Pedro Neves Rito

Pedro Neves Rito is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication and Art within the School of Education at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, where he has been teaching since 2007. His teaching focuses on web programming, creative programming, microcontroller programming, sensors, and ICT training for pre-school and primary school teachers. He is also a member of the CI&DEI Research Group and has served as Coordinator of the Information and Communication Technologies Area since 2022.

His educational background includes:

• Doctorate in Information Technologies and Systems from the University of Minho (2015)
• Master's degree in Multimedia in Education from the University of Aveiro (2007)
• Degree in Computer Engineering from the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra
• Numerous professional certifications including Adobe Certified Expert in Dreamweaver CS3 and Flash CS3

Rito's research spans multiple innovative areas at the intersection of technology and education. His primary interests include the adoption and diffusion of technologies, creative programming and application development, video game design, and tangible interfaces. He has extensively explored how gamification techniques can enhance learning experiences, particularly in programming education, and has investigated the potential of augmented reality in educational contexts. His work often focuses on practical applications for classroom settings, especially for pre-school and primary school teachers.

His recent publications show a strong trend toward integrating artificial intelligence in educational game design, with particular emphasis on STEAM education and programming concepts. He has conducted systematic reviews on the educational potential of video games and developed frameworks for designing educational mobile video games. His research consistently emphasizes practical implementation strategies for educators, with a growing focus on AI applications in educational settings.

Rito actively supervises numerous graduate students across various programs, particularly in Arts, Multimedia, and Education fields. He has led and participated in multiple research projects including "dEweB - Digital Era: WEB 3.0 and beyond," "Smart City Kids Lab," and "Eco-sensors4Health." His work demonstrates a commitment to applying technology innovations in real educational settings through practical implementation and teacher training.