Salah Esmaeili

Ph.D. Student in Educational Technology, University of Florida. Researcher and designer focused on learning games, generative AI in education, critical thinking, and assessment.

University of Florida Generative AI Learning Games Critical Thinking
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LegalMind Flagship

A learning environment for cultivating critical thinking through law cases. Students engage with cases and practice evidence-based reasoning and argumentation.

Go to legalmind.imsalah.com

AI + Learning Design Focus

I build and evaluate AI-powered learning tools, with an emphasis on usability, assessment, and classroom-ready design.

Explore projects below

Profile

I work at the intersection of educational technology, learning sciences, and human-centered design. My work includes research on learning games and assessment, as well as design and evaluation of AI-powered learning tools.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Educational Technology (2023–Present), University of Florida. Advisor: Dr. Seyedahmad Rahimi.
  • M.A. in Educational Technology (2017), Allameh Tabataba’i University. Thesis: The Effect of Kahoot! as a Game-Based Environment on Students’ Learning and Motivation. Advisor: Dr. Khadijeh Aliabadi.
  • B.S. in Learning Sciences (2015), Tabriz University.

Core Expertise

  • Learning games & gamification research (motivation, skills, outcomes).
  • Generative AI in education (tool design, assessment, and evaluation).
  • Critical thinking and stealth assessment design.
  • Usability testing and UX reporting for educational software.
  • Research methods: qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Research & Interests

My research centers on designing, studying, and evaluating technology-rich learning experiences and assessment systems, including serious games and AI-supported learning tools.

Critical Thinking & Assessment

Stealth assessment, evidence-based reasoning, complex problem solving

  • Designing assessment approaches embedded within authentic learning activities.
  • Developing systems that elicit and evaluate reasoning processes, not only final answers.

Generative AI in Education

AI-powered learning tools, creativity assessment, classroom-ready design

  • Building and evaluating AI-powered platforms and learning applications.
  • Exploring rubric-based and human-in-the-loop approaches for valid, usable AI outputs.

Game-Based Learning

Digital games, motivation, 21st-century skills, growth mindset, executive functions

  • Systematic reviews on learning games and student outcomes.
  • Design implications for game mechanics aligned with learning goals and assessment.

Projects

Selected platforms and design initiatives across AI-powered learning tools, usability evaluation, and assessment design.

LegalMind

Learning environment for critical thinking through law cases

An environment where learners analyze cases and practice constructing evidence-based arguments. Focused on critical thinking, structured reasoning, and assessment-ready learning design.

Visit

Metalingual

Co-Designer — AI-powered English learning tool (TOEFL speaking support)

  • Collaborated on design and development for AI-supported English learning.
  • Integrated AI-driven features for personalized instruction and feedback.
  • Conducted user testing to refine functionality and engagement.

EarSketch Usability Evaluation

Usability Testing Coordinator — University of Florida

  • Designed and executed usability tests, recruited participants, and analyzed feedback.
  • Identified usability issues and delivered actionable UX recommendations in reports.

Systematic Reviews in Learning Games

K–12 learning outcomes, mindset, executive functions, 21st-century skills

  • Co-authored/assisted with systematic reviews on digital games and learner outcomes.
  • Extracted design implications and research trends for educational technology.

Professional Experience

Academic and professional roles spanning research, usability testing, instructional design, educational consulting, and project management.

Aug 2023 – Present

Research Assistant, CLASS Lab

University of Florida

  • Member of CLASS Lab.
  • Contributing to research projects and data collection.
Jan 2023 – May 2024

Usability Testing Coordinator

University of Florida

  • Designed and executed usability tests for EarSketch.
  • Recruited and managed test participants.
  • Collected/analyzed feedback and produced UX recommendations.
Jan 2023 – May 2024

Co-Designer, Metalingual (AI-Powered English Learning Tool)

University of Florida

  • Collaborated on design and development of AI features for personalized instruction.
  • Conducted user testing and iteration aligned with educational objectives.
Sep 2020 – Nov 2022

Project Manager

Innovation House of Education, Tehran, Iran — “Chaharsoogh” nationwide educational event

  • Planned and developed the project; monitored progress and outcomes.
  • Networking and coordination with stakeholders.
  • Evaluation and reporting.
Nov 2019 – May 2022

Assessment Manager

Ministry of Education (OREP), Roshd Fanavari Journal, Tehran, Iran

  • Evaluated educational content for national publication.
Jun 2018 – Feb 2019

Research Assistant

Tehran Education Department, Tehran, Iran

Project: Web-based collaborative learning platforms to promote learning and motivation

  • Collected qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Analysis and reporting. Advisor: Dr. Khadijeh Aliabadi.
May 2018 – Jul 2019

Research Assistant

Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

Project: Evaluating students’ skills enhancement in various courses

  • Collected qualitative and quantitative data; analysis and reporting.
  • Advisor: Dr. Hamidreza Maghami.
Jul 2018 – Sep 2018

Educational Consultant

Cultural and Social Department of Tehran

  • Developed workshops, courses, and webinars for Iranian teachers.
  • Developed courses for students; evaluated and revised course materials.
Oct 2017 – Jan 2018

Instructor

Mobtaker Elementary School — “Teaching Computer Use” (Ages 8–12)

Dec 2018

Referee, Top Teaching Methods’ Festival

Ministry of Education, Tehran, Iran

Jan 2017 – Mar 2017

Content Developer

Hedayat Farhikhtegan Javan Institute, Tehran, Iran

  • Evaluated and revised educational content.
2016 – 2017

Educational Consultant

Hekmat Institute, Tehran, Iran

2015 – 2017

Teaching Assistant

Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

Publications

Selected publications and scholarly outputs. (The Baniamerian article has been removed per your request.)

Journal Articles

  • Fardavoodi, M., Esmaeiligoujar, S. I., & Bakhtiarvand, M. (2020). 2020
    Investigating the effect of using educational podcasts on listening comprehension of language learners.
    Randwick International of Education and Linguistics Science Journal, 1(1), 101–106.
  • Esmaeiligoujar, S., & Poorrostaeiardakani, S. (2019). 2019
    The effect of online multi-player educational computer games on social skills and cognitive abilities of students.
    Educational Psychology, 15(51), 211–230. (In Persian)
  • Rajabiyan Dehzireh, M., Dortaj, F., Pourroostaei Ardakani, S., & Esmaeiligoujar, S. (2019). 2019
    The effect of using computer games on students’ cognitive regulation and mindfulness.
    Technology of Education Journal (TEJ), 13(3), 521–535. (In Persian)
  • Rajabiyan Dehzireh, M., Maghami, H., Esmaeiligoujar, S., & Sharifati, S. (2017). 2017
    The effect of educational augmented reality on students’ lifelong learning and performance.
    Technology of Instruction and Learning, 3(9), 63–91. (In Persian)
  • Esmaeiligoujar, S., Aliabadi, K., & Poorrostaei, S. (2017). 2017
    The effect of multiplayer serious games on students’ learning and motivation.
    New Media Research, 3(11), 195–223. (In Persian)

Books & Book Chapters

  • Book Chapter (2026)
    Rahimi, S., Esmaeiligoujar, S., Babaee, M., & Dede, C. (2026). Augmenting human creativity with responsible and ethical use of generative AI.
    In Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity (Part 2, Chapter 7). Elsevier.
  • In Preparation
    Rahimi, S., Babaee, M., Esmaeiligoujar, S., & Dede, C. Creativity and generative AI.
    In R. A. Beghetto (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of AI and Creativity in Education. Oxford University Press.
  • Book (2018)
    Dehghan, Z., Khodamoradi, H., & Esmaeiligoujar, S. (2018). Handbook for teachers: 90 minutes teaching, 90 minutes life.
    Avaye Noor Press. (In Persian)

Manuscripts Under Review

  • Rahimi, S., Li, C., Esmaeiligoujar, S., Ercan, D., & Botelho, A. Rubric-Based Generative AI Can Accurately Assess Creativity and Support Machine “Creativity” in Learning Games. Submitted to Creativity Research Journal.
  • Khodabandelou, R., Esmaeiligoujar, S., Joneidi, F., & Razban, S. A comparative study of human and AI reviews on the effectiveness of Quizizz for learning and engagement. International Journal of Information and Learning Technology.
  • Esmaeiligoujar, S., & Rahimi, S. Digital games can enhance K–12 students’ 21st-century skills: A systematic review. Educational Technology Research and Development.
  • Rahimi, S., Esmaeiligoujar, S., Ercan, D., Gao, R., & Keawphonkrang, S. Game on for growth mindset: A systematic review of digital games designed to promote growth mindset in PreK–12 education. Educational Technology Research and Development.

Refereed Proceedings

Conference Presentations (Selected)

Awards & Research Support

Recognition, fellowships, and research support. (The Productive Failure $10,000 grant entry has been removed per your request.)

Awards & Nominations

  • Best Poster Award, Florida Educational Research Association (FERA) Conference (2025).
  • Late Breaking Results Best Paper Nomination, International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education (2025).
  • Best Paper Runner-Up, UF College of Education Research Symposium (2025).
  • Fenton Family Scholarship, University of Florida (2024).
  • Presidential Presentation, AECT International Convention (2024).
  • Best Student Award, Graduate Student Excellence, Allameh Tabataba’i University (2017).
  • Ranked first candidate in Educational Technology program, Allameh Tabataba’i University (2016).
  • Ranked first among 20,221 Educational Sciences applicants in Iranian university entrance exam (2014).
  • Bronze medal (3rd), Scientific Students’ Olympiad (2014).

Research Grants (Selected)

  • Master Thesis Research Grant — Iran’s National Elites Foundation (2017): The Effect of Kahoot! as a Game-Based Environment on Students’ Learning and Motivation.
  • Research Grant (2018): Web-based collaborative learning platforms to promote learning and motivation: case study of Tehran’s 12th district schools.

Amounts are omitted here to keep the public site clean and focused on outcomes.

Professional Service

Community contributions, peer review, and professional memberships.

Memberships

  • Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OREP), Roshd Fanavari
  • Educational Design and New Technologies Core, Allameh Tabataba’i University
  • Iranian Association of Educational Technology (IAET)
  • Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT)
  • American Educational Research Association (AERA)
  • International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)

Volunteer & Outreach

  • STEM on the Lawn (Florida Semiconductor Institute, University of Florida) — Sep 27, 2025: Assisted with hands-on STEM outreach activities.

Peer Review

Selected reviewing activity (2024–2025)

  • Journal of Research on Technology in Education (JRTE) — multiple reviews (2025).
  • British Journal of Educational Technology (BJET) — multiple reviews (2024–2025).
  • Creativity Research Journal — multiple reviews (2024–2025).
  • International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS) Annual Meeting — emergency reviews (2024–2025).

Contact

If you would like to collaborate on research, learning design, or evaluation of educational technologies, please contact me.

Email

s.esmaeiligoujar@ufl.edu

For collaboration, speaking invitations, and research opportunities.

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/salah-esmaeili-3a0834b3

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=P2xdJTwAAAAJ&hl=en