Ville Heilala

"Teaching people and machines."

I am a Senior Researcher in the School of Wellbeing (JYU.Well) at the University of Jyväskylä, focusing on applying computational methods, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to human sciences. My main aim is to examine how emerging technologies can augment learning and bring out the best in people. I received a Ph.D. in Mathematical Information Technology from the University of Jyväskylä in 2022. I also hold an M.A. degree in Education and a B.A. in Music. Before my research career, I worked for over a decade as a teacher in Finnish primary education.

Research interests

• Research methods and methodology, especially in computational human sciences
• Artificial intelligence in education (AIED)
• Computational psychometrics
• Creative and future perspectives of technology

Research collaborations

• Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy (Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä)
• Ethical and Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Social Work (Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lapland)
• The Centre of Excellence for Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä)
• Technology-enhanced Learning (Department of Education, University of Jyväskylä)
• Human and Machine based Intelligence in Learning (Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä)

Supervision

I'm currently co-supervising doctoral researchers for the following topics: 1) aviation pilot training and competence evaluation, 2) education-industry collaboration in engineering education, 3) technology-enhanced learning and self-efficacy in first aid training, 4) online learning and professional development for critical topics in health and social care, 5) teachers' AI literacy, and 6) technology in critical physiotherapy.

Teaching

• AI for Research: ​​​​​​​Using Generative AI in Research

Responsibilities

• ​​​​​​​Member of the university Human Sciences Ethics Committee
• Member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Council
• Deputy Member of the University Collegium