Are you interested in developing technology that helps children learn mathematics?

We’re looking for a student assistant (master’s level) who can help us build a system that analyses students’ problem-solving strategies using webcam-based eye-tracking. Eye-tracking technology is often used to measure how pupils learn to solve mathematical problem-solving tasks, specifically to make their strategies visible. The aim of this project is to measure strategies with webcam-based eye-tracking and make data visible to teachers in a dashboard.

We are looking for a motivated master’s student with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and strong programming skills. You will work closely with a team of social science researchers who have limited programming experience. Therefore, we are looking for someone who can not only build the system, but also advise us on technical decisions, provide clear documentation, and explain how the system works in an accessible way. The system should be implemented as a website that will serve as a prototype for future projects. For this reason, it is important that it is developed in a transparent, well-documented, and easily adaptable manner. The job concerns building a prototype website on which pupils will solve mathematical problems while a webcam measures their gaze (where they look). For this, the JavaScript Library Webgazer.js (https://webgazer.cs.brown.edu/#home) should be used. Analyzed information should be presented to teachers on a dashboard (e.g., through https://moodle.org/ or other another tool).

Requirements

• Master’s student with a background in computer science or a related field
• Solid programming skills and experience with web development
• Fluent in Dutch (for building the website content) and English (for communication with the research team)
• Ability to work accurately, independently, and responsibly
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non-programmers

What we offer

• The opportunity to work on an innovative research project
• A role with real impact on future research applications
• Close collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team

Interested?

You can request the project plan or ask questions by emailing Ellen Kok (e.m.kok@uu.nl). Please send your CV and motivation letter to Ellen Kok before March 1.

Practical information:

• The contract is for 5 months, one day a week (0.2 FTE) and ideally starts as soon as possible.
• You can work from home or at a flexible workplace from the UU (BYOD). Working days and hours are flexible in consultation.
• Payment is according to the university guidelines, salary table SA4. See
  https://www.universiteitenvannederland.nl/cao/financiele-arbeidsvoorwaarden