Introduction & Background
In the 2024 MSc program in Applied Psychology in Fashion, I have the opportunity to introduce eye tracking technologies in the Research Methods Unit for the first time. Students undertaking projects that involve eye tracking must familiarize themselves with this technology.
Evaluation
I aim to create a hands-on learning environment where students can interact directly with eye tracking equipment, inspired by Biggs’ constructive theory (2003, p.13). The workshop will include hands-on exploration of the equipment (Figure 1) and instructional videos. Following guidance from the course leader, I plan to organize an introductory workshop on eye tracking hardware, and open access sessions. My challenge is to effectively demonstrate how eye tracking technology can be used in different teaching methods, helping students understand its potential dissertation applications.
Moving Forward
To support learning outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 in the research methods unit, I plan to conduct a workshop and seminar introducing students to Tobii Pro Spark, a portable eye tracker ideal for psychology research (Tobii ProSpark, 2024).I will facilitate hands-on sessions inspired by Orgill’s object-based learning approach (Orgill, 2024), promoting sensory engagement with teaching materials. Drawing from Hardie’s findings on the pedagogical value of experiential learning (Hardie, 2015, p. 19), I will enhance student participation by demonstrating eye tracking’s applications with fashion images sourced from “Fashion Designers A-Z” and adjust backgrounds to white using Paint (Figure 2).
During the workshop, I will demonstrate practical applications of eye tracking to students. We will engage in exercises together, such as inserting images into Tobii Pro Spark (Figure 3), where they’ll have the opportunity to adjust size, color, and position (Figure 4). Next, students will collaborate in groups to summarize their key learnings and any areas of confusion on Padlet, as suggested by Angelo and Cross (1993). This will facilitate dialogue with students and offer feedback on my teaching approach for potential adjustments.
Students’ introspection will offer valuable perspectives on the challenges associated with eye tracking, both during and after the process. This methodology resonates with Amulya’s (2004) argument that reflecting on uncertainties fosters learning opportunities. Consequently, I can identify ‘‘learning edges’’ where students require additional comprehension. Moreover, this method will craft tailored problem-solving strategies, giving students valuable insights into practical approaches.
To aid dissertation development in line with LO3 for data analysis, weekly open lab sessions will be held. Students struggling with eye tracking will generate one-minute paper questions, inspired by Angelo and Cross’s (1993) feedback approach. They will then identify actionable steps within the lab.
To explore eye tracking literature, I will suggest the ” Scientific publications with Tobii eye tracking – Tobii” link. It offers research articles in Psychology & Neuroscience and Computer Science Research, inspiring potential research topics. Also, I will advise attending online webinars for more insight. Links such as “ Tobii Webinar – Cognitive psychology research – Tobii ” and videos on” Tobii Pro Glasses 3 | Latest in wearable eye tracking – Tobii” will be shared.
References
Amulya, J.(2004) What is reflective practice. Community Science. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229021036. Page uploaded by Joy Amulya on 06 June 2018.
Angelo, T., Cross, P. (1993) Classroom assessment techniques. San Francisko: Jossey Bass Publishers.
Biggs, J. (2003) Teaching for quality learning at University .2nd edition. Buckingham: Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215915395.
Hardie, K. (2015) AdvanceHE. Innovative Pedagogies series:Wow:The power of objects in object-based learning and teaching. Art University Bournemouth.
McKie, A. (2024) Reflect on this or that. Enabling space for reflection in the creative arts. Academic Practice Event Series 2023-2024.Available at XPE Feb 2024: Reflective Practice (panopto.eu). 1216a1e7ee653838ba179b1b75be254f5f3b105f (ual-moodle-sitedata.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com)
Steele, V. (2016) Fashion Designers A-Z. The collection of the Museum at FIT Fashion Institute of Technology. Available from www.taschen.com.
Tobii (2024) Cognitive Psychology Research Symposium. Webinar information. Available at https://www.tobii.com/resource-center/webinars/cognitive-psychology-research-symposium(Accessed 17 March 2024).
Tobii (2024) Learn and Support. Scientific Applications. Tobii Publication Library. Available at: https://www.tobii.com/learn-and-support/scientific-publications?product=83,82,81 (Accessed 17 March 2024).
Tobii Pro Spark (2024) Enter the world of eye tracking. Available at: https://www.tobii.com/products/eye-trackers screen-based/(Accessed 17 March 2024).
Tobii (2024) Tobii Pro Glasses 3. Real insights from the real world. Available at: https://www.tobii.com/products/eye-trackers/wearables/tobii-pro-glasses-3 (Accessed 17 March 2024).