Dr Maria Limniou Ph.D

My research interests include the influence of technology on the teaching and learning process through virtual simulations, multimedia, virtual reality applications, communication tools, e-assessment, Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and social media to support blended, online and hybrid approaches. More specifically, the conceptualisation of digital technologies and their applications to teaching and learning is part of my research area. My research focuses on how digital technology can support formal and informal education; technology-enhanced learning and teaching innovations. My recent research publications on the use of different devices inside and outside a lecture theatre (i.e., multitasking and distractions) explore in-depth what 21st-century students' behaviours are and how they can work in a multitasking environment.

Teachers in higher education explore how to design an effective learning environment for students supporting them to acquire relevant knowledge, skills and understanding in their discipline.
My research interest in this area is highly related to how learning technology is embedded within a curriculum enhancing students’ digital capabilities, such as managing, presenting, and communicating, online information with study skills, e.g. self-regulation, solving problems, and critical thinking skills. My research in this area explores how these activities could support interactive, engaging, and collaborative learning processes enhancing students’ development of digital capabilities to meet the 21st-century demands of professions.

The 21st Century has been characterised by an increased reliance on technology for a wide variety of everyday tasks. Thus, it is inevitable that human social and cognitive abilities have developed alongside this phenomenon. My additional research interests are related to:
1. the use of social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for marketing and entertainment purposes;
2. the role of social media in online/offline friendships and self-disclosure;
3. the group behaviour in virtual communities;
5. the problematic use of the Internet and social media (i.e., addiction, well-being and cybercrime); and
6. the use of technology in work environments.
I am studying the above topics in partnership with undergraduate and master's students. My teaching aim is to assist students to act as researchers providing them with the opportunity to publish their work on various research outputs (i.e., conference, journal, book). For example, a study on fitspiration and Instagram use has been recently published in which we have discussed how individuals' state self-esteem, body satisfaction and idealisation are influenced by Instagram #fitspiration images.