Internationalising Higher Education

Dr Minocha’s research in human-computer interaction (HCI) and e-learning involves evaluating interactive systems in order to derive design principles and guidelines for the design of computer systems which would facilitate a positive user experience. The outputs of her research have led to improved understanding of users’ requirements for new media and emerging technologies such as Web 2.0, social software and 3D virtual worlds. Dr Minocha was the Principal Investigator of two JISC-funded projects related to effective use of social software in higher and further education (2008 2009) and design of learning spaces in 3D virtual worlds (2008 2010). She is currently involved in a research project related to navigation and way-finding behaviour in 3D virtual worlds. Her research into the usability and pedagogical effectiveness of e-learning tools such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, and 3D virtual worlds has shown that the effectiveness of these tools comes from effective teaching: that is, designing activities and processes that exploit these tools effectively can excite and engage students and can enhance their learning. Dr Minocha received the Gitte Lindgaard Award for the best paper presented at OZCHI 2011 (http://www.ozchi.org ). Her paper 'An empirically grounded study on the effective use of social software in education' was the Highly Commended Award Winner at Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence, 2010.