Topic: Inclusive Education through Immersive Learning, AI, and IoT

Main research field: Human-Computer Interaction

Keywords: user research, user-centered design, inclusive education, immersive learning, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, internet of things

Supervisor: doc. dr. sc. Jelena Nakić (jelena.nakic@pmfst.hr)

Research group: Inclusive Educational Technologies Research Group

https://research.sea-eu.ug.edu.pl/research-group/982/inclusive-educational-technologies-research-group

Faculty / Department: Faculty of Science

About supervisor

Jelena Nakić, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science in Split, Croatia. She holds an M.S. degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Faculty of Science, University of Split, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb. She developed a model of adaptive e-learning system that adapts to students’ learning styles, and this model is successfully implemented in Moodle LMS. Dr. Nakić's research focuses on user research and user-centered design, with a primary focus on educational technologies such as e-learning systems and immersive virtual spaces. She specializes in design and evaluation of immersive learning spaces, creating methodologies to assess their usability, presence, and educational value to ensure an effective and engaging learning experiences. Her work also explores individual differences, user modelling, accessibility, and personalized interactions within virtual learning environments. Dr. Nakić has collaborated on one national project on adaptive education and three EU-funded projects on digital education and immersive learning environments. In projects that included development of 3D virtual worlds (V-ALERT metaverse, https://www.enter-network.eu/project/v-alert/ and SBeA academy, http://sbea.efst.unist.hr/), she developed evaluation methods, conducted user studies, and performed data analyses. In the SBeA project she also coordinated the planning, programming, testing, and validation of the developed solution. Publications: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3066-4284, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jelena-Nakic/

Description

Research project aims to leverage digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and immersive VR experiences to enhance therapy for children with special needs. By integrating these advanced tools, we strive to create more engaging and effective therapeutic interventions compared to traditional methods. Research project goals:

1. Immersive Learning for Special Needs: By using immersive VR and interactive content, the prototype will engage multiple senses, making learning more engaging and easier to understand for children with special needs.  

2. Adaptive Learning with AI: Utilize AI to dynamically adjust the difficulty levels and learning experience in real-time, based on data collected during therapy sessions, ensuring that each child receives a personalized education tailored to their unique needs and abilities.  

3. IoT-Enhanced Therapy: Incorporate IoT devices for real-time data collection and remote monitoring, allowing for personalized treatment plans and fostering independence through smart home systems, which enhances the quality of life for special needs children. 

The system will allow therapy sessions to be conducted at home, making it more accessible and convenient for families, reducing the need for frequent visits to specialized centers. In addition to engagement in this project at the University of Split, we can offer opportunities for secondments at other universities in Europe for up to eight months, as well as industry placements in Italy for up to six months.

Research infrastructure and facilities

Office space with high-speed internet. Human-computer interaction equipment such as VR systems (headsets). Access to high-performance computer is available on demand. The Faculty of Science in Split, Croatia, provides administrative support and can assist with documentation procedures and housing arrangements at the beginning of your stay in Croatia.

About University of Split

Located on the Croatian Adriatic coast, the University of Split is renowned for its dynamic academic community, with approximately 20,000 students enrolled across 11 faculties, an art academy, and various specialized departments and programs. Despite its relatively young age, the university offers over 180 diverse study programs in the fields of social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, technical and biotechnical sciences, medical and biomedical sciences, and the arts, continuously enhanced by innovative and attractive new courses. The university's research aligns closely with the geographical and cultural specifics of the Mediterranean region, emphasizing disciplines such as oceanography, maritime studies, biodiversity, and heritage conservation. Its strategic focus extends to cutting-edge fields including renewable energy technologies, information technology, and physical sciences, reflecting a commitment to addressing both regional needs and global challenges. This broad research scope includes pioneering work in areas like marine biology, smart city technologies, and energy solutions, making the university’s contributions both regionally relevant and globally significant. The University of Split is actively involved in international cooperation, supporting a vibrant environment for both student and staff mobility. This is bolstered by a robust network of partnerships, including numerous bilateral and LLP agreements with prestigious institutions worldwide. Currently, the university is implementing over 40 significant projects, funded by various sources including Horizon Europe, structural funds, Interreg, and Erasmus+, enhancing the educational and personal development of its community through active international engagement.

Who can apply?

MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a duration of 12-24 months to researchers of any nationality who,

• are in possession of a doctoral degree
• have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research,
• comply with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e. have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Croatia for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior the call deadline and
• have identified a supervisor at University of Split who is willing to host and supervise them.

If awarded, the Postdoctoral Fellowship grant covers the salary, a mobility allowance, family allowance (if eligible), and other allowances (if eligible) for the research fellow. The grant will also cover the research costs and overheads for University of Split.

How to apply?

Prospective candidates should send a Motivation Letter and CV to the corresponding supervisor, with Projects office (projekti@unist.hr) in copy, and subject line 'MSCA-PF-2024 candidate name'. 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): include complete contact details, a comprehensive list of publications, projects, and other relevant academic endeavors. It should highlight your academic achievements and research expertise, with a particular focus on areas relevant to the project.
• Motivation Letter: detail your research and career interests and objectives, outline your project idea, demonstrating alignment with our research themes, and explain how your expertise will contribute to the project. Describe your motivation for applying to this call and your interest in joining our team.