Stavros Pitsikalis | Education & Training | Excellence in Research

Dr. Stavros Pitsikalis | Education & Training | Excellence in Research

Research Associate | University of the Aegean | Greece

Dr. Stavros A. Pitsikalis is an accomplished professional in the fields of education, technology, and vocational training. He currently serves as the Coordinator of the EduTech Digital Innovation Hub and holds extensive experience in developing and managing educational programs. With a career spanning over two decades, he has contributed significantly to adult education, vocational training, and secondary technical education. He is recognized for his work in instructional design, technology-enhanced learning, and integrating digital media into educational practices.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Stavros Pitsikalis has a Ph.D. in Augmented Reality within Adults Learning and Training from the University of the Aegean, which he expects to complete in 2024. He also holds a Master of Science in Technology Education and Digital Systems from the University of Piraeus, Greece, specializing in e-Learning, and a BSc in Technology Electronic Engineering Educators from the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education. His academic journey reflects his dedication to blending pedagogy with cutting-edge technology.

Experience

Stavros Pitsikalis has an illustrious career, with pivotal roles in both academic and professional sectors. He has been a Laboratory Teaching Staff member at the University of the Aegean and served in leadership roles at the Hellenic Institute of Educational Policy, where he managed units for Vocational Education, Training, and Teachers’ Training. He also worked extensively with Greece’s Ministry of Education in various capacities, contributing to quality assurance in higher education and vocational training. Additionally, he has over a decade of experience as an adult educator and vocational trainer, fostering innovative learning environments.

Research Interests

Dr. Pitsikalis’ research focuses on leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences. His areas of interest include Technology-Enhanced Learning, Augmented Reality in Distance Education, STEM education, and instructional design for adult learners. He has also explored Knowledge Management and Open Education, contributing valuable insights to the field. His work often emphasizes the integration of ICT in education and the development of methodologies to evaluate online educational systems.

Awards

Stavros Pitsikalis has received numerous accolades for his contributions. These include the Best Paper Award and the 1st Prize at the European Regional Program Daedalus. He has also been recognized with honorable mentions for his academic and professional achievements. His high school years were marked by scholarships, reflecting his early potential and dedication to excellence.

Publications

Stavros Pitsikalis has published several impactful works in renowned journals and conferences. Notable publications include:

Enlivened Laboratories within STEM Education (EL-STEM): A Case Study of Augmented Reality in Secondary Education

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, Marios Meletiou-Mavrotheris, Evangelos Mavrotheris, Christos Dimopoulos, Constantinos Tiniakos
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1 citation

Implementing a Social Networking Educational System for Teachers’ Training

    • Authors: Stavros Pitsikalis, Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 0 citations

Learning Out of the Class: Creating E-Courses for Mobile Devices

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, Stavros Pitsikalis
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 3 citations

Educational Design Guidelines for Teaching with Immersive Technologies—Updating Learning Outcomes of the European Qualification Framework

    • Authors: Stavros Pitsikalis, Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, Apostolos Kostas, Chryssi Vitsilaki
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: This publication’s citation data is not available directly from the sources provided.

Integrating Augmented Reality into Education and Training: Remarks and Insights from a Five-Year Experience in the Field

    • Authors: Stavros Pitsikalis, Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, Apostolos Kostas, Chryssi Vitsilaki
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: This publication’s citation data is not available directly from the sources provided.

Vocational Education & Training (VET) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR): Suggestions Towards a Successful Embrace

    • Authors: Stavros Pitsikalis, Chryssi Vitsilaki, Dionysios Gouvias
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: This publication’s citation data is not available directly from the sources provided.

Preparing Teachers for the 21st Century

    • Authors: Stavros Pitsikalis, Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, Apostolos Kostas, Chryssi Vitsilaki
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: This publication’s citation data is not available directly from the sources provided.

Apprenticeship in Greece: Focusing on E-Learning of a Blended Learning Approach for Training VET Teachers and Trainers

    • Authors: Stavros Pitsikalis
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: This publication’s citation data is not available directly from the sources provided.

Conclusion

Stavros Pitsikalis exemplifies innovation and dedication in the educational and technological domains. His expertise in integrating technology with pedagogy has made significant contributions to the academic community. Through his leadership roles, research, and publications, he continues to shape the future of educational practices and vocational training on a global scale.

Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Research Associate |University of the Aegean | Greece

Dr. Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica is a distinguished academic and researcher with over a decade of experience in education and technology-enhanced learning. Her career reflects a steadfast dedication to advancing innovative pedagogies, digital systems, and emerging technologies in education. As a researcher and tutor, she has contributed to numerous European and national projects, specializing in e-learning, immersive technologies, and digital transformation in education. With a rich portfolio of collaborative work and a strong academic foundation, she has established herself as a leader in her field, garnering accolades and recognition for her contributions to educational research and innovation.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Ilona holds a Ph.D. in Education Sciences from the European University Cyprus (2016–2022), achieved through a full scholarship, where she focused on pioneering advancements in educational technology. She also earned an MSc in Technology Education and Digital Systems with a specialization in e-Learning from the University of Piraeus, achieving an outstanding academic record (9.69/10). Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Systems, also at the University of Piraeus, where she laid the groundwork for her specialization in technology and education. Her education reflects a strong commitment to bridging the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering innovative practices in learning.

Professional Experience

With over 14 years of professional experience, Ilona has been at the forefront of European and national research initiatives. She has served as a tutor and research associate across institutions, including the University of the Aegean and the University of Piraeus. Her portfolio includes significant projects like “Metaverse Civic Education,” “Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy,” and “Pedagogical Alliance for XR Technologies in Education.” Her expertise extends to designing digital innovation hubs, cultural development policies, and sustainable education systems. Her roles have also included consulting, teaching, and leading interdisciplinary teams to implement cutting-edge educational strategies.

Research Interests

Ilona’s research interests encompass e-learning, immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and their applications in education and training. She is deeply invested in exploring the intersections of technology, pedagogy, and inclusivity. Her work emphasizes creating equitable learning environments and leveraging digital tools to enhance educational outcomes. She also explores themes such as teacher professional development, STEM education, and the integration of emerging technologies in diverse educational contexts.

Awards

Ilona’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the Emerging Scholar Award in e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies in 2023 and the Research Publication Award by the Laureate Network Office in 2016. Additionally, her academic pursuits were supported by competitive scholarships, including a Ph.D. scholarship from the European University of Cyprus (2016–2022) and an MSc scholarship from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) (2010–2012). These accolades underscore her contributions to the advancement of education and technology.

Publications

Ilona has contributed significantly to academic literature, with key publications addressing the role of emerging technologies in education.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Advances in Augmented and Mixed Reality in Education

    • Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

Augmented reality in lower secondary education: A teacher professional development program in Cyprus and Greece

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 27

Enlivened Laboratories within STEM Education (EL-STEM): A Case Study of Augmented Reality in Secondary Education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Mavrotheris, E., Dimopoulos, C., Tiniakos, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Empowering Teachers to Augment Students’ Reading Experience: The Living Book Project Approach

    • Authors: Mavrotheris, M.M., Charalambous, C., Mavrou, K., Stylianidou, N., Vasou, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Engineering attractiveness in the European educational environment: Can distance education approaches make a difference?

    • Authors: Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 12

Augmented reality in laboratory-based education: Could it change the way students decide about their future studies?

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 7

Research challenges in future laboratory-based STEM education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 7

Implementing a social networking educational system for teachers’ training

    • Authors: Pitsikalis, S., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 0

Learning out of the class: Creating e-courses for mobile devices

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Stavros, P.
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 3

Conclusion

Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of education and technology when combined. Her pioneering research, professional expertise, and dedication to innovation have significantly influenced the landscape of educational technology. With a commitment to fostering inclusive and future-ready learning environments, she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of educators and learners.