MICHAEL DILLON, PH.D.
Hola, I am a Professor of Spanish, Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Director of the Morehouse Pan-African Global Experience at Morehouse College. My career is a testament to my commitment to fostering global understanding through language education and technological innovation.
Before joining Morehouse College, I was an Associate Professor and Learning Management System Coordinator at Piedmont College. These roles honed my expertise in integrating educational technology with language teaching, a foundation I’ve built upon throughout my career.
My academic journey is deeply rooted in a substantial educational foundation, which includes a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and master’s degrees in both Spanish Applied Linguistics and Educational Technology. This extensive knowledge base is augmented by a Quality Matters (QM) Teaching Online Certificate, underscoring my commitment to the highest standards of online education. Additionally, my dedication to the intricate tapestry of Latin American cultures is evidenced by my Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies.
With extensive experience in designing and organizing study abroad programs, I have successfully coordinated trips to Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Ghana, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, enriching students’ academic learning and cultural understanding. Beyond facilitating these transformative experiences, I have significantly contributed to the integration of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) framework across campus courses, enhancing virtual international collaboration and intercultural communication skills. My role in reviewing language departments ensures curriculum alignment with global trends and linguistic competencies, vital in today’s interconnected world.
In addition to these accomplishments, I am a Certified External Reviewer (ALD-MLA), a testament to my expertise in conducting thorough evaluations of language departments to maintain high standards of education and cultural competency. As a Digital Learning Strategist, I provide educators with critical insights and innovative strategies to refine their online learning initiatives, optimizing educational outcomes in an era increasingly dependent on digital platforms. My comprehensive background in international education, coupled with my certifications and expertise in digital learning, uniquely positions me to advance global education initiatives and foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation in language and cultural studies.
I have a vast experience in:
- Designing and organizing study abroad programs.
- Implementing COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) framework in campus courses.
- Reviewing language departments.
- Designing and deploying online courses.
- Utilizing mobile learning (m-Learning) techniques to improve content accessibility.
- Creating Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) packages for integration with various LMS platforms.
- Developing simulations that offer students real-world scenario experience.
- Designing and implementing learning management systems to streamline the e-Learning process.
In addition, I advocate for the use of open-source solutions in online courses and apply strategic e-Learning planning frameworks to enhance the quality of instructional materials. With my expertise in qualitative Geographic Information Systems (GIS), I am able to develop interactive e-Learning content that improves the learning outcomes for Digital Humanities projects. As an e-Learning development consultant, I offer a comprehensive perspective by blending technical acumen with creative problem-solving skills.
In an era where technology’s rapid expansion and cultural interconnectedness are prevalent, educational leadership is pivotal in readying students for global success. I am devoted to equipping students with the necessary linguistic and cultural competencies through innovative approaches that utilize technology and incorporate diverse perspectives.
I am committed to nurturing a collaborative and inclusive learning atmosphere that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. My aspiration is to inspire students to become proactive global citizens, adept at navigating and contributing to our interconnected world.