This is the first installment in a new series where we introduce some of the faces and personalities behind the workshops and training programmes CDTL offers.

Thanks for taking time out to talk to us, Charina!
Tell us more about yourself.

I am from the Philippines and I grew up in Manila, where I received an M.A. in Learning and Teaching (MaLT) from De La Salle University-Manila. I also have an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, with a major in Computer Applications from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. I am also a certified Microsoft Office Specialist.

How long have you been with CDTL?

I am a recent addition to the team, having only joined CDTL in January 2009 as an educational technologist.

What were you doing before you came to Singapore?

Previously, I was an academics coordinator and a senior lecturer for the Multimedia Arts programme at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. During my stint there, I was also the head of the school’s Instructional Technologies Unit under the Centre for Learner-Centered Instruction and Research, where I managed their learning management system using the Moodle platform. In addition, I facilitated workshops which covered online course development, application programs such as Microsoft Office, Adobe and some open source programs for faculty and staff.

What are your plans as CDTL’s educational technologist?

In my current role with CDTL, I will focus on enhancing faculty members and students’ awareness of pedagogy and learning technologies. I will be doing this through a series of workshops on teaching-learning and learning technologies and assisting faculty in courseware development. For faculty, I plan to cover workshops that concentrate on e-learning. Some of these include problem-based learning, online assessments and games for learning. In April, I conducted workshops on using Web 2.0 tools such as blogging and podcasting, as teaching aids for academic staff from the Centre for Language Studies (CLS). For students, I want to share my knowledge in Microsoft Office, web design and development and desktop publishing.

How do you feel about your working experience in NUS so far?

Integration into any multi-cultural organisation requires a high degree of openness to change. I have been fortunate to have such a supportive team during this adjustment phase. NUS has high expectations from all its staff and I shall respond accordingly to this opportunity and challenge.

If you would like to find out how pedagogical tools and learning technologies can enhance your students’ learning experience, you can get in touch with Charina at cdtclo@nus.edu.sg.