Dr Nasser Giacaman
Te Whatu Kairangi Award
Genuine care sustains learning
Dr Nasser Giacaman | Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
Dr Giacaman is a natural innovator in the field of software engineering education with a lengthy track record of raising the bar for learner experience. He takes an authentic approach to engaging with his learners by treating them as developers and collaborating with them on their learning through his development and use of the Active Classroom Programmer (ACP).
Nasser has continuously innovated in all aspects of his teaching through the development of interactive web based resources, highly responsive formative feedback through GradeStyle and, most recently, the AI Agent Co-Thinker. His influence is wide ranging through involvement on innovative projects such as the global INTRACOMP Horizon Europe and Māori-Mai-Me virtual reality te reo Māori conversation app.
His approach to education exhibits real generosity with his time and innovations; some of which he has co-developed with learners and made open source to share with the world. Nasser describes his approach to learners from day one – “[they] aren’t just academic learners—they’re emerging software developers and engineers with professional careers ahead. By addressing them as the professionals they’re becoming, I establish expectations and build confidence.”