Michael Cowling

Michael Cowling is an Adjunct Professor in Education / ICT at Central Queensland University (CQU), having joined CQU in 2025 after moving from a previous institution. He currently serves as President (2024-2025) of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) and Vice-President of the Open Access Publishing Association (OAPA), with over 20 years of leadership in educational technology.

His research is anchored in the principle 'pedagogy before technology,' emphasizing thoughtful integration of digital tools to enhance learning outcomes. Key focus areas include:

• Mixed reality applications for experiential learning in health sciences and paramedic education
• Mobile learning technologies for distance education
• Digital literacy frameworks across K-12 and higher education contexts
• Generative AI implications for teaching, learning, and academic integrity
• Learning analytics for secure assessment environments

Recent publications reveal a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence in education, particularly examining generative AI's impact on stakeholder dynamics in higher education. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementations, especially in visualization techniques for complex subjects through augmented reality and 3D printing.

Dr. Cowling's contributions have been recognized through:

• Universities Australia 2020 AAUT Award for Teaching Excellence (Physical Sciences & Related Studies)
• Fellowship of the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
• Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE UK)

His leadership in ASCILITE and OAPA demonstrates active engagement in shaping educational technology policy and practice. Collaborative projects with international researchers like J Birt, Robert Vanderburg, and Thomas Cochrane highlight his commitment to cross-institutional knowledge exchange, though specific grant details and student advising records remain undocumented in available sources.