At the 22nd International Conference on Smart Technologies & Education (STE2025), held April 9–11 at Duoc UC in Santiago, Chile, the International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE) and the local host institution proudly recognized outstanding research contributions with the STE Best Paper Awards. These annual honors highlight academic excellence across full papers, short papers, student-led projects, and early-stage work, reflecting the spirit of innovation at the heart of STE.
With submissions from more than 30 countries, the 2025 awards celebrated work that blends technical rigor with educational impact—aligned with the conference theme “Smart Technologies for an All-Electric Society.”
Best Full Paper Award
1st Place
Title: Students’ Experience Using an Artificial Intelligence Tool Integrated into a Remote Chemistry Laboratory
Authors: Fiorella Lizano-Sánchez¹, Ignacio Idoyaga², Fernando Capuya², Pablo Orduña³, Luis Rodriguez-Gil⁴, Carlos Arguedas-Matarrita¹
(¹Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Costa Rica; ²Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; ³LabsLand, USA; ⁴LabsLand, Spain)
An international team presented a powerful study on how AI can enhance student learning and engagement in remote chemistry labs—offering a scalable model for personalized science education.
2nd Place
Title: Exploring Interconnections in Learning: Mathematics, Science and Technology
Author: Tamara Diaz Chang (Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile)
This paper offers a pedagogical framework for linking STEM subjects in ways that strengthen conceptual understanding and inspire more holistic learning pathways.
Best Short Paper Award
1st Place
Title: Defining Dimension Metrics for Evaluating Overall Prompting Effectiveness
Authors: Andrey Shcherbakov, Leonardo Espinosa-Leal (Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Finland)
The authors proposed a new framework for evaluating AI prompt quality—paving the way for more effective and human-centered interactions with educational AI tools.
2nd Place
Title: Using Smart Complexes to Optimize the Pace of Students' Vocational Training
Authors: Oleksandr Radkevych¹, Mykola Pryhodii², Valentyna Radkevych²
(¹Institute of Pedagogy; ²Institute of Vocational Education, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine)
This work explores adaptive digital systems that personalize vocational training speeds—addressing equity and efficiency in technical education.
Best Work-In-Progress Paper
Title: Virtual Reality Challenge App to Generate Interest in Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Mario Wolf, Oliver Vogt, Detlef Gerhard (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany)
A VR-based gamified prototype designed to attract future engineers—this early-stage project combines immersive technology with interactive STEM outreach.
Best Student Paper
Title: Implementing a Stewart Platform in Robotics Education: A Case Study
Authors: Axel Jacobus J Degrande, Jona Gladines, Sam Van der Jeught, Amélie Chevalier (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
This hands-on robotics project, led by undergraduate students, introduced a motion simulation platform into engineering education—demonstrating strong innovation and pedagogical relevance.
These awards reflect the exceptional quality and forward-looking vision of the STE community. The IAOE and Duoc UC congratulate the winners for their contributions to shaping the future of engineering and technology education.
