Speakers

The International Online Conference “Digital Education 2026” is organized by the Center for Educational Technologies Western Balkans in collaboration with partners for the seventh consecutive year.

We continue the tradition of gathering with the desire to exchange knowledge and experiences, to learn from examples of best practices, and to discover the most effective ways of connecting education and modern technologies.

Marija Kovačević

Position: Digital Bridges of Childhood
Categories: 2026 – Early Childhood Education and Care

Marija Kovačević is an early childhood educator who participates in professional gatherings, educator meetups, and conferences. In her professional practice, she strives to be an innovator, actively connecting the traditional values of children’s play with modern technological advances. Her work focuses on introducing children to digital technologies not as a replacement for play, but as a means of active learning, exploration, and creative expression.

Marija Kovačević

Digital Bridges of Childhood

Marija Kovačević is an early childhood educator who participates in professional gatherings, educator meetups, and conferences. In her professional practice, she strives to be an innovator, actively connecting the traditional values of children’s play with modern technological advances. Her work focuses on introducing children to digital technologies not as a replacement for play, but as…

Marija Milovanović

Position: From Digital Tools to Knowledge Creation: The 6KD Model in Primary Education
Categories: 2026 – Primary and Secondary Education

Marija Milovanović is a primary school teacher, pedagogical adviser, and STEM educator at „Stefan Nemanja“ Primary School in Niš, Serbia. She has designed and delivered numerous innovative teaching activities and projects and authored professional papers in the fields of digital education, STEM education, and inquiry-based learning. Her work focuses particularly on the use of digital tools and the development of the 6KD Model, which promotes knowledge creation through digitally supported learning.

Marija Milovanović

From Digital Tools to Knowledge Creation: The 6KD Model in Primary Education

Marija Milovanović is a primary school teacher, pedagogical adviser, and STEM educator at „Stefan Nemanja“ Primary School in Niš, Serbia. She has designed and delivered numerous innovative teaching activities and projects and authored professional papers in the fields of digital education, STEM education, and inquiry-based learning. Her work focuses particularly on the use of digital…

Marija Živančević

Position: Learning and Play in the Digital Age
Categories: 2026 – Early Childhood Education and Care

Marija Živančević holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has experience working with preschool-aged children. She successfully integrates digital technologies into project-based activities, including VR headsets and Bee-Bot robots, to foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. She continuously develops her professional competences in digital technologies and the application of artificial intelligence in contemporary education.

Marija Živančević

Learning and Play in the Digital Age

Marija Živančević holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has experience working with preschool-aged children. She successfully integrates digital technologies into project-based activities, including VR headsets and Bee-Bot robots, to foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. She continuously develops her professional competences in digital technologies and the application of artificial intelligence in…

Marijana Jovanović Čabrić

Position: Artificial Intelligence to Support Teachers Working with Students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Categories: 2026 – Inclusion

Marijana Jovanović Čabrić is the Deputy Director of the Resource Centre at the „Vukašin Marković“ School for Primary and Secondary Education in Kragujevac. She also serves as an adviser and external associate to the ministry responsible for education, a court-appointed expert, and a collaborator with the Institute for the Improvement of Education (ZUOV) and the Institute for the Evaluation of the Quality of Education (ZVKOV). A special education teacher with over 20 years of experience, she has worked with students with disabilities and developmental difficulties at all levels of education, from preschool to primary and secondary education. She is one of the founders and organisers of the accredited professional forum Creating Together, which brings together preschool teachers and primary and secondary school teachers to showcase and exchange examples of good practice across the education system. As an Erasmus+ project coordinator, she gained extensive experience in collaborating with colleagues from different countries. She also served as a judge in the Core Values category of the FIRST LEGO League competition at the national level.

Marijana Jovanović Čabrić

Artificial Intelligence to Support Teachers Working with Students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

Marijana Jovanović Čabrić is the Deputy Director of the Resource Centre at the „Vukašin Marković“ School for Primary and Secondary Education in Kragujevac. She also serves as an adviser and external associate to the ministry responsible for education, a court-appointed expert, and a collaborator with the Institute for the Improvement of Education (ZUOV) and the…

Marina Matijević

Position: Digital School
Categories: 2026 – Keynote Speakers

Marina Matijević holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. Since 2007, she has worked at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro, where she heads the Education Digitalisation Department. She has led and participated in numerous national and international projects, including the Montenegrin Education Information System (MEIS) and the Digital School initiative.

Marina Matijević

Digital School

Marina Matijević holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. Since 2007, she has worked at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro, where she heads the Education Digitalisation Department. She has led and participated in numerous national and international projects, including the Montenegrin Education Information System (MEIS) and…

Marina Videnović

Position: Co-CREATE: Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning to Enhance Student Motivation
Categories: 2026 – Primary and Secondary Education

Marina Videnović is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Psychology. Her research focuses on adolescent learning and socialisation in school settings and during leisure time. She served as the lead analyst for the PISA 2018 and PISA 2022 studies. She has contributed to the national „PEER-Solvers“ project and the Erasmus+ „PROSTEAM“ project. She is currently a member of the team working on the Erasmus+ „Co-CREATE“ project.

Marina Videnović

Co-CREATE: Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning to Enhance Student Motivation

Marina Videnović is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Psychology. Her research focuses on adolescent learning and socialisation in school settings and during leisure time. She served as the lead analyst for the PISA 2018 and PISA 2022 studies. She has contributed to the national „PEER-Solvers“ project and the Erasmus+ „PROSTEAM“ project. She…

Martin Kalamković

Position: Opportunities for Using Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies to Promote Inclusion
Categories: 2026 – Inclusion

Martin Kalamković, PhD, is an educator dedicated to fostering innovation and inclusion through technology. He works at the „Milan Petrović“ School for Primary and Secondary Education and the „Petnica“ Science Centre. As an ambassador for the international Scientix and eTwinning networks, he actively promotes innovative educational practices. He coordinates Erasmus+ projects, delivers invited lectures at the request of the Ministry of Education, and is the author of accredited professional development programmes.

Martin Kalamković

Opportunities for Using Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies to Promote Inclusion

Martin Kalamković, PhD, is an educator dedicated to fostering innovation and inclusion through technology. He works at the „Milan Petrović“ School for Primary and Secondary Education and the „Petnica“ Science Centre. As an ambassador for the international Scientix and eTwinning networks, he actively promotes innovative educational practices. He coordinates Erasmus+ projects, delivers invited lectures at…

Matije Zorić

Position: One Board, Multiple Possibilities: The SMART Board as a Learning Tool in a Multigrade Classroom in a Small Rural School
Categories: 2026 – Primary and Secondary Education

Matije Zorić holds a Master’s degree in Primary Education and has over 18 years of experience in primary school teaching, with particular expertise in rural schools and multigrade classrooms. His teaching practice incorporates modern teaching methods, digital technologies, and elements of artificial intelligence. He is the author of accredited professional development programmes, academic papers, and the book „A Teacher’s COVID Diary“. He has also participated in international conferences.

Matije Zorić

One Board, Multiple Possibilities: The SMART Board as a Learning Tool in a Multigrade Classroom in a Small Rural School

Matije Zorić holds a Master’s degree in Primary Education and has over 18 years of experience in primary school teaching, with particular expertise in rural schools and multigrade classrooms. His teaching practice incorporates modern teaching methods, digital technologies, and elements of artificial intelligence. He is the author of accredited professional development programmes, academic papers, and…

Melita Brodar

Position: When AI Provides an Answer: How Can We Encourage Critical Thinking?
Categories: 2026 – Primary and Secondary Education

Melita Brodar is a chemistry teacher who graduated from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics. She teaches chemistry at „Ivana Kukuljević Sakcinski Primary School“ in Ivanec, Croatia. Her work places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based and experiential learning, fostering creativity, and working with gifted and highly motivated students. She actively contributes to the design and implementation of STEM activities, projects, and extracurricular programmes, while encouraging collaboration among students of different ages and cooperation within and beyond the school. She is involved in Erasmus+ activities and international cooperation and serves as a Scientix Ambassador and an ambassador for the Women Science Teachers initiative. She regularly presents her experience and examples of good practice at professional development events and conferences.

Melita Brodar

When AI Provides an Answer: How Can We Encourage Critical Thinking?

Melita Brodar is a chemistry teacher who graduated from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics. She teaches chemistry at „Ivana Kukuljević Sakcinski Primary School“ in Ivanec, Croatia. Her work places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based and experiential learning, fostering creativity, and working with gifted and highly motivated students. She actively contributes to the design and…

Michael Hallissy

Position: Digital education: affirming what works and ensuring teachers are at the core
Categories: 2026 – Keynote Speakers

Michael Hallissy is an international digital education specialist and co-founder of H2 Learning. He has worked as a consultant with the World Bank, the Irish Department of Education, the European Commission, UNICEF and UNESCO in the field of digital education over the past 25 years. He is research active and is involved in a range of Erasmus+ projects focused on aspects of digital education, including AI in education. As a former teacher he is cognisant of the key role teachers and school leaders play in designing and implementing digital change in schools, in a measured and sustainable way.

Michael Hallissy

Digital education: affirming what works and ensuring teachers are at the core

Michael Hallissy is an international digital education specialist and co-founder of H2 Learning. He has worked as a consultant with the World Bank, the Irish Department of Education, the European Commission, UNICEF and UNESCO in the field of digital education over the past 25 years. He is research active and is involved in a range…

Milan Milanović

Position: From AI Literacy to Employability: Rethinking Teaching and Assessment for the AI-Enhanced Workplace
Categories: 2026 – Higher Education

Milan Milanović is an Assistant Professor of English Language and Applied Linguistics at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), Qatar. His teaching and research interests include language assessment, AI in education, academic communication, and the pedagogically responsible use of generative AI in higher education.

Milan Milanović

From AI Literacy to Employability: Rethinking Teaching and Assessment for the AI-Enhanced Workplace

Milan Milanović is an Assistant Professor of English Language and Applied Linguistics at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), Qatar. His teaching and research interests include language assessment, AI in education, academic communication, and the pedagogically responsible use of generative AI in higher education.

Milena Vujanović

Position: Integrated Learning Through Digital Storytelling: Fostering Speech and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood
Categories: 2026 – Early Childhood Education and Care

Milena Vujanović holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and works at the British International School in Belgrade. She completed both her undergraduate and master’s studies at the Faculty of Education in Užice, University of Kragujevac, and further developed her professional skills through academic mobility programmes at universities in Slovakia and Hungary. She is committed to continuous professional development in child psychology, psychological first aid, and play therapy. She speaks English, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian, and has published two poetry collections.

Milena Vujanović

Integrated Learning Through Digital Storytelling: Fostering Speech and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood

Milena Vujanović holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and works at the British International School in Belgrade. She completed both her undergraduate and master’s studies at the Faculty of Education in Užice, University of Kragujevac, and further developed her professional skills through academic mobility programmes at universities in Slovakia and Hungary. She is…

Milica Brajović

Position: Digital Tools to Support Learning Through Play, Family Engagement, and the Professional Development of Early Childhood Educators
Categories: 2026 – Early Childhood Education and Care

Milica Brajović holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has 19 years of experience in the field. She participates in professional gatherings for early childhood educators and has authored several professional papers presented at conferences. Her particular interests include using digital technologies to foster children’s curiosity, promote learning through play, strengthen collaboration with families, and encourage professional exchange and sharing of experience.

Milica Brajović

Digital Tools to Support Learning Through Play, Family Engagement, and the Professional Development of Early Childhood Educators

Milica Brajović holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has 19 years of experience in the field. She participates in professional gatherings for early childhood educators and has authored several professional papers presented at conferences. Her particular interests include using digital technologies to foster children’s curiosity, promote learning through play, strengthen collaboration with…

Milica Crnjaković

Position: Cultivating a Culture of Digital Technology Use in Early Childhood Education: Strengthening a Learning Community Through Collaboration and Connection
Categories: 2026 – Early Childhood Education and Care

Milica Crnjaković is an early childhood educator at the “Jelica Obradović” Preschool Institution in Mladenovac. Through her commitment and creativity, she actively contributes to improving educational practice and supporting the development of the institution. She has pursued her professional career within the institution at the “Breze” kindergarten. Her particular interests and expertise focus on collaboration with the local community, building successful partnerships and connecting children with their wider environment. As a regular presenter at the institution’s professional meetings, she enjoys sharing good practices and exchanging experiences with colleagues. She continuously develops her professional competencies by participating in numerous seminars and professional training programmes, contributing to innovative practice and the overall quality of the institution’s work.

Milica Crnjaković

Cultivating a Culture of Digital Technology Use in Early Childhood Education: Strengthening a Learning Community Through Collaboration and Connection

Milica Crnjaković is an early childhood educator at the “Jelica Obradović” Preschool Institution in Mladenovac. Through her commitment and creativity, she actively contributes to improving educational practice and supporting the development of the institution. She has pursued her professional career within the institution at the “Breze” kindergarten. Her particular interests and expertise focus on collaboration…

Mirza Žižak

Position: Self-Regulated Learning as a Prerequisite for a Successful Flipped Classroom: The 3D-SRL Conceptual Model
Categories: 2026 – Keynote Speakers

Prof. Mirza Žižak, MD, PhD, is Head of the Department of Physiology and Chair of the Department of Physiology and Immunology, as well as Head of the E-Learning Office and Editor-in-Chief of the web portal at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine (MEF). For the past 25 years, his scientific and professional interests have focused on the development of e-learning and the use of innovative teaching methods in higher education. He has led numerous workshops on the application of AI-supported innovative pedagogical approaches and e-learning at various faculties and universities in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has led or partnered in several research, educational, and pilot projects, including the Erasmus+ projects SAILeR, AHEDIS, and NANO-THINK, as well as the e-Sveučilište pilot project.

Mirza Žižak

Self-Regulated Learning as a Prerequisite for a Successful Flipped Classroom: The 3D-SRL Conceptual Model

Prof. Mirza Žižak, MD, PhD, is Head of the Department of Physiology and Chair of the Department of Physiology and Immunology, as well as Head of the E-Learning Office and Editor-in-Chief of the web portal at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine (MEF). For the past 25 years, his scientific and professional interests have…

Mladenka Obućina

Position: The Eighth-Grade Final Exam, Big Emotions: An Interactive Digital Tool to Educate and Support Students Preparing for the Final Exam
Categories: 2026 – Primary and Secondary Education

Mladenka Obućina holds a degree in Psychology and has worked in education since 2010 as both a teacher and a school psychologist. She designs and delivers accredited teacher training programmes and presents at accredited conferences. She is also a member and presenter at the National Section of Educational Support Professionals. Her work focuses on preventive, counselling, and educational support.

Mladenka Obućina

The Eighth-Grade Final Exam, Big Emotions: An Interactive Digital Tool to Educate and Support Students Preparing for the Final Exam

Mladenka Obućina holds a degree in Psychology and has worked in education since 2010 as both a teacher and a school psychologist. She designs and delivers accredited teacher training programmes and presents at accredited conferences. She is also a member and presenter at the National Section of Educational Support Professionals. Her work focuses on preventive,…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below you will find answers to the questions most frequently asked by speakers at previous editions of the conference. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please feel free to contact us.

All applicants will be notified of the selection results by email no later than Monday, 13 October 2026.

If your proposal is accepted, you will receive an email from the EdTech Center Western Balkans with detailed instructions regarding the rehearsal schedule, your session coordinator, technical requirements, and the support available before and during the conference.

In line with the values of the EdTech Center Western Balkans, proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of the topic and alignment with the conference objectives;
  • Clear pedagogical value and contribution to teaching and learning;
  • Demonstration of meaningful and effective use of digital technologies in education;
  • Positive and measurable impact on learning outcomes;
  • Long-term sustainability of the proposed approach or solution;
  • Potential for further development and implementation in different educational contexts;
  • Responsible, ethical, and inclusive use of technology;
  • The proposal is not primarily commercial in nature;
  • The topic has not been presented at previous editions of the Digital Education Conference.

All submitted proposals are reviewed by the Conference Programme Committee, composed of representatives of the EdTech Center Western Balkans, the Ministry of Education, the Institute for Education Quality and Evaluation, and the Petlja Foundation.

Each selected speaker will have approximately 15 minutes for their presentation, including time for questions and answers.