CREDS Seminar with Kristian Stančin, Martina Holenko Dlab, Marina Žunić: Digital Technologies in Education: Research, Innovation, and Practice

The seminar will introduce the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies at the University of Rijeka and present the research activities of its Laboratory for the Application of Information Technologies in Education (EduLab). It will explore practical approaches to fostering computational thinking and STEM competencies through game-based learning, featuring examples of educational games and gamified learning activities. The presenters will also share their experience in integrating educational robotics with image recognition into AI-supported activities designed to foster computational thinking. Finally, the seminar will also present experiences in applying game-based learning principles when working with students with special educational needs, demonstrating how digital technologies can contribute to creating more accessible, inclusive, and effective learning environments.

Presenter details:

Dr. Martina Holenko Dlab is an Associate Professor and Head of the Chair of Multimedia Systems and E-Learning at the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies (FIDIT), University of Rijeka, Croatia. Her research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, including blended, collaborative, and game-based learning, recommender systems, and AI in education. She has co-authored numerous scientific papers and regularly presents at international conferences. She has extensive experience in designing digital learning models, delivering teacher training, and leading and coordinating teams within national and international projects. Alongside her academic duties, she serves as the Deputy Head of the Committee for Digital Education at the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), contributing to institutional digital education policies.

Marina Žunić received a master's degree in Education of Informatics from the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies at the University of Rijeka, Croatia. She is currently a Research Assistant at the same institution and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Informatics. Her research interests include technology-enhanced learning, educational robotics, computational thinking, learning analytics, and seamless learning environments that connect virtual and physical learning contexts. She has co-authored scientific publications and presented her work at international conferences. She is also involved in national and international research projects and teaches courses in Computer Graphics, 3D Modelling, Computer Animation, and Multimedia Systems at the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies.

Dr. Kristian Stančin is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies, University of Rijeka, and a member of the Laboratory for Application of Information Technologies in Education. His research focuses on technology-enhanced learning (e-learning), with a particular emphasis on innovative methods and tools for improving teaching and learning experiences. This includes exploring game-based learning and gamification strategies to increase student engagement and motivation. He is also interested in adapting these approaches to meet the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring that advancements in e-learning technologies effectively support diverse learner populations and foster more inclusive and innovative education environments.