Innovative Learning Environments (ILE)

Innovative Learning Environments (ILE) is a research and education field that focuses on the advancement of children’s and young people’s 21st century skills. The field encompasses user-driven design and the study of learning technologies and environments with a focus on:

• Enhancing learning outcomes and overall well-being
• Analyzing innovative teaching and learning practices
• Advancing STEM and STEAM education
• Exploring technology-enhanced learning and evaluating the use and impact of ICT (information and communication technology) in educational contexts

When relevant, the research also extends beyond formal education to other phases of life, examining citizens' knowledge, skills, and capabilities within society.

The Group's Core Functions and Roles

• Acts as an interface and hub between educational research and practice
• Bridges the gap between top-level science and practical implementation
• Serves as a connection point between researchers and teachers
• Operates both on a research level and directly in classrooms and learning environments
• Focuses on co-operation with educators and practitioner networks to create high-quality research

The multidisciplinary Innovative Learning Environments (ILE) group brings together researchers, university lecturers, and PhD students — primarily from the Faculty of Information Technology and the Finnish Institute for Educational Research. The group’s diverse research projects are carried out in close collaboration with various other units across the University of Jyväskylä. ILE maintains a broad national and international network that includes research institutions, public sector organizations, and industry partners.

Research Themes and Focus Areas

• Learning, teaching, and learning environments (Oppiminen, opettajuus ja oppimisympäristöt)
• Education and working life (Koulutus ja työelämä)
• Education systems and society (Koulutusjärjestelmät ja yhteiskunta)
• STEAM education and its integration with broader themes
• Sustainability and planetary well-being
• Societal change through education
• Technological development and innovation in education
• Crisis management in educational contexts
• Justice, fairness, and equality in education
• Gender equality
• Accessibility and opportunity in education

Strengths and Capacities

• Strong national and international networks
• Deep understanding of the Finnish education system
• Expertise in problem-solving and applying research in real-world settings
• Ability to generate novelty—exploring new approaches and practices
• Focus on both research and material perspectives and concrete educational tools
• Recognized as a group with wide-ranging expertise across disciplines and working methods
• Known for being a close-knit and collaborative team
• Open to reflective dialogue on goals, stories, and impact narratives

Quick links to our current projects' websites:

• 3D STEAM (Accelerating STEAM-related Knowledge and Skills via 3D Modelling and 3D Printing)
  • 3D STEAM (Accelerating STEAM-related Knowledge and Skills via 3D Modelling and 3D Printing) is an Erasmus+ project that strengthens STEAM education by integrating 3D modelling and 3D printing into teacher education. The project develops innovative teaching approaches, lesson plans, teacher guidelines and a multilingual MOOC that help pre-service and in-service teachers foster creativity, teamwork and problem-solving through hands-on, real-world learning.
• TD3C (Teacher Digital Content Creation Competence)
  • TD3C (Teacher Digital Content Creation Competencies) is an Erasmus+ project that supports teachers in developing the knowledge and skills needed to create high-quality digital learning materials. The project develops a competency framework, teacher training resources and practical tools that help both pre-service and in-service teachers design engaging digital content for modern classrooms.
• AIDEA (AI-Driven Educators Academy)
  • AIDEA (AI-Driven Educators Academy) is an Erasmus+ Teacher Academies project that prepares educators for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education. Through a European training academy, AI-powered learning platform and open educational resources, the project supports teachers in learning about AI, teaching with AI, and preparing students to thrive in an AI-driven society while promoting ethics, fairness and inclusion.
• ViReal4STEM (Envisioning a future in STEM using Virtual Reality)
  • ViReal4STEM is an Erasmus+ project that promotes inclusive and equitable STEM education through virtual and immersive learning technologies. The project develops innovative teaching approaches that increase engagement, motivation and participation in STEM subjects, with a particular focus on supporting underrepresented groups, including girls.
• STEXperiments (Preparation and evaluation of experiments suitable for effective pre-service teacher training in STEM disciplines)
  • STEXperiments is an Erasmus+ project that enhances STEM teacher education by developing a collection of real and virtual experiments for pre-service teachers. The project creates tested teaching activities, assessment methodologies and practical resources that help educators integrate inquiry-based STEM learning into classroom practice.
• STEAMcraft (STEM-oriented education in the virtual world with customised Minecraft modifications)
  • STEAMcraft is an Erasmus+ project that uses a custom Minecraft modification to teach sustainability, renewable energy and smart city concepts through game-based learning. By combining experiential pedagogy, gamification and hands-on problem solving, the project helps primary school students develop systems thinking, creativity and environmental awareness.
• STE(PA)M (Teacher Training in Physical Activities and Embodied Learning through STEAM Education)
  • STE(PA)M (Teacher Training in Physical Activities and Embodied Learning through STEAM Education) is an Erasmus+ project that combines physical activity with STEAM education to create engaging and active learning experiences. The project develops teacher training, an e-learning platform and practical teaching materials that promote creativity, problem-solving and embodied learning across different school subjects.
• Joyful Schools
  • Joyful Schools is an international project that promotes holistic well-being in education through active learning and growth mindset. The project develops teacher training, practical tools and a learning hub that help educators, school leaders and policymakers foster healthy, resilient and supportive learning environments for both students and teachers.
• PERMAdigital
  • PERMA-Digital is an Erasmus+ Policy Experimentation project that promotes digital well-being in schools using the PERMA model of positive psychology. The project develops whole-school approaches, teacher training and practical resources that help students and educators build healthy, balanced and meaningful relationships with digital technologies.
• AIWARE (Competencies for using artificial intelligence in the classrooms.)
  • AIware is an Erasmus+ project that prepares schools for the growing importance of artificial intelligence by developing curricula, learning materials and teaching resources for AI education. The project supports teachers and students through problem-based learning, open educational resources and practical classroom scenarios that foster AI literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
• ISLE (Collaborative Learning Communities for Redesigning Primary Education Towards Innovative & Sustainable Learning Environments)
  • ISLE (Collaborative Learning Communities for Redesigning Primary Education Towards Innovative & Sustainable Learning Environments) supports teachers in creating innovative, inclusive and sustainable learning environments. The project empowers educators through collaboration, professional development and evidence-based pedagogical practices that promote quality education and student well-being.
• GRIFE (Global Research Institute for Finnish Education)
  • GRIFE (Global Research Institute for Finnish, European, and Global South Education) is an international research network led by the Education University of Hong Kong that advances educational innovation through global collaboration. By connecting researchers and institutions across Europe, Asia and the Global South, GRIFE promotes comparative educational research, policy dialogue and sustainable approaches to teaching and learning that address global challenges.