Senior Software Engineer/Training and Development/University Instructional Designer and Instructor
Copyright Robin James Mayes. All rights reserved.
Robin James Mayes Ph.D.
Lifelong Learning (Transfer & Retention)
I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to continue my education at UNT at an age when others are considering retirement. It is this experience that leads me to believe that Lifelong Learning moves beyond being important, to being a necessary component in the pursuit of happiness and financial security. While it is a given that people regularly change careers for various reasons, the uncertainty of institutional retirement and health-care plans have forced many of us to work longer than our parents worked. However, the challenges of learning at any level can be very enjoyable. My research interest is in the culture of positive lifelong learning while calling attention to the challenges we all face as we mature in our careers.
Organizational & Individual Social Responsibility
My professional experiences in business law and ethics, including work in loss-prevention strategies, resource recycling, copyrighting and finance have been fascinating. Whether we call this area of research Legal Compliancy, Ethics and Morals, or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) there is a need to continually address the common perception that our society is facing a moral crisis. There are constant reminders that government and corporate leaders exhibit self-centered behavior often at the expense of the average citizen. My research interest focuses on directing the responsibility toward our governmental and business leaders to provide examples of transparent altruistic ethical leadership. Virtuous examples from the highest levels are needed to continually nurture a culture of ethical behavior amongst all citizens.
Instructional Design & Educational Technology
My experiences at the Department of Learning Technology (UNT-LTEC) have taught me that while the basic goals of education have persevered, advancing instructional design and educational technologies are in constant flux. Because our public education system repeatedly encounters difficult challenges on when to jump into these technology trends, continual research is needed for identifying opportunities and best practice strategies that have the potential for success. My research interest is in identifying and understanding the trends, the challenges, and approaches to successful Instructional Design and Educational Technology Integration (ETI).
Software Engineering, Development & Implementation
In my 35 years experience in software development, I am lucky to have been affiliated with some excellent computer scientists (ISU/UNT/CASI). Moreover, my business and academic experiences have provided me the organizational analysis skills needed to design software applications that meet high functionality and usability standards. My research interest is in designing and developing knowledge portals and software applications that support lifelong learning efforts.