Speech Technology: Charting New Futures

This program is designed for anyone interested in the topic. It is an entry-level summer school for all. No prior knowledge is required.

We predict the students from some disciplines may be particularly interested. In order of relevance:

• Emerging Tech and Innovation Studies: Those involved in broader fields of emerging technology, innovation studies, or science and technology studies will find the course's focus on the future implications and ethical considerations of speech technology particularly relevant.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Responsible User Experience (UX) Design: Students and professionals in HCI and UX Design programs will benefit from exploring how speech interfaces can enhance user experience and accessibility in technology design. The course provides practical examples of user-centered design principles in speech technology applications.

• Computer Science and AI students: Ideal for those enrolled in BSc or MSc in Computer Science, particularly with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. This summer school offers a reflection on how speech technology is developed and integrated into AI systems, providing valuable insights for both theoretical research and practical application.

• Linguistics and Phonetics students: Students in Linguistics and Phonetics will find this summer school bridges the gap between theoretical linguistic models and their application in speech synthesis and recognition, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of language and technology.

• Cognitive Science and Psychology: For those in Cognitive Science or Psychology, especially those focusing on human-computer interaction, this summer school  offers topics of interest.

It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English. Some programming skills would be an asset but this is not a requirement.

Day 1: Introduction to Speech Tech

Morning Session:

• Interactive introductions and framing of the summer school.

• Mini-lecture on manifestos and their importance in shaping technology.

Methodology: Combination of short lectures and interactive group discussions.

Afternoon Session:

• Hands-on activity exploring basic speech recognition and synthesis tools.

• Group discussions on the evolution and future of speech technology.

• Methodology: Practical lab work and collaborative discussions.

Day 2: Prehearsing futures

Morning Session:

• Interactive lecture on uncertainty and the future of interactive speech interfaces.

• Guided brainstorming and breakout activities

Methodology: Interactive lecture followed by group activities and brainstorming.

Afternoon Session:

• Continuation of future scenario creation and discussions.

Methodology: Group work and creative scenario mapping.

Day 3: Speculative design in Speech Tech

Morning Session:

• Introduction to speculative design in speech technology.

• Tangible futures activity: creating speculative artifacts or prototypes.

Methodology: Interactive lecture followed by hands-on prototyping and design.

Afternoon Session:

• Showcase and critique of speculative artifacts.

Methodology: Presentation and peer review.

Day 4: Ethical considerations in Speech Technology + Wild ideas about experiment design

Morning and Afternoon Sessions:

• Workshop on ethical considerations.

• Activities on inverted assumptions and what-if scenarios in speech tech.

• Hands on workshop on experiment design, including a real-life interactive taste-testing experiment.

Methodology: Workshop, group activities, and critical discussions.

Day 5: Synthesis and manifesto

Morning Session:

• Recap of the week and integration of learnings.

• Manifesto Sprint: Collaborative creation of a united manifesto.

Methodology: Group collaboration and creative writing.

Afternoon Session:

• Presentation of the final manifesto.

• Closing ceremony with reflections and feedback.

Methodology: Group presentations and discussion.

After this summer school you will be able to:  

1. Explain the fundamentals of Speech Technology: Clearly articulate the underlying principles, mechanisms, and potential advancements in speech recognition and synthesis systems.
2. Integrate ethical and human-centered design in Speech Tech: Assess and incorporate ethical considerations and human-centered design approaches in the development and evaluation of speech technology applications, ensuring inclusivity and fairness.
3. Conduct futuring and scenario planning for speech tech: Employ futuring and scenario planning methods specifically tailored to speech technology, enabling you to anticipate, discuss, and prepare for various future developments and challenges in the field.
4. Apply problem-solving in tech design: Demonstrate the ability to creatively address challenges in technology design, particularly in integrating speech technology into diverse applications, through ideation, prototyping, and critical evaluation.

Matt Coler is an Associate Professor of Language & Technology and the Director of the MSc Voice Technology at the University of Groningen Campus Fryslân. He is also Vice Chair of the COST Action Language in the Human-Machine Era (LITHME). Matt’s current research is dedicated to speech technology for small languages. He also works on audition, perception, and indigenous Andean languages.

Julian Hanna is Associate Professor in Culture Studies at Tilburg University. His research focuses on critical intersections between culture, politics, and technology. He is currently working on speculative methods in education, including a project about possible futures around art and AI. His latest book is The Manifesto Handbook: 95 Theses on an Incendiary Form (Zero Books, 2020), and his next book, Island, will be published as part of Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons series in September 2024.

Simone Ashby is an Assistant Professor in New Media Design in the Department of Communication and Cognition at Tilburg University, where she teaches Human Centered Design, Rapid Prototyping, and Responsible UX Design. She is also a co-founder of the multidisciplinary Futures of Europe research group. Simone holds a master's degree in linguistics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a PhD in Computer Science from University College Dublin. In addition to specializing in UX design, she has worked in the public and private sectors (e.g. Microsoft, Oxford English Dictionary) as a speech scientist and computational linguist, dialectologist, and lexicographer. Simone's current research focuses on the use of participatory speculative design methods and leveraging collective intelligence to help people become more connected and empowered in their communities.

To apply, kindly fill out the online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload the following documents:

• A one paragraph motivation letter in which you (a) introduce yourself and your research interests; (b) mention what part of the summer school appeals to you the most and why; (c) let us know what you hope to achieve by attending the summer school

Please apply before 30 April 2024. Selected participants will be informed by 7 May 2024.