This paper aims to advance the fields of unsupervised data labeling and incremental cross-domain training techniques. We apply these innovative methods to develop a model tailored for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application domain, introducing a new perspective in hybrid eye Gaze Estimation (GE). These hybrid eye GE models combine the generalization strengths of appearance-based models with the scene understanding capabilities inherent in geometrical reconstruction. The use of open eye tracking datasets for the AAC domain introduces domain shift, while accurately labeling gaze vectors is challenging without specialized hardware for proper 3D dimensional reconstruction. We propose an approach to solve this challenges by conducting standardized unsupervised gaze vector labeling across multiple open GE datasets and subsequently performing incremental training to adapt to the target domain. Using a proprietary dataset we were able to reduce the gaze error from 4.87º to 3.95º, compared to a traditional single-step training.

This work-in-progress innovative practice paper describes an elective education subject offered in a Bachelor's Degree in Computing, introduced for the first time in the spring semester of 2024. The course has been integrated into the curriculum in response to the increasing opportunities in the education sector for our graduates. The paper outlines the instructional design of the course, and presents initial findings from the experience along with lessons learned.

The rapidly evolving communication landscape, with the advent of 6G technology, brings new challenges to the design and operation of wireless networks. One of the key concerns is the energy efficiency of the Radio Access Network (RAN), as the exponential growth in wireless traffic demands increasingly higher energy consumption. In this paper, we assess the potential of integrating a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to improve the energy efficiency of a RAN, and quantify the potential energy conservation through meticulously designed simulations. We propose a quantitative framework based on real traffic patterns to estimate the energy consumption of the HAPS-integrated RAN and compare it with the conventional terrestrial RAN. Our simulation results elucidate that HAPS can significantly reduce energy consumption by up to almost 30% by exploiting the unique advantages of HAPS, such as its self-sustainability, high altitude, and wide coverage. We further analyze the impact of different system parameters on performance, and provide insights for the design and optimization of future 6G networks. Our work sheds light on the potential of HAPS-integrated RAN to mitigate the energy challenges in the 6G era, and contributes to the sustainable development of wireless communications.

The information society requires new skills and knowledge about how to cope in a computerized world. Although it is fully assumed in the political and social discourse, it is a neglected subject in formal education. Each nation should analyze how computing is learned in its K-12 education system. This research-to-practice paper presents the report carried out in Spain promoted by two academic associations, which analyzes the state of computing education in Spain in K-12 studies, summarizes some elements of the didactics of computing and analyzes the training received by teachers who will train K-12 students. The report also presents some reflections of the working group in charge, and nine proposals for improvement oriented to policy makers are pointed out.

This research-to-practice work in progress paper is focused on creating a categorization of lecturers in order to define quality in their education practice. The reason for this work is that we found that our faculty perceived the time devoted to teaching as something that had no real impact on the progress of their academic careers, whereas the real impact consists of papers published and grants obtained. Our lecturers require from the university an institutional policy that defines strategies and guidelines to favour a quality education, which in turn requires the definition of a teaching evaluation system. However, a single evaluation system cannot be implemented for all teachers. Different teaching profiles must be defined and the lecturers must be evaluated in accordance with the profiles to which they belong. In this paper, a categorization of four lecturer profiles is presented.