Research Topic 1:
Physical Computing.Project Description:
The goal of the project is to design and implement a study of a physical computing summer camp where middle and high school students will design a 2D video game using game maker and an arduino-based game controller. We seek to understand how students learn to program through design-based projects. The role games play in motivating and connecting to students' interests and helping students to express creativity with computing. The extent to which physical computing increases students' understanding of the programming underlying the functionality of physical devices. The students will be embedded in a team of researchers to carry out this project.
The project has two weeks of facilitating the attendees; the first week will be for Middle School student and the second week will be High School students.
My role in the research involves learning how configure and program the Arduino Esplora and Arduino UNO micro-controller boards, use them in prototype circuits to demonstrate circuit design and to use the micro-controller as a game controller or stand alone game. After having success with the previous tasks I must make lesson plans to fit for the age group and time span we would have at the camp for the weeks. As with all members on the project I would have to learn how to use the Game Maker drag and drop interface and be proficient enough to answer the questions and concerns that may arise during the camp. The camp uses a holistic team approach for the facilitators in the we all were chosen because of a skill set that brings balance, I need arose for scripting features with Game Maker to add complexity and advance algorithms with the students games. Because of my programming background I was given the lead on that area, the steps I took were the same for the other roles I undertook.
Research Topic 2:
Spatial Audio.Project Description:
Using spatial audio analysis to aid in selecting from a list preprocessed Head Related Transfer Functions. The methodology involves looking at common patterns in the properties of the HRTF selection of the participants. HRTF are used to get a sense of how an individual perceives sound in our three dimensional world.
My role in the Spatial Audio project involves looking over the previous selection of HRTF profile files categorize the selection patterns based on reliability pattern of participants selections. After making a reliability/trustworthy evaluation I would then analyze properties that were similar in the HRTF markers for that were selected as preferred by the participants then come up with a metrics for such evaluation. I am to also run my own study with three trials on each participant to test for consistency in selection and develop a metric for predicting what HRTF would be best for an individual.