Here’s the official, reason that Michael Barbour was nominated for DLAC’s research impact award: he’s a Professor of Instructional Design and Director of Faculty Development for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He was instrumental in creating the State of the Nation in Canada and pioneering work in New Zealand which has created a research foundation for the expansion of digital learning in that beautiful country. He’s done extensive foundational work in our field.
And here’s why I’m so glad to be presenting Michael this award: nobody has challenged my thinking about digital learning more than Michael Barbour. Michael, you can be such a pain the butt sometimes! (I say that with all respect.) I know if I’m going to be on a panel with Michael, I’d better have my data lined up and my arguments thought through. See, we don’t always agree. But even when we disagree, I know two things: 1) he’s coming to the debate with data and reasoned argument, and 2) he’s thinking about what’s best for students and schools.
That’s the kind of researchers we need in our field, even if you do drive me crazy sometimes.
It is truly a pleasure to present Michael Barbour with the Research Impact award.