Welcome to 2021! In January, TIDESS project Co-PI Dr. Lisa Anthony gave two research talks about the projects in her research lab, called the Intelligent Natural Interaction Technology (INIT) lab. In particular, the TIDESS project was highlighted, which helps increase the visibility of our science-outreach efforts.

On January 5th, Lisa was an invited keynote speaker at the 11th International Workshop on Human-Behavior Understanding (HBU). The workshop was held virtually, in conjunction with the IEEE Winter Conference on Applications in Computer Vision (WACV). The general topic of the workshop is about modeling natural human behavior, especially either as it relates to interacting with technology or in order to build technology to be able to recognize human behaviors. For example, Lisa presented on her lab’s work in collecting touchscreen interaction datasets from children and adults, and how the TIDESS project has been using what we’ve learned from those datasets to design more natural and intuitive touch-enabled science learning experiences. About 30 people were present for the workshop.

On January 12th, Lisa gave a virtual seminar for the PBS Kids Digital team about INIT Lab research and possible collaboration opportunities. In particular, we discussed the multiple methods of deployment and data collection we’ve used on the TIDESS project to study how to better design touch-enabled science learning experiences, such as lab studies, unobtrusive observations, and video recording in the museum setting. Lisa also presented key findings including how kids and adults collaborate together around interactive tabletops and spheres while learning science. About 20 people were present for the seminar.

We are excited to continue to be able to spread the word about our ongoing research and applications to science learning and outreach!

by Dr. Lisa Anthony

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