People

Ed.D., Docent in Education and Technology

I have been engaged in working with learning, teaching and digital technologies since the mid1980s; first designing educational software, after that, training, supporting and coaching schools and teachers to  use computers in education. Simultaneously I started to participate in research projects. From 2000 I have worked as a researcher at the University of Helsinki, now in the Faculty of Educational Sciences and in Technology in Education research group.

Throughout the years, my research has concentrated in the following themes, at various educational levels:

• Teachers’ and students’ digital competence and digital competence in general; e.g., . This was also the theme of my (2006, University of Turku): The effects of ICT on school: teachers’ and students’ perspectives.
• Digital technology in school development; e.g., .
• Teachers’ professional development and expertise in digital pedagogy;  e.g., .
• Improving pedagogical practices with digital technology; recently knowledge work practices in education (in ), virtual pedagogy (, 2017-2019), and .

I have participated in several research and development projects been funded by the European Commission or national sponsors, and I have co-ordinated two European level projects: (KP-Lab, 2006-2011) and (KNORK). Besides research and development work, I have trained teachers and other pedagogical staff at various levels, both invited by the teachers and schools and by participating in training international and Finnish training programs by various organisations.

Ph.D., Docent in Educational Psychology

I have a background in general psychology, computer science, and sociology. My research interests include:

• Evaluating pedagogical design solutions in schools and universities; see and .
• Building learning environments and pedagogical infrastructures for collaborative inquiry and knowledge creation practices in educational settings; see , and my .
• Modelling and evaluating the features and practices of innovative, progressive school in multiple levels; see .
• Promoting and evaluating students' knowledge work practices and competencies; see and .

In addition to research expertise, I have experience of consultation, teacher training and workplace training in pedagogical methods, community practices and use of digital technology for over 30 years. I also work as a partner and pedagogical expert in a small training company .

Ph.D. (Ed.), Teacher at the City of Espoo

My interests lie in the use of ITC teaching tools as a way of supporting pupil’s learning. Currently, I primarily focus on digital literacy. As such, my thesis aims to understand how digital tools can support middle school students’ writing skills. My most recent article (currently under review) concentrates on lower secondary students’ learning to write poetry with Poetry Machine, a co-creative digital tool developed by  (Computational Linquistic Creativity).

After originally graduating from the University of Helsinki (MA, 1989) in Finnish language, I began working as a teacher of Finnish language and literature in a vocational institution (from 1989 – 2000), and taught in a middle school in Espoo, Finland. In December 2017, I began my doctoral studies within the Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki, and finalised them in January 2021. 

Arja Kangasharju's doctoral thesis 2021:

Ed.D., Area Principal in the City of Porvoo

I am an Area Principal in the Sector of Growth and Learning in the City of Porvoo, where I lead school development, support principals, and contribute to educational policy implementation. I also have served as a Visiting Professor (part time lecturer) at the Hyogo University of Teacher Education in Japan since 2023, focusing on educational leadership and international collaboration.

I hold a PhD in Education from the University of Helsinki (2024). My research examines Finnish comprehensive schools as professional learning communities, with a particular interest in pedagogical leadership and collaborative practices. I have published peer‑reviewed articles about schools as professional learning communities and participated in international research networks.

My professional background includes extensive experience as a principal, project manager, and trainer in leadership development, school improvement, and ICT‑enhanced learning. I have received international recognition for innovative work in school development and digital pedagogy.

Markku Antinluoma's doctoral thesis 2024:

M.Ed., Doctoral Studeng, Headmaster in the City of Helsinki

I have worked as primary school headmaster in the City of Helsinki since 2013. Currently, I work at Roihuvuori primary school. Our school is a part of an innovator school group in the City of Helsinki. One of the main focuses of the group is advancing phenomenal learning, which is also one of the key aspects of the current nationwide curriculum.

I also worked earlier for over a decade as an ICT-developer teacher and as a follow-up trainer for teachers employed by the City of Helsinki and by the University of Helsinki. The training was implemented in co-operation with publishers of e-learning materials.

I have started my doctoral studies in the Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki in 2012. My research interests focus on mobile technology-supported progressive-inquiry learning environments and how they can be used to support science teaching at primary school level and furthermore, which features of learning appear in this specific environment.

Seppo Salmivirta's doctoral thesis 2020: (in Finnish)

Ph.D. Senior Lecturer at HAMK Edu Research Unit

Since 2018 I have been working in Häme University of Applied Sciences, where my duties include national and international development projects regarding pedagogy and digital learning environments in higher education. Previously, I was a language teacher in higher education.

My research interest focuses on higher education students’ engagement in technology-enhanced language learning and their oral interaction practicing in online learning environments.

Doctoral dissertation: (2022)