The founding director of York University’s Institute for Research in Learning Technologies, Dr. Owston is also a former Dean of the Faculty of Education and University Professor Emeritus at York. He ranks among Google Scholar’s most-cited blended-learning researchers globally. Dr. Owston's webinars on effective use of Zoom for teaching as part of the Contact North I Contact Nord webinar series are lauded by educators around the world.

What participants say about Dr. Owston’s webinars:

• “I've really learned a lot the last 6 or so months watching your Zoom webinars. My students have noticed and I share with you their kudos. I look forward to upping my Breakout Zoom Room game!”
• “I really appreciate Ron’s effort and I need to watch this all over again to try the different possibilities.”
• “Thank you very much Ron! This was a very informative session! I am excited to try to put together a class for my learners.” 
• “I wanted to comment on how useful these sessions have been — I have learned a lot from attending and/or watching them afterward. And, I include them in all my PD announcements to encourage faculty to attend.”
• “Thank you, thank you, thank you — really wonderful!”