inquiry.

Feb 2014

Monash International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (MIPRS)

A competitive scholarship awarded by Monash University to support outstanding international students pursuing a Research Doctorate (PhD) or Master’s by Research. MIPRS covers tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of the eligible research degree. It may be combined with a stipend scholarship (like the RTP or MGS) to support living expenses.

May 2013

S.D. Jayasundere Memorial Gold Medal

“S.D. Jayasundere Memorial Gold Medal” which is awarded annually for the best student in the best final year undergraduate project.

Supervision / Students

If you are motivated to build impactful computing solutions, I’d like to hear from you.

  1. Prepare a 1-page idea summary with your interests and relevant background.
  2. Send your transcript and preferred project type (PhD, Masters, or Honours).
  3. Book a short discussion to scope feasibility, methods, and outcomes.
Email with project interest

Contact