Ilkka Jormanainen
University of Eastern Finland, Finland University, Joensuu Science Park
Papers
28
Total Citations
243
H-Index
9
About
Ilkka Jormanainen is a Finnish educational technology researcher whose work sits at the intersection of educational robotics, computational thinking, and data-driven pedagogy. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of how robotics-based learning environments can foster STEAM integration and develop computational and design thinking skills across diverse learner populations, from Finnish primary schools to boarding schools in Namibia. Jormanainen's most influential contribution — the RoboSTEAM project — introduced a Challenge Based Learning framework for integrating STEAM education with computational thinking development, earning 57 citations and driving international collaboration through the Erasmus+ programme. A consistent thread throughout his career is empowering teachers with better tools: his Open Monitoring Environment, explored across multiple papers, applies educational data mining to help instructors track student progress in unpredictable, open-ended robotics classrooms, with related works accumulating nearly 50 additional citations collectively. Beyond classroom monitoring, Jormanainen has investigated motivational dimensions of physical computing, artificial neural networks, and reinforcement learning in educational settings. His research during the COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated adaptability, examining how robotics-based curricula could transition to blended and online formats. With over 175 total citations, his body of work represents a meaningful contribution to technology-enhanced learning worldwide.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2
- 3Using Data Mining to Support Teacher's Intervention in a Robotics Class19 citations · 2012
- 4
- 5An open approach for learning educational data mining13 citations · 2013
- 6
- 7
- 8Adaption of RoboSTEAM Project to the Pandemic Situation10 citations · 2020
- 9
- 10