Professor Tech
Professor Tech
Professor Tech is the moniker of Associate Professor Michael Cowling, an Australian academic specializing in educational technology and computer science education. With over two decades of experience, he serves as an Associate Professor in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Central Queensland University, where he teaches across multiple campuses and online platforms.
Career
In 2019, Cowling founded The CREATE Lab by Professor Tech (Collaborative Research and Engagement in Assistive Technology and Education), a research initiative aimed at fostering innovation in educational technology through collaboration and the integration of advanced technological tools into diverse educational fields. The lab's programs are designed to enhance digital literacy and promote the use of technology in learning environments. Notable programs include:
- Professor Tech’s Intro to Awesome: A public engagement initiative introducing school students and communities to emerging technologies such as Mixed Reality.
- Weaving Technology into the Fabric of the Classroom: An award-winning workshop series focused on training K-12 educators in the use of technologies like extended reality, robotics, and drones.[1]
Cowling’s efforts emphasize “pedagogy before technology,” promoting the thoughtful and effective integration of digital tools into educational practices.
Recognitions and Awards
Cowling’s dedication to teaching excellence and community engagement has been widely recognized:
- He was named an Advance Queensland Community Digital Champion in 2020 for his contributions to digital literacy and public outreach.[2]
- He received the Universities Australia AAUT Award for Teaching Excellence in the Physical Sciences category in 2020.[3]
- Cowling is a Fellow of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE), recognizing his leadership in educational technology.[4]
Research
Cowling’s research focuses on the intersection of technology and education, particularly on how tools like extended reality, artificial intelligence, and collaborative technologies can improve learning outcomes. His work often emphasizes the need for a balance between pedagogy and technology, ensuring that new tools enhance, rather than hinder, the learning experience.
Outreach and Public Engagement
Cowling actively engages with schools and the wider community through outreach programs and media appearances, addressing the societal implications of technology. Through his Professor Tech initiative, he has visited numerous K-12 schools, introducing students and teachers to cutting-edge tools such as VR, XR, and robotics.
His YouTube channel, Michael A. Cowling - Professor Tech, features tutorials, insights, and discussions about educational technology, aimed at educators and the general public.[5]
External Links
- [The CREATE Lab](https://thecreatelab.com.au)
- [Michael A. Cowling - Professor Tech YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/%40macowling)
- [CQUniversity Staff Profile](https://staff-profiles.cqu.edu.au/home/view/290)
References
- ↑ "CREATE Lab Programs". The CREATE Lab. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ↑ "Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions". Advance Queensland. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ↑ "Michael Cowling Staff Profile". CQUniversity. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ↑ "ASCILITE Community Fellow Recipients". ASCILITE. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ↑ "Michael A. Cowling - Professor Tech YouTube Channel". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
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