{"id":7825,"date":"2025-04-28T14:38:55","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T12:38:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/it-u.at\/?p=7825"},"modified":"2025-06-10T09:56:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T07:56:12","slug":"meet-saba-soleimani-phd-student-in-digital-transformation-in-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/it-u.at\/en\/news\/meet-saba-soleimani-phd-student-in-digital-transformation-in-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Saba Soleimani\u00a0\u2013 PhD Student in Digital Transformation in Learning\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u202fIn this episode of IT:U Story, we meet Saba Soleimani\u2014a great example of the learning spirit at IT:U. With three master\u2019s degrees, 15 years of teaching experience, and 20 years as a musician playing the Persian instrument Setar, Saba brings a rich, multidisciplinary perspective to his work. From designing a conversational agent to support computational thinking to exploring immersive technologies in the Extended Reality Lab, his journey is where education meets innovation.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where are you from? What did you do before joining IT:U?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m from Iran. Before joining IT:U, I lived in the Netherlands, where I was studying for my master\u2019s and working as a teaching assistant at the University of Twente. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is one unique thing about you, or a special talent you have? <\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

I hold three master\u2019s degrees\u2014in teaching, art, and technology\u2014which have helped me develop a multidisciplinary approach to education and research. I\u2019m not sure if it\u2019s a special talent, but I\u2019ve been teaching for around 15 years, and I\u2019ve been playing music for over 20 years. One of the instruments I play is the Setar<\/em>, a traditional Persian string instrument known for its delicate, soulful sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your current research focus? <\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Currently, I\u2019m working on designing a conversational agent that supports university students in learning computational thinking skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which of your publications or projects are you most proud of?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The training course I designed for university teachers at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, aimed at enhancing their generative AI teaching skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has your research benefited from working in interdisciplinary teams at IT:U? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

My research lies at the intersection of learning psychology and computer science. IT:U is one of the unique places that truly supports and enables such interdisciplinary collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has your experience been working in one of IT:U\u2019s Learning Labs?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

ITU has a very friendly atmosphere, and the team spirit here is exceptionally strong. I\u2019ve worked in RITA \u2013 the Extended Reality Lab<\/a> \u2013 which was a fascinating experience. I explored virtual reality technologies, designed immersive environments, and collected data using eye-tracking tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to IT:U? (even somebody from a non-technical background)<\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy thinking outside the box, then IT:U is definitely the right place for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“If my project is successful, I envision a future where everyone has access to a 24\/7 peer tutor at home\u2014a personalized learning companion to support them in mastering any skill or knowledge they seek<\/em>.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\u2014<\/strong> Saba Soleimani, when asked “Imagine your research reaches its full potential \u2014 what kind of impact would it have in 5, 10, or 20 years?”<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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