We're looking for a PhD student at our lab: PROJECT Group mirrors provide users with a reflection of their collaborative processes. The noise sensitive table is an example of interactive furniture based on the concept of group mirror (http://craftsrv1.epfl.ch/research/interactivetable/). Its matrix of LED, embedded in the physical table, provides users with a representation of their social interactions. The table namely reflects turn-taking patterns when students work collaboratively. The peripheral perception of this feedback allows them reflecting on the group verbal interaction or on individual contributions and, finally, deepening learning and regulating their collaboration. The first prototype of the noise sensitive table showed the interest of the concept. Continuing this project now requires improving the software detecting speech configuration and develop adequate visual grammars for the feed-back. This project overlaps the domains of roomware and computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL).
POSITION A PhD position, for 3 years is offered. The gross salary is approx. 3600 Swiss Francs per month. The PhD candidate will participate into a doctoral program at EPFL (12 credits).
PROFILE The candidate will join the EPFL doctoral program in computer science. He must have a strong background in computers science and interest for research in collaborative activity, roomware or human-computer interaction. Knowledge in signal processing would also be appreciated. Working language is English.
FUNDING This project in funded by an internal source for three years.
START Spring 06 (as soon as possible).
TEAM CRAFT (http://craft.epfl.ch ) is a learning technology lab, with a focus on technologies for collaboration. Related current projects focus on mobile technologies, locative media and interactive furniture. CRAFT is an interdisciplinary research team, combining computer science, educational research and cognitive psychology. EPFL (http://www.epfl.ch ) is the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. It has about 6000 students a 5000 staff and about the 10th European University for the quality of its research and as the 1st university worldwide with respect to the geographical diversity of its staff. The campus is located on the beautiful lake side, in front of the mountains. You may ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon.
APPLYING? In order to postulate for this job, you should first be accepted by the EPFL doctoral school. You can get the application forms there: http://infowww.epfl.ch/Imoniteur/doctoral_web.htm (Choose the ´ Computer, Communication and Information Science ª doctoral program).
For more information: jean-baptiste.haue (at) epfl (dot) ch