Arran Ridley
Marketing and Digital Communications and Business
Encouraging students to question technology through a local lens
Arran teaches students to think critically about data, communication, and technology by grounding global theories in local contexts.
What do you teach?
I teach across critical data studies, communication, data visualisation, and technology and society. My units include Data Analytics in Communications (Master of Marketing and Digital Communications), Intercultural Communication and Negotiation (Master of Global Business), and Technology: Risk and Regulation in the Digital Age (Master of Business Innovation)
What qualifications or professional experiences are most central to your work as an academic?
I hold a Master’s in Digital Media and Culture, which shaped my interdisciplinary and adaptive approach to teaching. I also have industry experience working in disability and specialist education, supporting learners with diverse and complex needs. This background informs how I design inclusive learning environments. I also hold a qualification in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS).
I encourage students to critique and re‑interpret global theories through an Indonesian point of view. ”
What are you doing differently in your field that you believe is driving real change?
I engage with theories and practices through the context of Indonesia. Much of the literature in my field comes from Western perspectives, so I encourage students to critique, adapt, and re‑interpret these frameworks from an Indonesian point of view. This helps them develop a more grounded, relevant understanding of technology and society.
Tell us about a specific moment when you saw a student transform. What happened, and what role did you play?
Transformation in my classes tends to be subtle rather than dramatic. It’s the steady growth you see when students begin engaging deeply with the literature, applying theories more confidently, and improving across assessments. Those moments when you can see they’re listening, thinking, and evolving are the most satisfying. My role is to create a space where that gradual, meaningful learning can happen.
What’s something about Monash University, Indonesia that would surprise people in a good way?
The level of interactivity in our classes. Learning isn’t just a lecture - it’s a collaborative process where students actively shape discussions and engage with ideas.
What industry partnerships, research collaborations, or real‑world projects are you and your students currently involved in?
My teaching consistently incorporates real‑world examples and critical engagement with contemporary digital issues.
What's one thing you're working on right now that doesn't fit the traditional "academic" mould?
Academic zine-making. I have been experimenting with academic zine-making as a way to explore research and teaching beyond traditional academic formats. For me, academic zines create space for ideas to remain exploratory and experimental while making research more tangible and approachable beyond conventional academic outputs.
What advice would you give a student who hopes to build a similar career or level of expertise?
Work hard, be persistent, fail often, and learn from it.