Staff Feature Interview: Get to know English HOD Rosvinder

For our next staff feature interview, we managed to get Rosvinder, our English Head of Department for a short Q&A session about her work at Geniebook, her personal philosophy on education and technology, and what she does for fun. Read on!

Q: Thanks for taking the time for this interview, Rosvinder! To begin, can you tell us about your personal views on education? Also, what kind of student were you when you were younger?

I believe that education develops essential language and critical thinking skills, enabling effective communication and global engagement. It also fosters cultural awareness and moral understanding through literature. Acquiring skills and knowledge prepares students for the future while supporting personal growth and creativity.

As a student, I was very curious, eager to explore various subjects, and keen on asking questions. I was the type to delve deep into topics of interest, always trying to understand the "why" behind things. I loved my language lessons the most. The one thing I remember most was that I was sometimes scolded by my teachers for trying to read a book discreetly under the table while they were teaching!

Q: How familiar are you with AI and technology in general? Do you interact with them much in your personal life?

I enjoy the use of technology to make life easier. I have actually been using ChatGPT occasionally - it has helped me with everything! My child and I recently used it to come up with a quiz testing Science concepts. We also used it to come up with a personalised study schedule.

Q: Tell us a bit about your career experience before joining Geniebook.

Before joining Geniebook, I worked in MOE for 17 years and this includes working in primary schools and in MOE HQ as a senior curriculum policy officer.

Q: How do you currently feel about working in EdTech?

As an English HOD, I find working in EdTech incredibly exciting and rewarding. It offers innovative tools that personalise learning, enhance student engagement and make learning more accessible.

Q: Can you tell us what your position is at Geniebook, and what you do here?

I am the Head of Department for English and I oversee the English lessons at Geniebook. Besides looking into the curriculum materials for the Primary 1 to Secondary 4 levels, I manage a team of dynamic GenieClass and CAMPUS English teachers and I also enjoy teaching lessons myself!

Q: How does teaching at Geniebook differ from your previous teaching experiences?

Teaching at Geniebook is unique and so different from traditional teaching experiences in several key ways. Firstly, the integration of machine-learning AI into the learning process is a significant shift, with AI-personalised questions tailored to each student's learning pace and needs, providing targeted practice and instant feedback. This personalised approach allows for more efficient learning, helping students focus on areas where they need the most improvement.

Additionally, Geniebook offers live online classes, which provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to learn from anywhere. These classes are often interactive, leveraging digital tools to engage students in real-time discussions and activities, creating a dynamic learning environment. Students are engaged

Another unique aspect is the teacher chat feature, where students can reach out to teachers outside of class hours for additional support. This immediate access to help enhances the learning experience by providing timely assistance and fostering a continuous learning environment.

Overall, teaching at Geniebook combines traditional educational practices with innovative technology, offering a more personalised, flexible, and responsive approach to learning. This not only enhances student engagement but also allows teachers to support their students in more effective and meaningful ways.

Q: As you are aware, Geniebook has just started Geniebook CAMPUS, which is a new hybrid learning programme that combines traditional tuition with Geniebook’s tech innovations. What do you think about this merging of technology and education, and how can this benefit students - even those who are already using Geniebook’s online learning platform?

Geniebook CAMPUS is so exciting as I have never taught like this before! CAMPUS represents an exciting blend of traditional tuition and modern technology, enhancing the educational experience in several ways. By combining face-to-face instruction with digital tools, it offers a dynamic learning environment that engages students through interactive lessons and personalised feedback. The hybrid approach allows for flexibility, enabling students to switch seamlessly between in-person and online learning, catering to various learning styles and needs.

This integration provides access to a wealth of resources, making it easier for students to revisit lessons and practice skills. Overall, Geniebook CAMPUS enhances traditional teaching methods with technological advancements, creating a more adaptable and enriched learning experience.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at Geniebook? Do you have any personal goals that you wish to achieve while you’re here?

I enjoy enhancing student outcomes by using data-driven insights to continually refine our teaching methods and materials. Building a strong, collaborative team is essential and developing interactive content to keep students motivated.

I aim to encourage professional growth through ongoing training and actively seek feedback from students, parents, and educators to improve our programs. Inclusivity will be a key focus, ensuring our offerings meet diverse learning needs. By leveraging analytics, I plan to personalise and elevate learning experiences. Every child in Geniebook will do better, and better.

Q: It’s generally accepted that mastering a language like English and Chinese can improve the student’s future prospects like getting into better schools, or securing better job opportunities. But what do you think is the most underrated benefit of becoming good at English that would convince people to take the subject seriously?

In Singapore, mastering English offers more than just academic or career advantages; it gives access to a vast pool of global knowledge and cultural perspectives. As one of Singapore's official languages and the primary medium of instruction, English connects Singaporeans to the global stage, where much of the world’s information, including academic research, technology, literature, and media, is available.

Proficiency in English allows students to directly access and understand this wealth of content, broadening their horizons and deepening their understanding of diverse cultures and ideas. This access fosters creative and critical thinking, essential in Singapore’s knowledge-based economy. It also positions Singaporeans to leverage global opportunities, from studying at top international universities to engaging in multinational collaborations and careers.

Furthermore, fluency in English facilitates connections within Singapore’s multicultural society and with the global community, enabling meaningful conversations across cultural boundaries. This global advantage not only enhances one’s ability to navigate diverse environments but also fosters empathy and a deeper appreciation for global diversity. In essence, mastering English opens doors to a world of knowledge and opportunities, vital for both personal development and global engagement in an interconnected world.

Q: Tell us about your personal life! What are your interests? Are there any that’s related to learning about things or about tech in general?

I have a passion for food and fitness, and I often share my baked creations with colleagues, especially those in the English Language department at Geniebook. To balance out the extra calories, I regularly attend fitness sessions like Body Attack and Body Combat.

I strongly believe in leveraging technology to enhance education. Technology offers countless opportunities to simplify and improve teaching and learning. I've been involved in inter-school collaborations where students were able to assess each other's reading skills, showcasing how technology can facilitate meaningful educational experiences.

I also believe in the importance of using technology to learn from others. During the Covid pandemic, I noticed many parents struggling to engage their children at home. I turned to social media, using Facebook and Instagram to manage a group of parents where we shared innovative ideas to keep our kids engaged.

Thank you so much for your time, Rosvinder!