Thematic Session 30

THEMATIC SESSION #30

Giacomo Di Noto

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

• giacomo.dinoto@unimore.it

Andrea Gaggioli

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy

• andrea.gaggioli@unicatt.it

Nicola Paone

Marche Polytechnic University, Italy

• n.paone@univpm.it

The most recent advancements in the digitalization of educational practices such as machine learning algorithms, along with economically accessible immersive technologies are a unique opportunity for teachers and educators to embrace new methodologies and paradigms to train and evaluate students. This is true even in Higher Education where such technologies not only offer a wider and more intensive learning experience but also play a significant factor in the novelty and quality of education as well as increased perceived reputation and recognition especially in the eyes of stakeholders (citizens, future students), external observers (businesses, other institutions, public administration) and internal personnel (professors, researchers and students).

This thematic session aims at consolidating the connection between learning sciences and digital technologies, discussing novel solutions that improve the teaching experience for students and professors in Higher Education institutions. We encourage contributions from educators and specialists both in machine learning and immersive technologies (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Extended Reality) with a specific focus on quantitative training assessment and evaluation.

The session will revolve around the following topics:

• Machine learning in Higher Education;
• Digital solutions and tools for Higher education;
• Digital quantitative learning assessment;
• Immersive learning experiences;
• Extended realities in education;
• Education 5.0.

Giacomo Di Noto is currently pursuing a PhD in Learning Sciences and Digital Technologies at Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia and Università Politecnica delle Marche (2024–2027), focusing his doctoral research on digital immersive experiences in higher education. Before beginning his PhD, Giacomo obtained the national teaching qualification as a teacher of Physics and Mathematics in secondary high school (2024) and has practiced private teaching of STEM disciplines from 2017 as founder and partner of “Ateneo Centro Lezioni” (2017-2020). He holds a Master of Science in Physics of the Earth System from Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (2016) and a Bachelor of Science in General Physics from Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia (2012). His background in physics, combined with his current research, positions him at the intersection of state of the art technology and higher education.

Andrea Gaggioli is a Full Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore from 2019, where he also serves as the Director of the Research Center in Psychology of Communication (PSICOM). He directs the International Master in User Experience Psychology and coordinates the Research Unit in Psychology of Creativity and Innovation at UCSC. His background includes a Ph.D. in Psychobiology from the University of Milan and a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Bologna. He has been awarded with several recognitions, including the CyberTherapy Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) and the International Prize Elisa Frauenfelder (2020). His research is supported by several successful grants from programs such as Erasmus+ and the European Commission. With his late experience in the Metaversity project of Università Cattolica he is leading the transition of higher education institutions towards innovative digital technologies, human-computer interaction, and virtual immersivity.

Nicola Paone has been a Full Professor of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements at Università Politecnica delle Marche since 2001. His research is centered on the development and application of non-contact measurement techniques for mechanical quantities such as velocity, vibrations, and shape. These techniques are applied to quality and process control across various industries, including automotive, home appliances, and cultural heritage. Nicola has coordinated multiple European projects and is also involved in academic administration, serving as Director of the Doctoral School in Engineering Sciences from 2014 and President of the National Group of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements SSD-ING-IND/12 since 2015. His passion for teaching and innovations in education together with his invaluable scientific experience provide a foundation for quantitative and objective assessment of novel technologies applied in higher education.