Simone Opel

Dr. Simone Opel serves as a Specialist Media Didactician at the Faculty of Media and Information Technology at FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany. Her academic role focuses on computer science education with particular emphasis on vocational-academic pathways, data science pedagogy, and ethical considerations in technology education. She teaches Master's level courses including 'Introduction to scientific work' and 'Introduction to Data Science Research,' while contributing to curriculum development in computer science didactics and data ethics.

Her educational background features a PhD in Natural Sciences (2020) with research on competency modeling for IT specialist training, complemented by a First State Examination for Vocational School Teaching from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Earlier studies include a Diplom-Ingenieur in Telecommunications from Georg-Simon-Ohm-Hochschule in Nuremberg.

Dr. Opel's research centers on bridging vocational training and higher education through competency-based approaches. Her work addresses critical challenges in AI literacy development, ethical frameworks for data science education, and recognition of prior professional experience. She investigates how workplace skills from vocational training can inform academic curriculum design, with particular focus on the evolving IT sector. Her publications reveal increasing attention to generative AI in educational contexts and ethical dimensions of technology education.

Analysis of her publication trends shows consistent focus on practical implementation strategies across educational levels. Recent work demonstrates growing emphasis on ethical considerations in AI education, reflecting societal concerns about responsible technology development. Her research combines theoretical frameworks like the Four-Component Instructional Design model with practical classroom applications, creating valuable resources for educators navigating the digital transformation of curricula.

• Co-author of influential 'Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education – A Handbook'
• Contributor to German Computer Science Society (GI) position papers on AI in education
• Developer of AsTRA assessment tool for recognizing prior professional experience
• Key participant in national initiatives restructuring IT vocational training

As an educator, Dr. Opel supervises Master's students and develops innovative teaching materials that connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. Her work on permeability between vocational and academic pathways has led to concrete tools for recognizing workplace competencies within higher education frameworks. She collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams across German universities to develop simulation games and virtual tutors that enhance data science learning experiences.

Dr. Opel actively participates in research networks focusing on educational technology and vocational-academic transition. Current projects include developing educational games for the data science life cycle and prototyping adaptive virtual tutors. Her work informs national policy discussions on restructuring IT vocational training and strengthening connections between different educational sectors in Germany's dual education system.