Boris Aberšek

Prof. Dr. Boris Aberšek

Department of Technical Education, Institute for Contemporary Technologies, Faculty for Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

15Years (2012-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 February 2022
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AFAndrej Flogie
Andrej Flogie
Boris AberšekBoris Aberšek
Boris Aberšek
Information technology, through networking, knowledge-based systems and artificial intelligence, interactive multimedia, and other technologies, plays an increasingly important role, which will even increase in the future, in the way that education is taught and delivered to the student. For this reason, we decided to present some ideas for such learning-training environments in education in this chapter. Like many researchers in other countries, we are also developing a user-friendly general system, designed particularly for solving problems. It is based on experience-based intelligent tutoring systems, and intended primarily for executing better lessons and for students’ self-learning. Like all powerful tools, experience-based AI design approaches must be applied carefully. Without a carefully designed experience and extensive testing, these systems could easily result in unwanted outcomes (such as negative training or increased phobia anxiety). Despite the promise of the early efforts, the best approaches to designing these experiences are still topics of research and debate. Any technology as powerful as AI provokes many general social and ethical questions in all of us. Does AI make killing by remote control too consequence-free? Do AI models systematize existing biases? What will AI do when it enters education? We will try to provide an answer to this question in the following chapter.


22 July 2024 in Sustainability
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MKMaja Vičič Krabonja
Maja Vičič Krabonja
SKSimona Kustec
Simona Kustec
Vesna SkrbinjekVesna Skrbinjek
Vesna Skrbinjek
Boris AberšekBoris Aberšek
Boris Aberšek
Andrej FlogieAndrej Flogie
Andrej Flogie
Education is the most important part of sustainable society development. Traditional approaches to permanent lifelong educator training often fail to produce lasting changes in teaching practices (UN, Goal 4). This paper examines how educator involvement in a professional learning community (PLC) ensures equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all and a sustainable digital transformation of the teaching and learning process. Participation in PLC and the use of contemporary learning environments positively impact the quality of educators’ work, thereby enhancing the overall educational process. This study utilised a quantitative methodology, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. Results indicate that a balanced integration of formal PLC structures and guidance, combined with elements of a non-formal, broader PLC and external incentives and support (such as projects), can surpass mere exchanges of best practices, foster innovation, and support the sustainable digital transformation of educators. This approach leads to a sustainable shift in pedagogical paradigms. The PLC_IP model (focused on including digital technologies and effective teaching strategies) enhances collective educator efficacy, contributing to improved teaching quality. For PLCs to achieve sustainability, they must be dynamic entities that adapt to the evolving educational landscape, ensuring their continued relevance and impact with rising completion rates over time. Our findings underscore the importance of innovative PLCs in driving sustainable educational development and improvement and provide a framework for future research and practical applications in educational settings. In addition, PLCs can strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development (UN, Goal 17).

17 December 2024 in Education Sciences
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Vesna SkrbinjekVesna Skrbinjek
Vesna Skrbinjek
MKMaja Vičič Krabonja
Maja Vičič Krabonja
Boris AberšekBoris Aberšek
Boris Aberšek
Andrej FlogieAndrej Flogie
Andrej Flogie
In the post-COVID-19 era, education requires teachers to engage learners across diverse learning environments (at school or other formal institutions, at home, outdoors, or in virtual environments) using innovative learning strategies. To meet these challenges, teachers must upskill their creativity and strengthen their pedagogical digital competencies and knowledge management skills. This study introduces the innovative teacher training and support (TTS-IPCD) model to enhance teachers’ creativity and pedagogical digital competencies. This research involved a sample of 350 teachers from 75 primary and secondary schools over a four-year period. Teachers’ creativity was measured using the Kirton Adaption–Innovation Inventory (KAI), assessing key metrics such as problem-solving flexibility, openness to change, and inclination toward novel approaches. Quantitative analysis was conducted using an independent samples t-test to evaluate teacher creativity changes. The results indicated that the TTS-IPCD model enhanced teacher creativity in the direction of a stronger propensity toward innovative behaviors, including embracing diversity and change in their work, solving problems through novel approaches, and adopting a holistic perspective rather than strictly adhering to established routines. Furthermore, the TTS-IPCD model improved teamwork and collaboration, contributing to the development of more adaptive and innovative learning environments. These findings highlight the importance of continuous professional development of teachers focused on creative pedagogy and digital competencies to equip teachers for the evolving educational landscape.

16 April 2020 in JMIR Serious Games
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Andrej FlogieAndrej Flogie
Andrej Flogie
Boris AberšekBoris Aberšek
Boris Aberšek
MAMetka Kordigel Aberšek
Metka Kordigel Aberšek
Cecilia Sik LanyiCecilia Sik Lanyi
Cecilia Sik Lanyi
IPIgor Pesek
Igor Pesek
Background: Positive results can be obtained through game-based learning, but children with physical disabilities have fewer opportunities to participate in enjoyable physical activity. Because intelligent serious games can provide personalized learning opportunities, motivate the learner, teach 21st-century skills, and provide an environment for authentic and relevant assessment, they may be used to help children and adolescents with different kinds of learning disabilities to develop social and cognitive competences. Objective: The aim of the study was to produce and evaluate a suite of intelligent serious games based on accessible learning objectives for improving key skills, personal development, and work sustainability among children with learning difficulties. Methods: We conducted this research between 2016 and 2018, with pupils aged 11 to 12 years with learning disabilities who were integrated into the mainstream educational system. We used a 4-step methodology to develop learner creativity and social competences: (1) needs analysis, (2) development of learning content, (3) development of intelligent serious games, and (4) a usability evaluation focusing on the research questions and hypothesis. This was based on an initial teachers’ evaluation, using a survey, of students using 2 of the games, where the main goal was to determine user motivation and initiative and to improve the games and the evaluation process. The initial evaluation was followed by a pilot evaluation, which was performed for all proposed games, in all partner countries. Results: In an initial evaluation with 51 participants from Slovenia consisting of a pretest, followed by intelligent serious game intervention and concluding with a posttest, we observed statistically significant improvement in social and cognitive competences measured by tests. Based on these findings and observations, we improved the games and evaluation process. In the pilot test, conducted in all participating countries on a sample of 93 participants, the mean score on the teachers’ observation form on the pretest (before students began using the intelligent serious games) was 3.9. In the posttest, after students had used intelligent serious games, the mean score was 4.1. Conclusions: We focused on developing and evaluating intelligent serious games for persons with learning disabilities, particularly for students with disabilities who are integrated into the mainstream educational system. Such games provide an opportunity for personalized learning and should be tailored to ensure that every learner can achieve the highest standard possible. However, we recommend that the games be adapted based on the students’ needs and capabilities and a specially developed curriculum. The collected feedback showed that (1) children with learning disabilities need appropriately developed intelligent serious games, and (2) intelligent serious games, and the pertaining didactic methodology, should be based on an interoperable curriculum, so that teachers and trainers can use them. The student survey confirmed improvements in all aspects.

15 December 2017 in Journal of Baltic Science Education
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Journal Article
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MFMajda Fiksl
Majda Fiksl
Andrej FlogieAndrej Flogie
Andrej Flogie
Boris AberšekBoris Aberšek
Boris Aberšek
For successful work in the classroom, it is important to create a positive climate and to involve students actively in the process of learning. The presented research focused on how the students perceived the classroom climate, and on their interest in the contents of the subject Science, Engineering and Technology (STE). 92 primary school sixth- and seventh-grade students had been included in research. Two groups are established, one from a class using mainly frontal teaching methods (control group) and another, expert group from a class using an innovative teaching/learning methods mainly as problem and research-based learning and participatory learning supported with information communication technology. To measure the classroom climate and the students' interest, a survey with 54 statements was used. The results confirmed changes in the perception of classroom climate and in the popularity of contents taught in STE, in relation to the teaching methods used. It was established that innovative teaching/learning methods increase the students′ interest, and help to improve classroom climate. Keywords: classroom climate, students interest, innovative didactical methods, lower secondary education.