Paraskevi Topali

University of Ioannina, Radboud University Nijmegen

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About

Paraskevi Topali is a researcher at the forefront of educational technology, specializing in the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into K-12 learning environments. Her work bridges the gap between computational thinking and authentic, student-centered pedagogy. In her highly cited 2017 study, "The Use of Robotics in Introductory Programming for Elementary Students," Topali demonstrated how tangible robotics can demystify abstract programming concepts for young learners, laying a critical foundation for early computational literacy. More recently, her 2025 systematic literature review, "Pedagogical considerations in the automation era," has become a cornerstone for the field, amassing 10 citations in a short time. This work critically examines the pedagogical grounding of AI in education (AIEd), moving beyond technical implementation to ask how AI can support authentic, meaningful learning rather than mere automation. By synthesizing empirical research, Topali provides a roadmap for educators and developers to deploy AI tools that augment, rather than replace, the human elements of teaching. Her contributions are vital for ensuring that the next generation of educational technologies are both innovative and pedagogically sound.