Research group description
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
