Phd position: "Integrating Human-Centered Design and Generative AI in TEL: Advancing Learning Analytics for effective educational environments"

18 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - ETIC

Department

Tecnologies de la Informació i les Comunicacions

Research Field

Engineering

Researcher Profile

Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Spain

Application Deadline

15 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37,5

Offer Starting Date

15 Jan 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Open PhD Fellowship at the TIDE research group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain

TIDE is a research group in an ICT department with a clear interdisciplinary vocation. TIDE offers a PhD fellowship position with the topic: 

"Integrating Human-Centered Design and Generative AI in Technology-Enhanced Learning: Advancing Learning Analytics for effective educational environments"

The Technology Enhanced Learning field has produced digital tools to assist educational stakeholders (e.g. teachers, students) in the creation of pedagogically-sound learning environments. Learning Analytics (LA) is a field within Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) that borrows methods from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and helps understanding and optimizing learning environments based on the analysis of educational data. However, the adoption of TEL solutions suffers from an on-going debate about the need to provide a human centered and trustworthy approach to AI. In TEL this debate focuses on the tension between the potential of designing solutions to achieve a more effective education and its impact on human behavior and wellbeing.

Addressing human factors in the design process and implementation of learning technologies is due. Significant effort is still needed to design solutions according to the factors (and methods) proposed by the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) field while also considering factors from the learning sciences field to support a successful learning experience.

Furthermore, taking into account the evolving landscape of Generative AI tailored for educational purposes, it becomes evident that these innovative tools hold the potential to assist educators in the seamless integration of Universal design for Learning (UDL) within authentic educational settings. AI can significantly reduce the time and effort demanded from teachers by providing specialized knowledge and automating some related tasks. However, the reality is that many educators may lack a comprehensive understanding of these technologies, hindering their effective application. Additionally, these tools have not been explicitly tailored to meet the unique needs of teaching and learning practices.

Addressing this multifaceted problem entails grappling with the complexities of integrating Generative AI into effective Learning Technologies to support educational practices while considering the intricacies and diverse dynamics of classrooms and learners. It necessitates a comprehensive exploration of methods, strategies, and cutting-edge technologies that can harness the vast potential of AI to create learning experiences that are not only inclusive but also adaptable and equitable for all (teachers and students). It is key to understand the needs and problems faced by educators, for this reason applying a human-centered approach is key for understanding how to enhance this context with a digital learning environment. 

This project will advance the state of the art in this domain by researching the mechanisms that can enable educational stakeholders engagement throughout the various phases of the Learning Design process by integrating a Human-centered approach.

Therefore, the goal of this project is to advance the state of the art in this domain (Human-centered Learning Technologies, Learning Analytics, including the integration of Generative AI) and to propose TEL solutions to support educational stakeholders when they are involved in LD processes such as designing, implementing or regulating learning in real educational settings. 

This project will be supervised by Dr. Patricia Santos, a Ramon y Cajal fellow and senior researcher of the Interactive and Distributed Technologies Group (TIDE) at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. TIDE has extensive research experience in learning design technologies (e.g., ILDE+, Collage, LdShake, edCrumble) and are currently involved in TEL and HCLA research projects (see TIDE projects: https://www.upf.edu/ca/web/tide/projects ).

This PhD research will be conducted in the frame of existing research projects coordinated by TIDE, for example the H2OLearn project (see: https://www.upf.edu/web/h2olearn/ )

The PhD position is offered to a highly motivated researcher, to join our team in interdisciplinary learning technologies research. The successful candidate should have an excellent undergraduate and master academic record in engineering (e.g. telematics, data science) or computer science. Candidates should have a strong desire to see technological work applied in solving impactful problems in the context of education. The successful candidate should also have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Evidence of excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, good English command, and Spanish or/and Catalan language knowledge are desirable. 

Please contact Patricia Santos ([email protected] ) for any question or further information needed.

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Specific Requirements

PhD program admission, see requirements at https://www.upf.edu/web/etic/doctorat  

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Engineering

Additional Information
Benefits

- 3-year contract, possibility of 1-year extension.

-  Salary depends on the skills and experience that the candidate brings to the position. Medical insurance is included.

- Training in transversal skills.

- Participation in European projects, projects’ meetings, scientific conferences.   

- Participation in networking and outreach activities.

- Participation in workshops at formal educational institutions (knowledge of Spanish or Catalan will be positively valued).

- Contribute to teaching, laboratory, practice teaching, supervision, or exam work within the department areas of expertise.

Eligibility criteria

- Academic records and CV.

- Motivation letter.

- Recommendation letters (optional)

- Interview

Additional comments

Expected incorporation decision of candidates: June 2024

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - ETIC

Country

Spain

State/Province

Barcelona

City

Barcelona

Postal Code

08018

Street

Tànger, 122-140

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Barcelona

City

Barcelona

Website

https://www.upf.edu/ca/web/tide

Street

Roc Boronat 138

Postal Code

08018

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED