About CICERO Learning

Each partner of CICERO Learning Network has a representative at the board of members. The University of Helsinki is the coordinating partner and has five representatives.

Chair
Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Johanna Mäkelä, University of Helsinki

Members
Auli Toom, University of Helsinki
Hannele Niemi, University of Helsinki
Minna Huotilainen, University of Helsinki
Teija Kujala, University of Helsinki
Eija Kärnä, University of Eastern Finland
Eija Zitting, Aalto University
Elvira Brattico, Aarhus University
Heli Ruokamo, University of Lapland
Johanna Kaakinen, University of Turku
Matti Laine, Åbo University
Mila Hakanen, Research Foundation for Studies and Education OTUS
Shu-Nu Chang-Rundgren, University of Stockholm

Chair
Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Johanna Mäkelä, University of Helsinki

Members
Elvira Brattico, Aarhus University
Mila Hakanen, OTUS
Heli Ruokamo, University of Lapland
Eija Zitting, Aalto University
Auli Toom, University of Helsinki
Minna Huotilainen, University of Helsinki
Hannele Niemi, University of Helsinki
Teija Kujala, University of Helsinki
Sari Ylinen, University of Helsinki

Members of CICERO Learning Network's International Advisory Board are:

Dr Keith Devlin, Stanford University, USA
Dr Elena Kushnerenko, University of East London, UK
Prof Marcus Specht, Open University of Netherlands

Research Director Mari Tervaniemi
mari.tervaniemi()helsinki.fi
Phone: +358 2941 29456
Web: Tervaniemi

Project Coordinator Sara Miyabe
sara.miyabe()helsinki.fi
Phone: + 358 2941 57764

Facebook: facebook.com/cicerolearning
Twitter: CICERO_Learning

CICERO Special Interest Groups (SIG) facilitate researchers’ collaboration and the aim is to boost multidisciplinary research activities through theme groups. The collaboration within the groups can include, for example, preparation of joint research projects, publication of scientific articles together with different research groups or organization of research events. 

Arts and Media Education
Co-Heads: Professor Heli Ruokamo, University of Lapland & University Lecturer Sara Sintonen, University of Helsinki

Arts and Media Education Special Interest Group facilitates researchers’ collaboration and boosts multidisciplinary research activities within arts and media education. The group participates and organizes research events and also plans for joint publications and funding applications. The focus of the Cicero Arts and Media Education SIG is to enhance learning through arts and media. In digital era, there is still undertheorized and undervalued learning potential in sciences to date. To initiate this, the group will concentrate on a) reconsidering relationships between humans, arts and media education, and b) probing how arts and media shape learning and participation.

Brain and Learning
Co-Heads: Professor Minna Huotilainen, University of Helsinki & Professor Elvira Brattico, Aarhus University

Special Interest Group Brain and Learning is aiming at making neuroscience useful for the field of education. We work both in enabling neuroscientists to tackle education-related research questions as well as making it possible for teachers, learners, and their parents to get information on the most recent neuroscientific findings in an understandable and exciting manner. We believe that this cross-disciplinary approach will bring new research findings to schools for fruitful applications, and allow researchers to have a direct window to the educational system in order to direct their research.

Learning Analytics
Co-Heads: Associate professor Petri Ihantola, University of Helsinki & Senior University Lecturer Ari Korhonen, Aalto University

Special Interest Group in Learning Analytics is focused on the multidisciplinary research in the area of eLearning. We explore how to support learning by using large data sets of staff and students' interactions in electronic learning environments. We apply such data, for example, to inform decisions related to course and tool design, and to guide students in their learning.

Games and Learning
Co-Heads: Researcher Sari Ylinen, University of Helsinki & Researcher Kristian Kiili, Tampere University of Technology

Special Interest Group Games and Learning focuses on educational games, in particular digital games, and their effects on learning. As part of 21st century digitalization process, digital games provide interesting possibilities to create engaging and effective learning environments given that they successfully integrate game design and learning science aspects. The work of the group brings together scientists, developers, and educators for sharing evidence, viewpoints and best practices about design and use of games in learning. The overall aim of the group is to promote dissemination of game-based learning research results and deployment of game-based learning practices in schools and educational institutions.

Life-long Learning
Co-Heads: University Lecturer Leila Pehkonen, University of Helsinki & Researcher Kaisa Pihlainen, University of Eastern Finland

Life-long Learning Special Interest Group is interested in studying learning and  education/civilisation during the life course. We regard that continuous learning enables surviving of individuals in changing life circumstances and equal participation in a society. Learning and education/civilisation are not only a personal right but also a responsibility. Our goal is to forward research-based knowledge especially concerning the implications that are connected with changing (learning) environments as well as opportunities and challenges of digitalisation toward continuous learning.

Special Education
Co-Heads: Professor Pirjo Aunio, University of Helsinki, Professor Eija Kärnä, University of Eastern Finland & University Lecturer Minna Törmänen, University of Helsinki

Special Interest Group Special Education is aiming at understanding learning and learning difficulties in various educational contexts. We work on understanding the developmental dynamics in all age groups. Our research is done with various scientific disciplines, such as psychology, neuroscience, sport science and sociology. Our work will benefit professionals in education practice widely, as we aim to support evidence-based practice in all levels (early childhood education, compulsory school and secondary education).