PRR Project

Summary

According to the research axes of the CIDTFF, the assistant researcher (R) should enhance educational research in Qualitative and Mixed Methods (QMM), including digital tools (i.e., CAQDAS), divided into four main topics (Collaboration, Research, Analysis, and Thinking) and in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) competencies and capacitation of Researchers and Higher Education Professors.TASKSThe Researcher (R) should focus on improving team collaboration through digital tools, studying, and experimenting with collaborative platforms that benefit learning processes. Assess how online project management systems can be optimised to enhance collaborative research and learning within the educational spectrum.In the field of research, the R will analyse the skills necessary to navigate in the digital age, conducting studies reinforced by GAI, and improving the use of GAI tools to foster the advancement of scientific knowledge in education.Concerning the analysis, the researcher is encouraged to develop effective techniques for building custom dictionaries suitable for teaching environments, combined with integrating advanced language models and chatbots. Adopting computational research techniques and software for qualitative data analysis, like webQDA software. Currently, with a campus license at UA, the R must organise initiatives (seminars, workshops, training courses, among others) that support the use of this software.The R is expected to innovate in resolving educational problems by resorting to AI-supported interventions, namely by leading projects focused on the development of skills in computational thinking and the stimulation of critical thinking in the context of the peculiarities involving educational systems supported by intelligent agents and digital resources. This implies the R to integrate and monitor GAI technologies in learning processes and evaluate associated processes and outputs in order to define and establish best practices.The R will supervise and support undergraduate, master and PhD students and Post-Doctoral Researchers in the development of their research projects.The R is expected to lead and collaborate in the preparation of project proposals and funding applications, seeking opportunities to support activities related to Qualitative and Mixed Methods and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in educational research. Also in collaboration with internal and external experts, the R will disseminate research findings namely by organising scientific events and publishing.SCIENTIFIC PROFILE-   PhD degree in Education-   Expertise in educational research, visible through a strong portfolio of recent publications and contributions.-   Proficient understanding of the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education,-   Proven track record in developing digital research tools, and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (focusing on qualitative research and mixed methods).-   Prior integration of technology into research activities, shown in outcomes such as digital environments and platforms, peer-reviewed publications, and significant conference presentations.RATIONALEThe need for methodological deepening and the emerging advances of GAI allows for improving qualitative data analysis software which offers new ways to explore qualitative data (text, images, videos and audios), which is fundamental in educational studies. Hiring an Assistant Researcher who can effectively convert these new developments into applied research practices is crucial for the research progress of CIDTFF and the Department of Education and Psychology of the University of Aveiro. On the other hand, the demand for including GAI tools in educational research is justified since the disruptive and highly scalable possibilities of such approaches can change how data is analysed and shape future educational practices. At the same time, incorporating GAI into Higher Education will promote technological literacy, prepare students for the labour market, stimulate critical thinking and creativity, personalise learning, and encourage interdisciplinarity.