Research Associate in Human-Computer Interaction and Education Research
Open University – Faculty of Mathematics, Computing and Technology
Location: Milton Keynes
Salary: £28,982 to £32,600
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Contract / Temporary
Placed on: 7th April 2016
Closes: 5th May 2016
Job Ref: 12198
The Department of Computing and Communications at The Open University is looking to appoint a Research Associate in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Education Research as a part of Google-funded Virtual Reality research project.
The focus of this project is to investigate the pedagogical and usability effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based virtual field trips – Google Expeditions (GEs) – in fieldwork in subjects such as biology and geography that have a long tradition of physical fieldwork. The project aims to answer questions such as: whether VR-based field trips can be used effectively to support and enhance physical fieldwork?; and can virtual field trips support self-directed inquiry-based learning? Further information on this project is at: http://www.shaileyminocha.info/google-expeditions/
You will have a strong background in education research, preferably with an HCI focus and/or field teaching in secondary schools. You will need to have completed a Masters or PhD in Interaction Design or HCI on an educational project, or in Education with focus on fieldwork in science, geography or a related subject. You will have evidence of conducting independent research and experience in organising and running empirical studies with a variety of participants using qualitative research methods and analysing qualitative data, and with an understanding of quantitative data. Good interpersonal, IT and organisational skills are essential, as is flexibility in liaising with various agencies and working independently as well as part of a team.
You will contribute to the department’s international research profile and will benefit from direct collaboration with colleagues in Google, UK’s Field Studies Council, Geographical Association and The Association for Science Education.
Informal enquiries are encouraged and may be addressed to Professor Shailey Minocha (email: shailey.minocha@open.ac.uk)
Temporary contract for 12 months available from 1 June 2016
Closing date: noon on 5 May 2016
For detailed information and how to apply go to http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/, quoting the reference number.
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