Description: The Phd candidate will deal with the analysis of olfactory information using digital methods. In particular, s/he will analyse how odors are described in multiple languages, and how smell-related terminology has evolved over time. S/he will also contribute to the development of a system to extract olfactory information from texts, and to the linguistic analysis and evaluation of the system output.

Responsibles of the Project: Sara Tonelli, satonelli [at] fbk.eu

Description: Computational thinking together with digital competences and AI education are emerging as important topics in the field of education and technology enhanced learning. Although several courses and educational material are being developed, there is still a lack of technology-based personalized and inclusive approaches that might be used to improve teaching and learning practices for such concepts.The aim of this PhD project is to investigate new technology-based approaches to develop computational thinking skills, to improve digital competences and to make AI education accessible. These may include (but not limited to) end-user programming for teachers and students for personalizing and co-creating learning activities.
The ideal candidate has a background in Computer Science, Psychology or Cognitive Science. Experience with design of interactive digital technologies, conduction of experimental and in-the-wild studies as well as competences with educational theories are a plus for the application and should be acquired during the Phd training.
The PhD position is offered in co-tutoring between the i3 research unit of the Digital Society center of FBK and the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science.

Responsibles of the Project: Massimo Zancanaro, massimo.zancanaro [at] unitn.it / zancana [at] fbk.eu -- Gianluca Schiavo, gschiavo [at] fbk.eu

Description: Game-based motivational systems are emerging as an effective tool to engage users and induce a positive change in human behavior. Games introduce goals, interaction, feedback, problem solving, competition, narrative, and fun learning environments, motivational affordances that can increase end-user engagement and motivation. Gamification has gained significant attention especially in educational contexts, where supporting and retaining students motivation is a constant challenge. Although research has demonstrated that collaborative learning benefits a variety of learning outcomes, while also supporting people’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being, most studies on gamification in the educational context focus on individual work and competitive learning activities, exploiting affordances that highlight each student achievements and progression. The goal of this PhD thesis is to investigate the potential of combining motivational gamification mechanics and social and interactive elements of collaborative learning, analyzing the impact in terms of students’ achievements, engagement, participation and cooperation.
The ideal candidate has a background in Computer Science or Cognitive Science. Game design, educational and cognitive psychology, motivation theories, knowledge on designing and conducting experimental studies, experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques are a plus for the application and should be acquired during the Phd training.

Responsibles of the Project: Annapaola Marconi, marconi [at] fbk.eu

Description: In recent years there has been a growing interest for psychoeducational interventions delivered by means of mobile applications and personal assistants to support self-care of patients, including those coping with chronic conditions. Although the validity of psychoeducation has been proved repeatedly by previous research, the design of effective behavioral intervention technologies for virtual coaching in the area of healthy coping remains a challenge. The aim of the PhD project is to investigate key features of smart coaching solutions for healthy coping interventions that are engaging to use by patients and produce effective outcomes from a clinical perspective.
The ideal candidate will be strongly motivated in developing design skills in the field of behavioral intervention technologies and conversational agents for applications in healthcare.
The PhD position is offered in co-tutoring between the Digital Health Lab of FBK and DIPSCO.

Skills: The ideal candidate will be strongly motivated in developing design skills in the field of behavioral intervention technologies and conversational agents for applications in healthcare.

Responsibles of the Project: Silvia Gabrielli, sgabrielli [at] fbk.eu