Apple Outstanding Tertiary Educator Award

Apple Outstanding Tertiary Educator Award

An exceptional lecturer has been acknowledged for his innovative approach regarding the use of technology in learning.

Peter Mellow of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Faculty of Health Studies was presented with the Apple Outstanding Tertiary Educator Award 2003 in recognition of his simple yet extremely effective learning solutions. The National Tertiary Education Manager for Apple Computer, Graham Prentice, presented this award on Friday 5 December at the AUT Akoranga Campus.

As well as the recognition gained by receiving this award in front of his colleagues, Mr Mellow was also presented with a top of the line Apple Computer (to an approximate retail value of $10, 000).

When presented with his new Power Mac G5 and 20-inch Cinema Display Mellow joked,

"The G5 is the fastest processor in the world right now, so it's great to know that I've got the best machine in AUT, at least for the next six months!"

Fellow lecturer Robert Hogg also benefited from Mellow's success. Hogg received a $1000 prize for nominating the winner of the Apple Outstanding Tertiary Educator Award 2003.

Mr Mellow has created a number of CD's that provide a great learning resource; they are cost-effective, easily duplicated and distributed, and give students a tool that enables them to carry out self-directed and paced study.

By creating CD's that incorporate QuickTime movies and interactive web pages, Mellow has also facilitated a new way of learning for the deaf.

Particular recognition was given to Mellow for his use of Apple technology to create visual learning resources for NZ Sign Language (NZSL).

Mellow sees his work with the deaf as being his most rewarding feat. He said,

"This is great to have external recognition. I'm just using existing technology in an innovative wayŠ ŠI've had a monster year. My biggest achievement has been collaborating with the Sign Language School."

Along with many of Mellow's colleagues and students also present to acknowledge the importance of this award was Dr John Hinchcliff, CEO of AUT.

This new award was instigated to encourage and celebrate the innovative work being done by teachers in the compulsory education sector. Mr Prentice says that a marriage between technology and teaching is increasingly important and is providing new and exciting resources for learning.

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