Michael Spector

J. Michael Spector is a Regents Professor at the University of North Texas (UNT), specializing in educational technology and instructional design. His roles include serving as a visiting research professor at Beijing Normal University, East China Normal University, and the India Institute of Technology. He is a former president of the Association for Educational and Communications Technology (AECT) and holds executive roles in IEEE Learning Technology and IBSTPI.

Education: PhD in Philosophy (Epistemology) from the University of Texas (1978); BS in International Affairs from the United States Air Force Academy (1967).

Research focuses on intelligent support systems for instructional design, system dynamics in learning environments, and technology integration. Notable works include co-editing the Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology and founding the SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. His current projects involve using games and mobile devices to foster critical thinking in children through the NetDragon Digital Research Centre.

Awards and recognition include editorship of Education Technology Research & Development for over a decade and leadership in global educational technology initiatives. Collaborations span international institutions, emphasizing smart learning environments and cross-cultural educational innovation.

Grants and advising are central to his work, with a focus on bridging human and artificial intelligence in education. He advocates for adaptive learning systems and ethical AI applications in pedagogy.