(325) 674-2173 sitc@acu.edu

Contact Information

Office: 230 Mabee Business Building
Address: ACU Box 28036, Abilene, Texas 79699
Email: brian.burton@acu.edu
Phone: 325-674-6989
Fax: 325-674-2507

Brian Burton, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Digital Entertainment Technology

Education:

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri. Dissertation topic: Collaboration and the use of three-dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment and the impact on communication and learning: a case study. Advisor: Dr. Barbara Martin. July 2001 to  May 2008
  • Completed 22 graduate hours in Computer Information Systems. Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. August 2000 to August 2007
  • Masters of Science in Secondary Administration. Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. Completed seminar research on Differences in Utilization of Technology between Large, Medium and Small Schools in Missouri. June 1997 to May 1999
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, Certification in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems; Graduated Cum Laude with a double major in Secondary Education and Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. May 1990 to May 1992

Experience:

  • Associate Professor of Digital Entertainment and Information Technology, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas; Teaching courses in Digital Entertainment, and mobile application/game development. Developed new major and minor in Digital Entertainment Technology in the fields of Game Development and Digital Media Production. Sponsor of Digital Entertainment student organization. iPhone Fellow researching collaboration using mobile devices. iPad Optimist project leader – Developed Apple iPad application for university newspaper. Named teaching faculty of the year – College of Business/iSchool, 2010 and received the Dean’s award for outstanding research and service, 2011 & 2016. August 2007 to present.
  • Headmaster/owner, Burton’s Garden of Schools. An online school to provide educational support for homeschooled children. Responsibilities included oversee faculty, curriculum, development, website, and technological innovation to improve online educational experiences for K12 students. May 1993 to present.
  • CEO, Burton’s Media Group. Develop and publish eTextbooks, technical reference eBooks and mobile applications. January 2010 to present.
  • Served in various capacities over a sixteen-year period at Missouri State University. Initially was hired as staff to manage campus computer labs. Soon became teaching adjunct courses for the Computer Information Systems department. Upon completion of master’s degree, was brought on as a full-time lecturer in Computer Information Systems. While working on doctorate, assisted the College of Education in completing their NCATE accreditation by creating the first of its kind online accreditation website. After successfully completing NCATE accreditation, returned to full-time faculty as an Assistant Professor on the West Plains campus of MSU serving as the Distance Learning Coordinator, created and co-chaired the Computer Graphics and Programming degree, charied the Computer Science/Computer Information Systems department and taught courses in Computer Graphics and Programming, Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. Since leaving Missouri State University, have maintained a close relationship and occasionally teach online graduate courses for the Computer Information Systems department. June 1997 to December 2007.
  • Director of Technology, Republic R-III School District, Republic, Missouri. Supervised, directed, coordinated and maintained computer infrastructure for Republic Schools. Duties included supervising employees, training students, planning for future technology trends, maintaining networks, servers, and computer systems. Train faculty and staff in the use of computers. Assist the Superintendent in planning for future needs. Assist in writing and facilitating grants. June 1998 to August 1999.
  • Computer Coordinator and teacher of Computer Literacy, Computer Applications, and Advanced Placement Computer Programming, Lake Country Christian School, Ft. Worth, Texas. Designed and implemented a K-12 computer literacy program, teaching students, teachers, administrators and the community in all aspects of using computers. Developed and implemented internet presence for the school system. July 1993 to June 1994, July 1995 to May 1997.
  • Computer Coordinator and sixth grade teacher, Anderson Christian School, Anderson, Indiana. Designed and implemented 3rd through 6th grade computer literacy program. June 1994 to June 1995.
  • Installation and Maintenance Group Leader, University Computing Services, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. Oversaw the operations of the Computer Installation and Maintenance areas. Duties included the supervising of a 30-member team in the installation and maintenance of over 14,000 microcomputers and related equipment; maintain programs necessary for day to day operations; developed ongoing training for staff and students; assisted with the maintenance of the wide area network. January 1987 to April 1990.

Supporting data:

  • Over 25 years programming experience in various languages including: ASP, Basic, Visual Basic, C#, COBOL, Actionscript, FORTRAN, HTML, Java, Lua, Pascal, PHP, and Objective-C, iOS & Android mobile application development. Texas Lifetime Secondary Teaching Certificate. Missouri Secondary Administration Certificate.

Professional organization membership/service: 

  • Captivate Conference – Advisory board – 2013
  • Arkansas State University – Beebe – CIS program review – Out of state consultant – 2013
  • KindleEditora – Brazilian eBook publisher – Editorial staff – ad hoc consultant – 2013 to present
  • American Educational Research Association – 2011 to 2014
  • ReLIVE – Academic Committee – 2011
  • Missouri State University – West Plains Computer Graphics & Programming Advisory Board – 2010 to present
  • AACE – 2010 to present
  • Reviewer for Journal of Educational Computing Research – 2009 to present
  • Reviewer for Journal of Virtual World Research – 2009 to present
  • International Game Developers Association – 2005 to present
  • New Media Consortium – 2007 to present
  • Association of Computing Machinery – SIGGRAPH – 2005 to 2013
  • Reviewer for First International Conference on Networked Digital Technologies (IEEE co-sponsor) – 2009
  • FuturePlay Conference – Program Committee – 2008, 2010
  • International Society for Technology in Education – 2004 to 2007
  • Missouri Distance Learning Association – Board Member – 2003 to 2007
  • United States Distance Learning Association – 2004 to 2007

Achievement/awards/grants:

  • Faculty Service award – School of IT & Computing – 2016
  • Faculty Fellow – Abilene Christian University – Gamification research – 2015 to 2016
  • Microsoft Azure Cloud Research Grant – $32,400 – 2014 to 2015
  • Amazon AWS Cloud Educational Grant – $4,600 – 2013 to 2016
  • Corona Labs Software Grant – $18,000 – 2013 to 2014
  • Dean’s Outstanding Researcher of the year – College of Business Administration – 2011
  • Unity Mobile Education grant recipient – 2010
  • Classroom Teacher of the year – College of Business Administration – 2009 to 2010
  • Mobile Technology Fellow, Abilene Christian University – 2008-2009, 2010-2011
  • Honors College Research Grant – Abilene Christian University – 2009
  • Cisco CCNA Instructor certified
  • Missouri Teacher Certificate in Secondary Administration
  • Texas Teacher Certificate in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems

University service:

  • DET Club sponsor – 2013 to present
  • ATEMS High School Student Mentor – 2014 to 2015
  • Suspension Appeals Committee – 2014 to present
  • ACU Undergraduate Research Festival Judge – 2013 & 2015
  • University Disciplinary Review Board – 2012 to present
  • McNair student mentor – 2010 to present

Local/communitiy presentations & consulting:

  • Regularly present at campus and regional events on mobile application development, mobile research, and distance learning, including at ACU Connections events on local Mobile Learning initiative.
  • Burton, B.G. (2014) Consulting: TVO training in mobile application and game development. Toronto, ON.
  • Burton, B.G. (2014) N-tier mobile application development. Presented at Corona Meet-up, ReelFX, Dallas, TX.
  • Burton, B.G. (2013) Consulting: DeVry University training in mobile application development. Chicago, IL.
  • Burton, B.G. (2012) Mobile application development simplified. Presented at Dallas SDK.
  • Burton, B.G., Lewis, S., Pybus, K., Wiggins, M. (2010) Romancing the app: How four faculty members and 12 students from three departments moved the Optimist to the iPads in 60 days. Presented for Faculty Enrichment, ACU.
  • Burton, B.G. (2009) The use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment and the impact on student collaboration and knowledge creation. Presented for Faculty Enrichment, ACU.
  • Burton, B.G. (2008) The call for Christian leadership in digital entertainment. Presented at Summit, ACU.
  • Burton, B.G., Childers. J., Dickson, K. (2008) Talking Pictures – How to Podcast.

Publications:

  • Burton, B. G. & Burton, B. (in development) Creating isometric games with Corona SDK. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-08-0
  • Burton, B. G. & Burton, B. (in development) Game design fundamentals with Lumberyard. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-01-1
  • Burton, B.G. & Huff, J. (in development) Game development fundamentals pipeline with Unity 3D: Air Hockey. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-17-2
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N. (accepted) Knowledge creation and student engagement within 3D virtual worlds. International Journal of Virtual and Augmented Reality. Vol. 1(1) IGI Publishing, Hersey, PA.
  • Burton, B. G. (2011; 2016) Beginning mobile app development with Corona.  eTextbook.  Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-02-8
  • Burton, B. G. (2011; 2016) Mobile app development with Corona: Getting started. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-00-4.
  • Burton, B. G. (2016) Step by step guide to Corona SDK. Corona Labs, Austin, Texas.
  • Burton, B. G. & Martin, B. (2014). The Second Generation of Teaching Mobile Computing: Practices and Pitfalls. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2014 (pp. 278-292). Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
  • Burton, B. G. (2014; 2016) Learning mobile app development with Corona SDK. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-07-3
  • Burton, B.G. & Huff, J. (2013) Game development fundamentals pipeline with Unity 3D:Rollerball. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-16-5
  • Burton, B.G. & Huff, J. (2013) Game development fundamentals pipeline with Unity 3D:Plinko. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-15-8
  • Burton, B.G.  (2013) Beginning mobile application development – Lesson Plan in ISTE Learning on the go. Available through http://www.iste.org/learn/professional-development/resources.
  • Burton, B.G., Martin, B. N., Robins, J. (2013) Creation of Knowledge and Student Engagement within Virtual Worlds. In Understanding Learning in Virtual Worlds. Ed. Childs, M. and Peachey, A., Springer Publishing.
  • Burton, B. G. (2013) Desarrollo de Aplicaciones Móviles con Corona. Translated by Raul T Delgado, Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN: 978-1-937336-18-9
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B.N., (2013) Student engagement and the creation of knowledge within a 3D virtual learning environment. In Immersive Environments, Augmented Realities and Virtual Worlds: Assessing Future Trends in Education., Ed. S. D’Agustino, IGI Global Publishing.
  • Burton, B. G. (2012) Corona Certified Developer Study Guide. Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN: 978-1-937336-10-3
  • Burton, B. G. (2012) Criando Aplicações Móveis com Corona. Translated by Duarte, L.F. Jr, Burtons Media Group, Abilene, Texas. ISBN 978-1-937336-12-7
  • Burton, B. G. (2010) Unity Mobile Generation Education Giveaway. Peer-Reviewed Grant. First Round winner.
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., Thomas, D. (2010) Collaboration and the use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment. In Adaptation, Resistance and Access to Instructional Technologies: Assessing Future Trends in Education., Ed. S. D’Agustino. IGI Global Publishing. ISBN 978-1-616-92854-4
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N. (2010) Learning in 3D virtual environments: Collaboration and knowledge spirals. Journal of Educational Computing Research, Vol. 43(2) 259-273.
  • Burton, B. G., Pybus, K., Lewis, S., Wiggins, M. (2010) Mobile distribution methods for journalism and mass communication.  Mobile Learning Fellows Research Grant.
  • Burton, B. G. (2009). Collaboration within three dimensional learning environments:  The impact on student success. VDM Publishing. ISBN 978-3-639-17355-0.
  • Burton, B. G. (2008). Collaboration and the use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment and the impact on communication and learning: a case study. Doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri – Columbia.
  • Burton, B., Chin, J., and Chin, M., (2007) Classical Epistemology in CIS: A Model for Teaching Programming Logic through Marketing. Global Education Journal, Vol. 2007, Issue 1, pp 24-49.
  • Burton, B.G. (1998) Differences in utilization of technology in Missouri between large, medium, and small school districts. Masters Seminar paper.

Peer-reviewed presentations:

  • Burton, B. G. & Martin, B. N. (2016) Teaching mobile computing: What we have learned.  IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technology, Austin, TX.
  • Burton, B. G. & Martin, B. N. (2016) Teaching mobile computing: Six years later.  SITE AACE Conference, Savannah, GA.
  • Burton, B. G. & Martin, B. N. (2014) The second generation of teaching mobile computing: practices and pitfalls.  E-Learn AACE conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Burton, B. G. (2013, Invited) Panelist: Innovation in Media Education. Captivate Conference, Austin, TX.
  • Burton, B. G. (2013, Invited) Using analytics and metrics to turn app users into gold.  Captivate Conference, Austin, TX.
  • Burton, B. G., Brothers, L, Martin, B. N. (2013) An examination of the outcomes of gamification when used in a university level classroom. American Educational Research Association Convention, San Francisco, CA.
  • Burton, B. G. (2013) The mobile application & game development landscape: comparison and evaluation of the major players.  Corona Meetup, Cambridge Innovation Center, Boston, MA.
  • Burton, B. G. (2012) Teaching mobile application development.  ConnectED. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
  • Dillin, A., Burton. B.G. (2012) eTextbooks as apps.  Undergraduate Research Festival. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
  • Burton, B. G. (2011) Mobile app development for ministry.  Mobile Ministry Forum, Waxhaw, North Carolina.
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., Robins, J. (2011) Creation of knowledge and student engagement within personal learning environments. ReLIVE11 Conference, Milton Keynes, England.
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., Mhlanga, F. S., Robins, J. (2011) What are the Practices and Challenges of Teaching Mobile Computing at the University Level? American Educational Research Association Convention, New Orleans, LA.
  • Brothers, M., Burton. B.G. (2011) Serious games in education, Undergraduate Research Festival. Abilene Christian University
  • Burton, B. G., Tanner, R. (2011) Panelist on mobile applications in journalism. Texas Associated Press Conference, Tyler, TX
  • Burton, B. G. (2011) Gaming on the go: mobile game development. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY. Invited Presentation
  • Burton, B. G. (2011) Panelist on teaching mobile computing courses. ConnectED, Abilene, TX.
  • Brothers, M.C., Burton, B.G. (2010) Serious games in learning environments. Ronald E. McNair National Research Conference. Lake Delevan, Wisconsin
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B.N. (2010) iPhone in the Classroom. Missouri Distance Learning Association Conference, Springfield, MO.
  • Burton, B. G., Mhlanga, F.S. (2010) Best practices: Teaching mobile computing: practices & pitfalls.  Ed-Media Conference of AACE, Toronto, ON.
  • Kight, B., Burton, B. G. (2010) Developing the Optimist ipad project. Undergraduate Research Festival. Abilene Christian University.
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., (2010) Collaboration and the use of Mobile Devices. American Educational Research Association Convention, Denver, CO.
  • Burton, B.G., Martin, B. N., (2010) Collaboration and 3D Virtual Environments.  American Educational Research Association Convention, Denver, CO.
  • Burton, B. G., Mhlanga, F. S., Tanner, R. (2010) Experiences and direction in teaching an undergraduate course in mobile computing. Southwest EduCause Convention. Austin, TX.
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., Thomas, D. (2009) Collaboration and the use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment. Presented at American Educational Research Association, San Diego, CA.
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N. (2009) Using mobile technology for collaboration. Presented at ConnectEd,  Abilene, TX
  • Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N. (2008) The Use of Three Dimensional Interface within a Virtual Learning Environment and the impact on Student Collaboration and Knowledge Creation. Presented at ReLIVE 08, Milton Keynes, England.
  • Burton, B. G. (2007) Served on a panel discussion on the educational uses of immersive environments at FuturePlay. Toronto, Canada.
  • Burton, B., Huff, J. (2007) Development of a gaming degree. Presented at Illinois Online Conference.
  • Burton, B., Chin, J. (2007) Inclusion of Game concepts in Introductory Programming Courses. Presented at Illinois Online Conference.
  • Chin, J., Burton, B., Chin, M. (2006) Logic concepts in CIS: a marketing example. Presented at Illinois Online Conference.

Software:

  • Rotten Apples (in development) iOS and Android Game – Lead programmer/production.
  • Dragons vs Gods (2016) iOS and Android Game – Publishing/Production.
  • 5 Second Frenzy (2014) iOS and Android Game – Publishing/Production.
  • Sea Blurp (2014) – iOS and Android game – Lead programmer/production.
  • Corona Certified Developers Exam App (2014) iOS & Android exam app – Lead programmer/production.
  • The Optimist (2010) – iPad app for Abilene Christian University newspaper.  First University newspaper available on the iPad – Programming & production faculty supervisor.
  • SA Vote (2010) – iOS app for Abilene Christian University Student Association – Programming & production faculty supervisor.

Media appearances: