PhD Learning Analytics-based dashboards for supporting students blended learning

In times of ubiquitous blended education, students need to be engaged learners who can self-regulate their learning to an unprecedented extent: setting learning goals, planning adequate learning activities, self-management of motivation, time planning, self-monitoring, and adjusting learning activities are just some of these challenges. We feel students could use some help.

Do you like designing Learning Analytics dashboards and want to figure out more about how they can boost student learning? Are you keen on creating dashboards that not only look good but are also rooted in educational theories to really get a grip on how students learn? If that sounds like your kind of challenge, why not join us? We are looking for someone to take on a PhD position focusing on learning analytics-based dashboards at the Human-Technology Interaction Group (HTI) within the School of Innovation Sciences.

The project

Blended learning has become a significant component of the modern higher education landscape. However, not all students thrive in this learning environment that requires more self-regulation of learning. Procrastination and lack of motivation can create barriers for students who need more external guidance. In addition, Dutch universities face a diversity of students with various backgrounds and specific educational needs. TU/e embraces this diversity, and its educational plan strives for more personalized learning paths.

In this PhD project, you will design student-facing dashboards based on students' clickstream data as a (partial) solution to this problem. Learning Analytics-based student dashboards offer the potential to motivate students, encourage self-regulated learning, and provide personalized feedback, but they are currently not reaching their full potential. In our research team, you proceed with a theory-guided design of dashboards in combination with a student-centered co-design and a thorough statistical evaluation in field experiments. We will consider, among others, educational theories that focus on planning activities, such as goal-setting theory, feedback theories that offer 'actionable' guidance, and motivational theories, such as self-determination theory. Personalization of learning is key in this project. Obviously, the dashboards also have to look good and be convenient and effortless to use.

The research group

The Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) group is part of the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS). The HTI group concentrates expertise in social sciences - particularly psychology - and engineering, studying technology in the service of human wellbeing within the broader context of a socially and ecologically sustainable society.

Recently completed (or be close to the completion of) a Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Educational sciences, or a related field that shows an interest in both data analysis as well as psychology.

• Demonstrable experience in conducting empirical and/or experimental research, including knowledge of and demonstrable experience with applying (state-of-the-art) statistical techniques.
• Interest in and familiarity with educational theories.
• Interest in the design of educational technologies.
• Teamwork capabilities.
• Experience with data wrangling (e.g., in R, Python) and data visualization would be an asset.
• Excellent mastering of the English language and good communication skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.

We expect you to:

• Further develop the project proposal based on academic literature, and in collaboration with educational stakeholders.
• Conduct theory-guided and user-centered (co-)design of dashboards.
• Design empirical (field) studies and lab/online experiments.
• Statistically analyze data obtained from field studies and experiments and report on results.
• Communicate practical implications of your research to specific stakeholders/the general public.
• Present the findings of your research at (inter)national scientific conferences.
• Publish papers in internationally renowned academic journals.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.