Research and Endorsements

Welcome to Learnlab’s knowledge base! Here you will find independent endorsements from educational leaders, alongside the research and pedagogical foundations that underpin our books and tools.

Leading Educational Change in the Era of AI

How can disruptive technology like AI be harnessed to elevate educational practices rather than corrupt them?

Dive into this essential resource and discover how to lead your institution through transformative change, ensuring that pedagogy comes first while AI serves as an ally. Leading Change in the Era of AI offers a comprehensive roadmap, combining theoretical insights with practical strategies and free resources to foster learning organizations that are future-ready while staying true to their core values.

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What readers are saying about the book:

Professor Kim Schildkamp at University of Twente

“If you are interested in how AI can help in leading educational change in organizations, this is a must-read!”
Professor Emeritus Michael Fullan at University of Toronto

“This book effectively integrates the most effective change models with the power of AI, exploring the evolution of our shared humanity and the future it holds. What I love about this book is how Learnlab, alongside students and lead learners, actively creates and tests the best ideas.”
Professor Steve Munby, former CEO of the National College for School Leadership in England

“This book is ground-breaking. It provides us with a rigorous analysis of leadership and change management issues, whilst also outlining helpful models and processes that leaders can work through to improve their organization. Anyone who wants to improve their school and to understand how to use AI in doing so should get hold of a copy. I know of no other book like it.”
Professor Emeritus Louise Stoll, UCL IOE London and former President of the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement

“What a bonus! A resource that demonstrates in so many ways that AI can support deep educational change. Learnlab and IMTEC colleagues have skilfully combined their extensive knowledge and experience of EdTech, AI and leadership of educational change in one unique publication. A thought-provoking, valuable and radical call for international action.”
Dennis Shirley, Professor at Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College

“With clear and compelling prose, this book offers a cornucopia of best practices based on rigorous research designed to provide busy school leaders with all of the tools needed to make the most of AI in their schools and systems. An indispensable resource, it belongs on every thoughtful educator’s bookshelf.“
Professor Andy Hargreaves, University of Ottawa, President of ARC Education and former President of the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement

“This easy-to-read book is not just a set of speculations about the pros and cons of AI; it transforms those issues in schools, not instead of skilled professional judgement, but with it. Accessible, practical and wise, the best book on AI in education improvement anyone has written yet.“

Learning and Assessment in the Era of AI

How can disruptive technology like AI elevate education rather than undermine it?

Explore this groundbreaking resource to discover how to foster engaged and inclusive classrooms where pedagogy is in the driver’s seat and AI-assisted technology serves as an ally. Learning and Assessment in the Era of AI provides a comprehensive roadmap underpinned by the Learnlab model, blending theoretical insights with practical strategies and concrete tips. The aim is to help teachers provide lifelong holistic learning in a constantly evolving landscape.

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What readers are saying about the book:

Michail Giannakos, professor at Norwegian University of Science and Technology

“Humans and AI can ethically and synergistically combine their strengths to support teaching and learning. This book provides distinct ways teachers and AI can complement each other’s abilities and effectively integrate AI into educational settings. Thoughtfully written and deeply relevant, it is an essential read for anyone invested in the future of education.”
Lee Elliot Major, Professor of Social Mobility, University of Exeter

“This book gives real hope that in the hands of expert teachers AI tools can help provide the powerful feedback that all students deserve – whatever their background. We must do all we can to make it a great equalizer in education, creating more equitable classroom practice that nurtures all our children.”
Barbara Wasson, Professor at Centre for the Science of Learning Technology, University of Bergen, Norway

“This book provides the educational practitioner with easy to read, practical down to earth insights into how to utilize AI to enhance feedback and assessment. It also provides much needed insights into being a leading EdTech developer in Europe with a focus on safeguarding digital education.”
Marlen Faannessen, Deputy Director, IMTEC Foundation

“AI can free teachers to focus on what truly matters – mentoring and guiding students. It’s time to move beyond standardized testing and adopt assessment practices that drive real growth. Packed with practical strategies and inspiration, this book is essential for anyone shaping the future of education.”
Dennis Shirley, Professor at Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College

“With refreshing clarity and an impressive command of the research, this book lays out a step-by-step blueprint for how we can marshal the spectacular new resources of AI while keeping pedagogy in the lead, keeping a clear focus on our students and their flourishing. Here is an up-to-date, reader-friendly guide to the brave new world of AI and education that belongs on every thinking person’s bookshelf and in every school’s library.”

The new way of Research:

Research–Impact–Process (RIP) with Learnlab

The RIP model illustrates how research, data collection, and learning can be integrated into a continuous cycle where impact is generated not only at the point of publication but throughout the entire process.

Traditionally, impact has been understood as something that occurs after research results are published and disseminated. In contrast, the RIP model highlights how impact and learning are built into each stage of the research process: from design, through data collection, analysis, and publication.

Design and Data Collection:

At the start of the process, Learnlab provides interactive digital environments where participants can contribute data while simultaneously engaging in professional or student learning. This means that data collection itself becomes a learning activity, creating immediate impact in practice.

AI Agents and Analysis:

The process is supported by AI agents (RAG – retrieval augmented generation) that assist with structuring, analyzing, and interpreting large and complex datasets. These agents provide timely insights to participants and researchers, enabling reflection and adjustment during the process. This reduces the gap between evidence generation and evidence use.

Formal Analysis and Publication:

After structured analyses, findings are synthesized and shared through traditional formats such as reports and articles. But in the RIP model, these outputs are only one part of the cycle.

Impact / Learning Throughout:

Impact is not reserved for the end stage. Because participants in Learnlab (teachers, students, professionals) engage with interactive formats — such as surveys, collaborative concept maps, quizzes, and discussion groups — they experience learning as part of the data collection and reflection process itself. Thus, impact and learning occur in real time, not only after formal publication.

Learnlab's role

Learnlab, represented in the circle, integrates multiple modes of engagement, from collaborative group tasks, quizzes, and surveys, to podcasts, videos, and concept mapping. By embedding AI-supported translation, feedback, and analysis tools into these learning activities, Learnlab ensures that both data quality and participant learning are enhanced.

Importantly, Learnlab is designed in alignment with GDPR compliance and the EU AI Act, ensuring safe and responsible use of AI.

Key Point: The RIP model reframes the relationship between research and practice

Research is not only about producing knowledge for later use.
It is a co-learning process, where participants build competence and create impact as data is being collected and analyzed.
AI agents and the Learnlab platform provide the scaffolding that makes this integration possible.

Pedagogy

Progressive Pedagogy at Learnlab involves student-centered learning where students learn by acting and producing, tailored to individual needs with the opportunity to be creative and engaged, and by reflecting on the learning process. This approach is inspired by the theories of renowned educators and psychologists such as John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Maria Montessori, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Howard Gardner, and Michael Fullan. These theories promote an educational system that values practical learning, critical thinking, and reflection—principles that are embedded in both the pedagogical content and the technological development of the Learnlab platform. Learnlab aims to foster an environment where learning is not only informative but also transformational, promoting personal growth and societal contributions.

John Dewey: Experience-Based Education and Reflective Thinking

John Dewey, a philosopher and educational reformer, argued for an experience-centered education, emphasizing that learning occurs through experience and reflection on those experiences. Dewey believed that education should prepare students to fully engage with their society and environment, encouraging a continuous cycle of action and reflection that enhances both personal and intellectual growth. Learnlab offers digital tools that support reflection and student production. Presentation is particularly beneficial for reflection, while Book, Mind map, Video and Podcast serve as excellent student production tools. Additionally, the AI assistant is developed to help students reflect on what they have achieved and what they can do next. For “learning by doing,” we recommend combining our platform with analog student activities to leverage the strengths of experience-based learning, creative student productions, and thoughtful reflections.

Real-World Applications:Dewey’s idea that education should be closely tied to real-world experiences is a cornerstone of Learnlab’s approach, where teachers are encouraged to create rich tasks that engage students with their local environment and showcase their products to a broad audience, not always just the class.
Lev Vygotsky: Mediated Learning, The Zone of Proximal Development, and Scaffolding

Lev Vygotsky, a key figure in psychology and education, introduced and laid the foundation for several key concepts that have had significant influence on modern pedagogical practices. Central to his theory is the idea of mediated learning, which postulates that learning occurs through interaction with one’s social environment, particularly through tools and language. This interaction often occurs within the “Zone of Proximal Development” (ZPD), which is the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. Learnlab facilitates mediated social learning where students receive support (scaffolding) through technology, with language, collaborative learning, and AI support being central.
Maria Montessori: Emphasis on Self-Directed, Hands-On Learning (and “Peace”)

Maria Montessori revolutionized early childhood education by introducing a child-centered approach that emphasizes practical, self-directed learning within a carefully prepared environment. Her philosophy is based on the idea that children learn best when they are free to explore materials and concepts at their own pace, guided by intrinsic motivation rather than external rewards or pressure. Learnlab’s various tools, such as Mind map, Book, Video and Podcast, facilitate such exploration in interaction with both analog and other digital sources. Montessori’s focus on “peace” in a broad sense is something we support at Learnlab by creating thought-provoking content that can contribute to socially engaged citizens who seek both external and internal peace. For sensory-based and active learning, we recommend using our platform in combination with experience-based learning in the real world. Our learning assistant, helps students have a more self-directed learning process, providing help when needed and allowing teachers to focus their support where it’s most needed.
Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosophy of Language and Learning

Ludwig Wittgenstein, a pivotal figure in modern philosophy, greatly influenced the understanding of language and its role in learning. He argued that the meaning of words depends on context, and that language gains its meaning from its use in various “forms of life.” We understand a concept only when it is used in practice. Therefore, we focus on having students concretize learning through products and actions, and these become the basis for demonstrating competence. This perspective encourages a focus on practical language use within specific activities and communities, emphasizing the importance of context in communication and understanding. Learnlab’s AI assistant, is designed to engage students in language use rooted in the teacher’s chosen learning objectives and key concepts for the topic.
Howard Gardner: Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has had a significant impact on educational philosophy by suggesting that intelligence is not a single general ability, but rather distinct dimensions. According to Gardner, education should be tailored to individual strengths and learning styles to maximize students’ potential.
1. Linguistic intelligence
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence
3. Spatial intelligence
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
5. Musical intelligence
6. Interpersonal intelligence
7. Intrapersonal intelligence
8. Naturalistic intelligence
9. Critical evaluation
Particularly linguistic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and critical evaluation are areas where the Learnlab platform excels in developing students. For the other types of intelligence, it depends on the activities the teacher sets up in planning. Analog activities can be easily integrated with digital activities on the Learnlab platform.
Michael Fullan: Deep Learning
Michael Fullan, a renowned educational researcher best known for his thoughts on deep learning, is a major inspiration for LK-20. Fullan identifies six crucial competencies—often referred to as the six Cs—that are essential for students in the 21st century:
1. Character: Learnlab platforms encourage the exploration and development of identity through engagement with rich tasks and the creation of creative student products.
2. Citizenship: By developing content and involving students in projects that address real-world issues, Learnlab promotes global awareness and respect for diversity.
3. Collaboration: Collaboration is a key feature of Learnlab’s tools, with excellent opportunities for co-writing.
4. Communication: Learnlab tools are designed to lower the threshold for participation and form the basis for discussions and presentations. Students can use text, audio, images, or video to express themselves.
5. Creativity: Idea conceptualization tools such as mind maps and flowcharts stimulate creative thinking. Students can experiment with different ways of representing information, develop unique solutions to problems, and express themselves through digital media.
6. Critical Thinking: Learnlab platforms challenge students to use logical reasoning, analyze information, evaluate sources, including feedback from AI.
Hargreaves & Shirley: Student Engagement

Dennis Shirley and Andy Hargreaves highlight the need for a better balance between performance and well-being in schools. They have identified five pathways that promote and five that hinder student engagement. The hindrances include dissatisfaction, disconnection from school and curriculum, dissociation from societal norms, disempowerment, and distraction. To promote student engagement, the focus must be on mastery, empowerment, intrinsic value in schoolwork, understanding the importance of what one is learning, and linking learning to the culture one is part of.

Digital tools can enhance engagement when used with clear goals and purpose, while standardized tests are seen as the arch-enemy of student engagement. At Learnlab, we work towards period-based teaching that promotes relevance, mastery, and student involvement, based on a portfolio mindset. This has previously been challenging for teachers, but with AI, this task is now easier. We offer learning resources that teachers can copy and adapt to local conditions. In addition, we have a strong focus on Sami content, which supports a language and culture under great pressure.