Background
I am currently a full-time PhD student at The Institute of Educational Technology (IET), The Open University (UK). I hail from Singapore, but I am very familiar with Britain and its culture: I hold a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics & Music, and an MA in Music (specialising in Performance Studies) from the UK. On my return to Singapore having obtained my first two degress, I then went on to study for a postgraduate diploma in teaching, at the National Institute of Education (Singapore), and proceeded to become a full-time Mathematics and Music teacher at an all boys� Catholic school, at secondary level. Amongst many memorable moments in my teaching career, one of the most satisfying was: to be given the golden opportunity to teach Mathematics to a particular class of school pupils, coaching them at their very first year of secondary study right through till the completion of their GCE 'O' levels. I am proud (on their behalf, of course!) to say that since then, many of them have continued to be successful in their studies. Most of them are either currently completing their National Service (in the army, navy, or airforce), and awaiting entry into various universities, or are already pursuing courses at established institutions.
Much of my accumlated work experience has revolved around teaching. This includes teaching the English Language, tutoring Mathematics at Primary and Secondary school levels, conducting music instrumental classes, as well as lecturing part-time at both college and postgraduate levels, in Music.
My main interest in Educational Technology stemmed from my school-based work experience: I enjoyed making use of Information and Communications Technology in both subjects in my lessons, although one area that was lacking in my students� learning was in obtaining practical instrumental skills. In general, the school music curriculum time does not permit specific training of practical instrumental skills, and this was an area that my students and I were very interested in. The opportunity to return to the UK was presented by IET at the Open University, whereby a fully-funded, research studentship was offered. This has enabled me to do an exploratory study in my research area. I have now completed the last research project in my third and final year of postgraduate study; this consists of a series of individual video case studies of pupils making use of ICT whilst acquiring practical music skills. From here on, I am faced with the challenging task of writing up my thesis, which will take me through to the end of this year.
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