Interview with Transforming Your Teaching Using Technology Scholar Judy Sng

Transforming Your Teaching Using Technology brings together scholars from across the globe annually. To better highlight our vibrant community, we are profiling several of our recent scholars and asking them about their experience in the program. In this blog post, we interview Judy Sng, PhD, an education director with the National University of Singapore.   

Harvard Macy Institute: How would you describe your personal and professional background?  

I am a professor and education director for the Department of Pharmacology at the School of Medicine with the National University of Singapore. I am currently going into my second year of my Master of Medical Sciences in Medical Education at Harvard Medical School.  

Harvard Macy Institute: What led you to apply to our Transforming Your Teaching Using Technology course?  

Completing this course fulfilled a requirement toward my Master of Medical Sciences in Medical Education degree. As I researched different electives within the program, I was particularly drawn to the content and relevance of this Harvard Macy Institute course. It directly aligns with my role as the Education Director at my institution, where I oversee digital transformation initiatives.  

Harvard Macy Institute: How would you describe your overall experience in this course?  

My experience in this eight-week course was fantastic. The program was intensive, with sessions held virtually twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We delved into the theory on Tuesdays and then applied it on Thursdays. I particularly appreciated the feedback from my fellow scholars and course faculty, which helped me grow and refine my skills. 

Harvard Macy Institute: How do you think this course is applicable to your profession?  

As the Education Director of Digital Transformation in my department, I oversee blended learning and the integration of technologies in our teaching. This course introduced me to new technologies that I could immediately apply in my teaching after the microteaching session. I received valuable feedback from my fellow scholars and course faculty, as well as from my students during this semester. This iterative process allowed me to refine my approach and make the learning activity more engaging for my students.  

Harvard Macy Institute: What were the two most important takeaways that you gained from the course?  

One important insight from the course is the necessity of regularly practicing and applying the learned techniques. Integrating technology into teaching goes beyond just gaining knowledge; it involves actively engaging with it. Consistent application helps educators refine and enhance their methods, making them more effective. Over time, these techniques become second nature, enabling educators to adapt and innovate in their teaching practices. 

Another significant takeaway is the recognition that there is always room for growth and innovation, regardless of one’s experience level. This understanding encourages educators to maintain a mindset of continuous learning. By staying open to new ideas and technologies, educators can keep their teaching methods fresh and engaging, thus meeting the evolving needs of their students. The course reinforced the notion that education is a dynamic field where lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant and effective.

Harvard Macy Institute: How do you feel this course has impacted your behavior within your professional work? Can you provide an example?  

I am now able to teach and inspire my colleagues with the techniques I learned from this course. This summer, I initiated a course for my fellow educators at my institution, allowing them to benefit from the knowledge I gained. My colleagues have expressed how valuable these techniques have been. Although I don’t consider myself a master yet, I aspire to serve as a returning scholar to facilitate in the HMI course next year and beyond. This will enable me to continue learning, growing, and sharing my insights with others.  

Harvard Macy Institute: If applicable, how do you feel this course is different than other continuing medical education or professional development courses you have taken?  

I have participated in courses offered by the International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE) and my own institution's professional development programs. However, these courses often felt too brief, leaving me unable to fully apply my new knowledge. In contrast, HMI's eight-week technology program provided an immersive experience that was both intense and rewarding. The extended duration allowed me to practice and refine my skills through project work, which was revisited and built upon in subsequent sessions. This unique approach makes the Transforming Your Teaching Using Technology course stand out from others.  

Harvard Macy Institute: Would you recommend the Transforming your Teaching using Technology course to a colleague? If so, why? 

Definitely. I plan to recommend this course to the new incoming class of Master of Medical Sciences in Medical Education students during their orientation in September. I will encourage them to enroll in this course due to its flexibility, making it ideal for working clinicians and educators. One of my favorite activities was finding an interesting Zoom background for each week’s lesson, like my Star Wars R2D2 background with a rainbow frame that I used during our last session.  

Additionally, I hope more educators from Singapore can take this course. I have discussed this with HMI’s Director, Sarah Wood, and we are working collaboratively to consider how best to expand the impact and accessibility of this course within Singapore and across Asia.  

Check out the Transforming Your Teaching Using Technology website for more information! 

Judy Sng, PhD (T3 ‘24) is an associate professor and education director in the Department of Pharmacology at the National University of Singapore School of Medicine. Judy’s areas of professional interest include artificial intelligence and neuroscience. Judy can be contacted via email.