Dr. Thomas Penniston is the recipient of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program grant for the 2025/2026 academic year. During his stay at FOI, he will collaborate with members of the Learning Analytics Laboratory (LA Lab). Throughout his six-month stay in Varaždin, he will work on research related to learning analytics and the application of artificial intelligence, including studies on learning pathways and patterns, as well as challenges in collaboration between European and American researchers, considering ethical perspectives and data protection regulations. His goal is to apply empirically grounded teaching approaches in a new international setting and strengthen cooperation between American and Croatian educational institutions. Dr. Penniston is also particularly interested in gaining a better understanding of European Union educational policies and in developing long-term partnerships that will benefit students and faculty on both sides of the Atlantic.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, Dr. Penniston gave a lecture to interested faculty and researchers at FOI. He presented the development, application and challenges of learning analytics from the perspective of the U.S. and his home institution, raising questions about the level of use of learning analytics and artificial intelligence in different educational systems.
“I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to work with colleagues at FOI. I look forward to our joint research, learning about your educational policies, and strengthening collaboration between our universities” said Dr. Penniston. His visit marks an important milestone for FOI, contributing to the Faculty’s international recognition and strengthening its connections with global scientific and educational institutions.
The collaboration will take place within FOI’s LA Lab, which brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners dedicated to learning analytics and learning design. The laboratory is led by Full Professor Blaženka Divjak, Ph.D., and its members continuously publish and present their research in international scientific journals and high-ranking conferences, develop international collaborations, and participate in numerous national and European projects. LA Lab is the central hub for learning analytics research in Croatia, and its researchers are recognized and respected within the international scientific community. Dr. Penniston’s arrival will further strengthen the LA Lab’s research capacities and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches in this field.
The Fulbright Program, under which Dr. Penniston comes to FOI, is the largest and most diverse international educational exchange program in the world. Established in 1946 to increase mutual understanding among nations, it is funded by the U.S. government. Since its inception, over 400,000 participants from more than 160 countries have taken part in the program, including 62 Nobel Prize winners, 95 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 82 MacArthur Fellows. Fulbright scholars have become statesmen, judges, ambassadors, ministers, university presidents, scientists, artists, and journalists who promote dialogue, collaboration, and excellence in education, science, and society.
Dr. Thomas Penniston’s visit to FOI emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and the Faculty’s openness to contemporary approaches in science and education. His experience, expertise, and global perspective will further enrich the Faculty’s academic community and contribute to the development of learning analytics in Croatia.
