Erin Shaw

 

USC Information Sciences Institute
4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 1001
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
email.: shaw@isi.edu
phone: 310-448-9196 (direct)
phone: 310-822-1511 (institute)
fax.....: 310-822-0751

I am a Research Computer Scientist at ISI and an Adjunct Lecturer in the USC Department of Computer Science. My current interest lies in modelling and assessing student knowledge in the areas of science and mathematics. I am experimenting with new technologies and natural language processing techniques for aiding assessment in distance learning. I am also interested in creating pedagogically motivating intelligent tutoring systems and am working with visually impaired K12 students on the adaptation of a pre-algebra ITS. Other areas of interest include user interface design and evaluation, including accessibility; knowledge representation and the semantic web; and computer graphics rendering.

Google

NEW: Current project Information has moved to:

Current Projects

    Pedagogical Discourse [BBS] [BBS.Dev] [BlackBoard] [Twiki] [Survey]
      The goal of this project is to develop discussion scaffolding and assessment tools for remote student collaboration. In collaboration with the Distance Education Network. Funded by the National Science Foundation, previously funded by the Lord Corporation Foundation (2005 LCF Summary Presentation).

    PAGE: Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology [Joomla] [Mailman] [DDD]
      The focus of the new research is on how genetic variants initially identified through GWAS research are related to a person's biological and physical characteristics, such as weight, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels or bone density. Scientists will also examine how non-genetic factors, such as diet, medications and smoking, may interact with genetic factors or each other to influence health outcomes.

    Intelligent Tutoring Systems [Production] [Development] [Twiki]
      Note: This project moved to the University of Arizona 2/2009.
      The goal of this project is to develop on-line SAT math and pre-algebra tutoring programs for studying learning strategies that promote collaboration, reflection and mentoring. A follow on project is studying strategies used by visually impaired students to learn pre-algebra. Funded by the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation.
Publications Courses Past Projects
    Digital Puppets
      An interactive application for 4-5th grade students for creating puppet-enhanced presentations in a manner that promotes learning at both cognitive and metacognitive levels. (ISI) (Images of DP Skip assisting in a self-presentation Skip 1, and Skip 2.)
    Socially Intelligent Agents [Twiki]
      Socially intelligent agents have well-developed social skills, which they can employ to promote learning. The agents exhibit expressiveness (the ability to convey emotions and attitudes), empathy (sensitivity to learner motivational and emotional states), and politeness (an understanding of when and how to interact in socially appropriate ways). (NSF)
    Virtual Factory Teaching System (Offline)
      An online simulation and learning application for applying the principles of production and inventory management. For Industrial Systems Engineering students. (NSF)
    Advanced Distance Education
      Agent Adele guides students through clinical simulations at the Schools of Dentisty and Medicine. The cases focus on diagnosis and treatment. (USC)
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