Learning analytics has been suggested as a scalable solution for evidence-based decision-making and for personalizing education to account for learner variability. However, the literature shows that advances in this area have low adoption in authentic settings, partly due to end users' (e.g., teachers and learners) lack of confidence. In addition, most of the available tools are still based on traditional data sources, such as log data, offering a partial view of the teaching-learning processes and, therefore, conditioning the reliability of the results. This leads to the following questions: Would focusing on stakeholders' values and needs contribute to fostering the acceptance and adoption of learning analytics? What complementary data collection and analysis methods can contribute to non-intrusive and reliable tools?
The GSIC-EMIC research group at the University of Valladolid (Spain), one of the top technology-enhanced learning labs in Europe, is opening a new research position to address the following challenge: how can the latest advances in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) benefit from human-centered methodologies, thus fostering their adoption?
One fully-funded PhD position is now available in this transdisciplinary research project. Three kinds of profiles will be considered for this position:
A person with a computer science or related engineering background, preferably with experience in data science, machine learning, or other AI approaches, willing to work with end users and examine quantitative and qualitative empirical data from them. Experience in topics related to human-AI collaboration will be a plus when assessing the candidate. A person with a pedagogical or educational science background, and experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, with an interest in the application of technological innovations in educational contexts. Experience in topics related to learning analytics or AI tools applied to education will be an additional merit when assessing the candidate. A person with a design-oriented background and expertise in engaging end users in the design of socio-technical systems (especially, educational technologies), able to create low- and high-fidelity prototypes. Expertise in human-centered and value-sensitive design techniques would be a great bonus when assessing the candidate. What we offer:
A vibrant transdisciplinary research community of practice made up of 20+ pre- and post-doctoral researchers from the fields of computer science, engineering, and education. Mentorship in becoming a researcher, with easy access to a supervisory team of 2-3 senior researchers (including María Jesús Rodríguez-Traina, who often provides training on PhD productivity and mental well-being). Also, access to team supervision Opportunities to participate in the execution of the group's international research and development projects, and access to the group's extensive network of international research collaborators Equipment and a workspace will be provided The option to teach/assist courses at the university, if you so desire Salary is in accordance with Spanish PhD funded position scales (annual salary of 17,800 € the 1st and 2nd year; 19.097,28 € the third year, and 851,60 the 4th year before taxes). The position is for full-time work for 4 years. Starting date is flexible (most probably before spring 2025). Please note the lower cost of living and tax rates when comparing this position with others around Europe Qualifications and other requirements:
A Master's degree in human-computer interaction, data science, computer science, pedagogy, learning sciences, educational sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Skills in one or more of the following: knowledge and experience of designing experiments; using quantitative research methods; using qualitative research methods; good programming skills; experience in user research; experience with learning analytics, educational data mining, or AIED. Openness to working with interdisciplinary projects and interest in applications for learning and teaching Proficiency in English is a must, with proficiency in Spanish a very useful bonus. Candidates are encouraged to:
reflect on whether a PhD (and this position in particular) is the right match for them, before applying; check out the process and requirements for enrollment at the Doctoral School of the University of Valladolid; To apply for this job, please email a short motivation letter (1 page), short CV (up to 4 pages), and up to 3 academic references, by July 7th, 2024, to ******.
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