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Kevin Fowler


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Instructional Technology

Kevin is currently seeking his MS in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology. Originally from Vonore, TN, he received his BA in Political Science, History, and Education at Maryville College and came to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2012. We asked him to reflect on some of his past and current experiences. Read his responses below.

Awards
  • Apple Distinguished Educator – 2013
    Competitive, global award offered by the Apple Distinguished Educator Program for innovative use of Apple technology in learning environments
  • Co-Recipient of Walters State Innovator in Mobilization Award – 2012
    Key member in the team that propelled the institution in becoming an Apple Distinguished Program
Accomplishments
  • Lead Instructional Designer and Developer of Walters State’s creating iBooks with iBooks Author – a multi-touch book featuring hours of screencast training
  • Keynote speaker at Northeast Mississippi Community College’s 6th annual Living in the Cloud mobile learning symposium
  • Penned Four Ways to Prepare Your IT Infrastructure for a Mobile Learning Revolution featured at WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technology’s (WCET) blog and eCampusNews
  • Co-Presented Apple Volume Purchase Program (2012) and Apple TVs (2013) at the Tennessee Higher Education Information and Technology Symposium (THEITS)
  • Refer to Resume for more details
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Current Occupation

Instructional Designer – Content Manager
Apple Inc.

During most of the Instructional Technology program, I worked for the state at Walters State Community College as the Director of Educational and User Technologies. With the experience I gained at Walters State and the the skills that I gained through the Instructional Technology program at UT, I was asked to help change the world at Apple as an instructional designer. I am blessed to be working for an amazing company with a heart for the classroom.

Personal Interests

I like to spend my time playing the guitar and studying personal productivity, history, and theology. I married Lydia—my college sweetheart— and we have two children – Sophia Grace (3 and 1/2 years) and Benjamin Luke (1 and 1/2 years). During the fall, I cheer emphatically for Volunteer football.

Future/Vocational Goals

I want to continue to empower educators with the tools they need to impact future generations. Today, we have more access to rich educational resources than any time in human history yet so many of our classrooms are deprived of these resources. Why? There are many roadblocks. Some of these roadblocks are logistical, trivial, political, or financial in nature – but the biggest roadblock is fear. Educational technology is liberating and empowering classrooms and minds around the world. The only thing to fear is having students disenfranchised from these learning opportunities and resources. My goal is to continue to play a role in injecting classrooms in America with these tools, strategies, and resources.

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What sold you on this program/department/university?

Among the other programs and universities I came across, the faculty and staff in the Instructional Technology program at UT was much more personable, responsive, and engaging. My advisor has been a very valuable resource and took sincere interest in my professional goals and helped me take full advantage of the program. I simply did not receive this at other institutions I considered.

What do you think has been the most rewarding/challenging about this program?

One of the most rewarding things about being apart of this program is meeting, connecting, and networking with my classmates. We have had a broad representation of professionals in primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, the private sector, government, and even the military. These individuals became more than just classmates – they have become valuable professional contacts and even friends.