Prof. Asoc. Dr. Lekë Pepkolaj
Vice Dean / Lecturer
Faculty of Computer Science and IT
lpepkolaj@umt.edu.al
SHORT BIO
EDUCATION
PUBLICATIONS LIST
SHORT BIO
Lekë Pepkolaj graduated in Mathematics (5-year program) from the University of Tirana in 1998. He completed his doctoral studies in Mathematics at the University of Salerno, Italy, in 2015, and in 2023 he was awarded the title of Associate Professor by the University of Tirana.
He currently serves as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and IT, Coordinator of the Doctoral School, and Lecturer of the course Algebra–Geometry for Engineering at the University Metropolitan Tirana.
His research focuses on areas such as mathematics didactics and e-learning; the training of mathematics teachers, including key aspects such as motivation and career choice; STEM approaches and convergent education; PISA assessment; as well as the use of Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics to enhance the teaching and learning process.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the External Evaluation Group for the accreditation of higher education institutions and study programs in our country, contributing directly to quality assurance processes and institutional evaluation.
He is also a part-time lecturer at the University of Shkodër (2018–present) and was a full-time lecturer at Albanian University (2015–2021), where he held academic and administrative roles, including Coordinator of Core Courses, Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Program at the department level, and Member of the Internal Quality Assurance Unit.
Subsequently (2021–2023), he served as Head of the Department of Information Technology at the “Qiriazi” University College. He has an extensive research and scholarly activity, with approximately 55 publications and conference presentations both nationally and internationally.
He is a member of the editorial boards of several journals and conferences and has participated in various national and international projects as a coordinator and partner. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer for multiple national and international journals. His work has contributed to the improvement of pedagogical practices in teaching and learning processes, as well as to quality assurance policies in higher and pre-university education.
Beyond his academic activities, he is active in public discourse on education, regularly publishing popular science articles in the press on current and sensitive issues affecting societal development.
EDUCATION
- Associate Professor, University of Tirana, Albania, 2023
- PhD in Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Salerno, Italy, 2015
- Postgraduate Qualification Course: “Learning Mathematics and Physics Today,” University of Camerino, School of Science and Technology, Italy, 2011
- 5-Year Degree in Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Mathematics, University of Tirana, Albania, 1998
PUBLICATIONS LIST
Contributions in Journal
- Note, J., Maaruf, A., Pepkolaj, L. (2026). “Review and Utilisation of AI in Signal Processing”. Annals of Emerging Technologies in Computing (AETiC). Volume 10 (1), pp. 58-82. Print ISSN: 2516-0281. Online ISSN: 2516-029X. https://aetic.theiaer.org/archive/v10/v10n1/p4.html
- Irfan, M., Sulaimon, J. T., Pepkolaj, L., & Maharani, N. S. (2025). “A comparative study of mathematics teaching anxiety among elementary schoolteachers in Indonesia and Nigeria”. Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies, 25(3), 757–768. https://doi.org/10.69598/hasss.25.3.277700
- Kovaçi, S., Pepkolaj, L., Irafan, M., Tareli, M. (2025). “Critical Review of the Competence “Learning to Learn”: Analysis of Teachers’ Perceptions in Albania”. Journal of Educational and Social Research. Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 218-231. Journal of Educational and Social Research. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2025-0210
- Sujadi, I., Suprihatiningsih, S., Irfan, M., Pepkolaj, L. (2025). “Pre-service mathematics teachers: Designing context-based tasks” Infinity. Vol. 14 No. 4. pp. 995-1018 https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v14i4.p995-1018
- Polaj, E., Kadiu, E., Pepkolaj L. (2025). “The potential of Local Branding in the Economic Performance of Agro-Processing Industries and Agrotourism in Vlora, Albania”. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi Vol. 9No. 4. December 2025, pp. 1367-1377. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v9i4.42840
- A. Khasanah, R. C. I. Prahmana, S. Adiputra, I. A. Khalil, and L. Pepkolaj. (2025) “Leveraging Javanese Batik Motives in Teaching Number Patterns: The Preliminary Phase in Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education Approach”, BAREKENG: J. Math. & App., vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 3019-3032, Sep. 2025. https://doi.org/10.30598/barekengvol19iss4pp3019-3032
- Fragola, M.; Romano, S.; Peccarrisi, D.; Pepkolaj, L.; Ammoscato, I. et al. (2025). “Exploring the Spatial Variability of Airborne Bacterial and Fungal Communities: A Comparative Study across Five Central Mediterranean Areas”. Environmental Advances. ISSN 2666-7657. Index Q1 në Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100660
- Pepkolaj L., Dhimitri J., Karaguni K. (2025). “The Role of Technology in Supporting Multiple Intelligences for Collaborative and Personalized Learning, Insights from Albanian Teachers”. The scientific heritage. No 156 (156). ISSN 9215 — 0365, pp. 3-12. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14997929
- Pepkolaj, L.; Duraj, S.; Gerbeti, D. (2025). “Content Analysis of Algebra and Functions in Three 9th Grade Mathematics Textbooks in Albania: Supporting PISA Results”. Journal of Educational and Social Research. Vol 15 No 1, 67-77. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2025-0006
- Digdayana, I. U., Prahmana, R. C. I., & Pepkolaj, L. (2024). “Integrating the traditional game of Bola Bekel into mathematics education: A culturally relevant context for teaching LCM and GCD”. JRAMathEdu (Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education), 9(3). https://doi.org/10.23917/jramathedu.v9i3.10687
- Roy, L., Pepkolaj, L., N., & Prahmana, R. C. I. (2024). “Integrating Qur’an and Integer Learning in Developing Electronic Students’ Worksheet through Problem-Based Learning”. AlphaMath Journal of Mathematics Education, 10(2) p-ISSN 2477-409X, e-ISSN: 2549-9084, pp.157-176 http://dx.doi.org/10.30595/alphamath.v10i2.24421
- Romano, S.; Pepkolaj, L.; Fragola, M.; Peccarrisi, D.; Dhimitri, J.; Buccolieri, A.; Talà, A.; Alifano, P.; Quarta, G.; Calcagnile, L. (2024). “Comparative Analysis of Airborne Bacterial and Fungal Communities in South-Eastern Italy and in Albania Using the Compositional Analysis of 16S and ITS rRNA Gene Sequencing Datasets”. Atmosphere, 15, 1155. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101155
- Pepkolaj, L., Arnal-Palacián, M., Begué, N., & Prahmana, R. C. I. (2024). “Demotivating factors in teaching mathematics: A study of Albanian teachers”. Infinity, 13(1), 27-44.
- Pepkolaj, L., Koçi, E., Limaj, E. (2023). “Motivations for the correct use of errors in mathematics in pre-university education”. Journal of Natural Sciences. University of Tirana. ISSN 2305-882X nr. 34, 77-96.
- Pepkolaj, L., Dhimitri, J. (2023). “Advancing education in Albania towards effective ICT integration, teacher preparation, and Future-Ready Classrooms”. Education, Journal of Educational Research. ISSN 2671 – 3276. Vol. 5 | No. 9-10, 99 – 109.
- Agaj, D., Tufina, S., Pepkolaj, L., Arnal-Palacián, M., & Dibra, E. (2023). “Motives that Drive Young People to Pursue a Teaching Career: Case of Albania Using the Fit Choice Scale”. Journal of Educational and Social Research. Vol 13 No 5, 67-76. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2023-0121
- Pepkolaj, L. (2023). “Mendimi pedagogjik i Hannah Arendt”. Kyrias. Tiranë, nr.1, 66-71.
- Pepkolaj L., Duraj, S. Hoxha, V. (2022). “Disa aspekte në krijimin e testeve matematikore”. Buletini Shkencor, Seria e Shkencave të Natyrës, Shkodër, nr. 72, ISSN 2221-6847, 15-30.
- Dhimitri, J., Pepkolaj, L., Avdia, B. (2021). “Geography and math teachers in distance learning education amid covid-19 pandemic in Albania”. Dela 56, 175 – 191. https://doi.org/10.4312/dela.56.175-191.
- Pepkolaj, L., Duraj, S. (2021). “How substantial and efficacious is the learning of linear algebra at undergraduate level?”. Mathematics Teaching Research Journal. Vol 13, no 3. New York.ISSN#2573-4377.
- Pepkolaj, L., Duraj, S. (2020). “Vlera e gabimit në ndërtimin e nxënies së matematikës”. Buletini Shkencor, Seria e Shkencave të Natyrës, Shkodër, nr. 70, ISSN 2221-6847, 32-46.
- Pepkolaj L., Duraj, S. (2019). “Sistemet e paraqitjes në mësimdhënien e matematikës, në nivel universiteti”. Buletini Shkencor, Seria e Shkencave të Natyrës, Shkodër, nr. 69, ISSN 2221-6847, 31-41.
- Pepkolaj, L., Koçi, E. (2018). “Platforma Moodle: Njësia e nxënies LO”. Buletini i Shkencave të Natyrës. Tiranë. ISSN 2305-882X nr. 26, 281-292.
- Pepkolaj, L., Rexha, G. (2018). “Paraqitjet dhe komunikimet në matematikë: mundësitë që ofron Moodle”. Optime, Tiranë. seria e IX nr. 2, ISSN 2220-461X,175-181.
- Pepkolaj, L., Rexha, G. (2017). “Zhvillimi i e-learning: kërkimi shkencor në teknologji dhe didaktikë”. Optime, Tiranë, seria e VIII nr.1 ISSN 2220-461X,151-159.
- Albano, G., Pepkolaj, L. (2014). “Formative Self-Assessment to Support Self-driven Mathematics Education at University level”. Lecture Notes in Computer Science series, Vol. 8699, pp. 82-91, “New Horizons in Web Based Learning”, ICWL, International Workshops, revised Selected Papers.
- Coppola, C., Pacelli, T., Pepkolaj, L. (2013). “E-learning e matematica: stato dell’arte tra ricerca in tecnologia e didattica”. L’Educazione Matematica. Cagliari Itali, serie X, Vol. 3, n. 1, ISSN 1120-4850, 9-44.
Contributions to symposiums, conferences, congresses, and workshops
- Pepkolaj. L. (2025). “Qasje pedagogjike ndaj inteligjencave të shumëfishta: Metodologji për një didaktikë të personalizuar”. Workshop: Inovacion në mësimdhënien e matematikës. Akademia e Shkencave të Shqipërisë. Instituti Kombëtar i Matematikës. 24 Maj 2025.
- Pepkolaj, L. Kapia, S. Irfan, M. (2025). “Reflections and Criticisms on the Mathematics Baccalaureate Examination: A Comparative Analysis of Teachers and Students in Albania”. UMTEB – XVII international scientific research congress. May 4-6, 2025, Prague/ Czech. ISBN: 979-8-89695-081-3 pp. 577-583 https://www.umteb.org/tr
- Pepkolaj, L. Malaj, A. (2025). “Future Challenges and Perspectives on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Albanian Education”. 2nd International Scientific Research Congress. February 22-23, 2025. Istanbul. isrAcademy Publishing Isbn 978-625-95570-2-1. pp. 260-268 https://www.isracademy.org/Books/February2025CongressBook.pdf
- Pepkolaj, L. Kapia, S. (2025). “The Impact of Virtual Reality on Mathematics Learning: An Overview of Current Applications and Tools”. 7th International Mediterranean Scientific Research Congress. January 9-11, 2025, Valencia, Spain. ISBN: 979-8-89695-007-3. pp.1252-1258 614b1f_9753409f34be461380f6a6aba4a86fbf.pdf
- Pepkolaj, L. Dhimitri, J. Kola, J. (2024). “Challenge of digitization in Albanian schools: progress, standards, and future needs”. 16th International Conference Standardization, Protypes, and Quality a Means of Balkan Countries’ Collaboration. Thessaloniki October 5-6/2024. ISBN 978-618-80780-4-8 pp. 218-225
- Pepkolaj, L. Kapia, S. Hoxha V. (2024). “Optimising learning of the derivative: Teaching strategies to be implemented in the Albanian school curriculum”. 16th International Conference Standardization, Protypes, and Quality a Means of Balkan Countries’ Collaboration. Thessaloniki October 5-6/2024. ISBN 978-618-80780-4-8, pp. 190-197
- Domnori, E., Pepkolaj, L., Fejzo, K. (2024). “Interactive Language Learning: The Potential of the ‘LingoVerse’ Application to Motivate Through Play”. 5th International Conference on Computing, Networking, Telecommunications & Engineering Sciences Applications 2024 (CoNTESA ’24). Albania. pp.52-57 ISBN (Online): 979-8-3315-3453-0
- Peti, E., Kotonaj, E., Hoxha, V., Pepkolaj, L. (2024). “Analysis of Albanian High School Student’s Errors in Solving Trigonometry Problems”. All Sciences Academy. 4th International Conference on Innovative Academic Studies ICIAS 2024 will be held on March 12 – 13, 2024. pp. 1218-1226. ISBN: 978-625-6530-93-5. Konya, Turkey.
- Pepkolaj, L. Zekaj, Xh. Luma, M. (2023). “Multiple Intelligences In Mathematics: A Personalized Approach To Optimize Learning”. The Third International Conference “Globalisation and Integration in Contemporary Education” December 1st 2023. Conference venue University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani.
- Pepkolaj, L. “Teknologjia dhe roli i ligjërimit në nxënien e matematikës”. Workshop: “Sfida e kurrikulës së re të matematikës në arsimin parauniversitar dhe ndikimi i saj në arsimin universitar” organizuar nga Departamenti i Matematikës, Fakulteti i Shkencave të Natyrës, Universiteti i Tiranës. 17 Dhjetor 2022.
- Harizaj, H. Pepkolaj, L. “The Equating of Test Scores of Common Subjects from Matura Exams to Improve the Comparability of Admission of Students in Universities”. The 2nd International Conference on Intelligence-based Transformations of Technology and Business held by Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT) on October 14-15, 2022, Tirana, Albania. pp.122-127. ISBN: 978-9928-4680-0-0.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Rama, D.; Lleshi, M. “Le aree principale dell’agenda digitale Europea – il caso dell’Albania”. Konferenca “Hyrja e Shqipërisë në Komunitetin Europian” organizuar nga Kolegji Universitar “Qiriazi” për stafin akademik dhe studentët e Kolegjit Universitar (IPE), Poggiolevante Bari, Itali. 13 Maj 2022.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Bekolli, A.; Gjini, V. “Some aspects of addition and subtraction of fractions in secondary school”. International Academic Institute. International Virtual Academic Conference. Education and Social Sciences Business and Economics. Republic of N. Macedonia, November & December, 2021. ISSN 2671-3179, pp. 52-59.
- Dhimitri, J.; Pepkolaj, L.; Karaguni, M. “Analizë e modelit të pranimit të teknologjise (TAM) ndaj mësuesve në sistemin arsimor parauniversitar përgjatë pandemisë Covid-19”. Konferncë e mbajtuar nga Fakulteti i Historise dhe i Filologjise, Universiteti i Tiranes. 16-17 dhjetor 2021. Tiranë.
- Duraj, S.; Pepkolaj, L.; Hoxha, G. “Adopting Drone Technology in Mathematical Education”. 3rd International Congress on Human-Computer Interaction, Optimization and Robotic Applications (HORA), 11-13 June 2021. Ankara, Turkey. Publisher: IEEE. DOI: 10.1109/HORA52670.2021.9461297.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Rexha, G.; Luma, M. “Experiences and Reflections from the Online teaching During Covid-19: Hybrid Learning as Future Approach”. The 1st Online International Conference “Shaping the future: Digital economy and recent technology trends” held by Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT) on April 23, 2021, Tirana, Albania. pp.204-212. ISBN: 978-9928-4680-0-0.
- Sila, E.; Duraj, S.; Pepkolaj, L. “The didactic strategies for learning geometric transformations in Mathematics curriculum in high schools of Albania”. Fourteenth International Conference on: “Social and Natural Sciences – Global Challenge 2021” ICSNS – 2021. 18 April Paris, pp 99-108 ISBN: 978-9928-259-20-2
- Pepkolaj, L.; Duraj, S.; Toma, V; Gerbeti, D. “A collaborative learning experience in high school mathematics”. The 2nd International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Optimization and Robotic Applications (HORA), 26-27 June 2020, Ankara, Turkey. DOI: 10.1109/HORA49412.2020.9152852. Konferencë e indeksuar në scoppus.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Duraj, S.; Gerbeti, D. “The third millennium teachers train on their really needs: the Albania case”. International Conference Proceedings: The Future of Education – 10th edition, 18-19 June 2020, Florence Italy, ISBN 978-88-85813-87-8, ISSN 2384-9509, DOI 10.26352/E618_2384-9509, pp.619-624.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Duraj, S.; Gerbeti, D. “Definition of a Classification of the Difficulties in Linear Algebra in Psychological Terms”. International Conference Proceedings: New perspectives in science education, 9th Edition. 19-20 March 2020, Florence Italy. ISBN 978-88-85813-90-8, ISSN 2384-9509, DOI 10.26352/E319_2384-9509, pp.374-379.
- Duraj, S.; Pepkolaj, L.; Gurraj, E. “Interactive teaching for mathematics in high school”. International Academic Institute. Education and Social Sciences Conference Business and Economics Conference. Corvinus University Budapest, Hungary 26 November 2019. ISSN 2671-3179, pp. 105-114.
- Pepkolaj, L; Bekolli, A; Çela, E. “Design of ontology in the matter of linear algebra”. International Scientific Conference. Innovation, Mathematics and Information Technology. Tirana, 22 – 23, November 2019. ISBN: 978 – 1 – 78911 – 006 – 7 1, pp.55-56.
- Rexha, G.; Pepkolaj, L. “A “recovery” metacognitive intervention to improve the results of the algebra course”. 15th International Conference “Standardization, Protypes & Quality” Protypes and Quality: A means of Balkan Countries’. 24 – 25 October 2019 Edirne Turkey. ISBN 978-975-374-247-4, Trakya University Press, pp. 621 – 626.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Rexha, G. “Quizzes and Formative Self-Assessment”, Proceedings of the 14th International Conference “Standardization, Protypes and Quality: A means of Balkan Countries’ Collaboration”. 21 – 22 September 2018. ISBN: 978-9928-127-95-2, pp.196-201.
- Pepkolaj, L.; Rexha, G. “The role of communication in e-learning: Didactic quadrilateral”, Proceedings of The Fourth International Scientific Conference “Problems and Challenges of Transformation of the Society towards Standards of the European Union Conference”, Tirana, 22 December 2017. ISSN 2520-03999, pp. 340 – 346.
- Albano, G.; Pepkolaj, L. Workshop: “On Peer-Review, Peer-Assessment, and Self-Assessment in Education”. Estonia 2015.
- Albano, G.; Mangione, G.R.; Pieri, A.; Pepkolaj, L. “Didattica per competenza: Problem solving mediante la narrazione matematica”. Fare matematica nella scuola di tutti, XXXI Convegno UMI-CIIM. 17-18-19 ottobre 2013.
- Coppola, C.; Pacelli, T.; Pepkolaj, L. “Gjendja teorike e e-learning mes kërkimit shkencor në teknologji dhe didaktikë”. Seminari i XXX Kombëtar i Kërkimit Shkencor në Didaktikën e Matematikës “Giovanni Prodi” me temë: “Kërkime shkencore në e-learning dhe në didaktikën e matematikës: Integrime, eksperienca dhe reflektime”. I mbajtur nga data 23-26 janar 2013 në Rimini Itali.