Dr Aidan McGowan, a senior lecturer in Computer Science at Queen’s, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship.
Following several years working as a Software Engineer in Europe and the USA, Dr McGowan began teaching at Queen’s in 2013.
He introduced the use of Lecture Capture, Bring Your Own Device, pre-recorded lecture videos and the use of lab-based videos within a complex programming module in Computing conversion and eventually became the Course Director.
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When the university shifted to distance learning in 2021 due to Covid-19, the course became the role model for online delivery across the university.
Reflecting on his award, Dr McGowan said: “I love teaching and consider myself fortunate to have a job I really enjoy and to positively influence others’ lives through education - especially in the economically vital area of Computing.”
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Dr McGowan’s research primarily focuses on how to better understand current practice in order to lead to improvements in the education of computing.
His research has had international impact, particularly in the use of technologies to identify new Learner Analytics to promote retention levels among university computing students.
He is also active with outreach initiatives in schools, promoting the discipline of computing – especially to girls, who have been traditionally under-represented in the computing occupations
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Professor David Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, said: “I am delighted to congratulate Dr McGowan on receiving national recognition of his contribution to education and online practice – particularly at a time when online delivery has been of critical importance in enabling Universities to continue to educate and support our students through lockdowns and restrictions.”
The National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) Scheme celebrates and recognises individuals who make an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.
Source: Written from press release.
