Our Vision and Laboratory
Looking around us, we witness the rapid rise of technology that touches every aspect of our lives—robots, artificial intelligence, social media, and countless other digital tools. But how do these innovations translate into meaningful changes in education? At Tallinn University of Technology’s IT College, the IT Didactics Research Group is at the forefront of answering that question.
What makes this group distinctive is not only its vision but also its unique laboratory, equipped with telepresence robots that enable inclusive education and socially assistive robots that foster interaction, collaboration, and support. These are not futuristic prototypes hidden away in research rooms—they are real, functioning tools designed to create equal opportunities for all learners.
National and European Recognition
The importance of this work was underscored by the recent visit of Estonia’s President Alar Karis, who highlighted the central role of education in Europe’s taltech.ee future. Speaking at TalTech, he emphasized how the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies will shape schools, universities, and lifelong learning for generations to come. His message was clear: the future of education is inseparable from the future of technology. The IT Didactics Research Group is already translating this vision into concrete projects that have both national and international significance.
Flagship Projects
One example is the Erasmus+ project DITEC, dedicated to implementing IT didactics technologies with a strong focus on artificial intelligence assistants in higher education. These virtual assistants support students during classes, bridging gaps between teachers and learners while promoting personalized learning experiences.
Another groundbreaking initiative is the KOHTO25 project, which focuses on developing Hybrid Intelligent Assessment Systems. This innovation combines the best of human expertise and artificial intelligence–powered evaluation to make assessments more accurate, fair, and scalable. By rethinking how we measure knowledge, KOHTO25 opens the door to transforming not only classrooms but entire education systems.
The group’s work also extends to the AI Championship program, where members of the research team are building capacity among academic and administrative staff. This initiative supports the integration of artificial intelligence into everyday educational practices, ensuring that both educators and learners are well prepared for the demands of the digital age.
Collaboration and Ecosystem Building
Beyond these flagship projects, the group is deeply engaged in Horizon Europe collaborations, connecting universities, businesses, governments, and civil society. These proposals are more than academic exercises—they serve as platforms for creating new partnerships and building innovative ecosystems where education, research, and industry come together.
Looking Ahead
In a world where the pace of change is accelerating, the IT Didactics Research Group at TalTech demonstrates how Estonia continues to lead in reimagining education. Their work embodies a simple but powerful idea: technology in education is not just about tools, it is about people. By developing inclusive, intelligent, and future-ready systems, the group is laying the foundation for the next generation of learners—one that is not only ready for the labor market but also prepared to shape the society of tomorrow.
