Course you are enrolled in:
Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
What is the topic of your research?
An investigation of youth social practices on YouTube
What study did you complete prior to becoming a PhD candidate?
Bachelor in Statistics (Seoul, Korea), Bachelor in Information Systems (Sydney, Australia), Graduate Certificate in Education (TESOL) (Tasmania, Australia), Master of Education (Tasmania, Australia)
Why did you decide to undertake your Research/PhD at the University of Tasmania?
When I travelled around Australia 5 years ago, Tasmania became one of my favourite places. So, I decided to undertake postgraduate studies in that focussed on linguistics and education at the University of Tasmania. During my time there I gained valuable learning and personal experiences. I had the opportunity to attend conferences with colleagues where I met students and researchers from other universities, and published journals and book chapters with my lecturers and colleagues. All my experiences, my passion for learning, and people endlessly supporting me, opened a door for me to start a new journey into PhD study.
Highlights of your research/experience so far?
Youth research on YouTube is fascinating, but inevitably challenging because online research contextually, methodologically, meaningfully differs from offline research. It requires not only the knowledge necessary to design social research based on relevant theories but also other knowledge and skills such as online ethics, new technologies and digital culture. In my research, I adopted marketing strategies to recruit teenagers online, explored new technologies to communicate with the YouTube generation, and learned software tools and programs to analyse multimodal texts.
When I chose the topic for my PhD, I didn’t realise how complicated it would be. But, I don’t know what else I can study joyfully and tirelessly. I never feel bored with my research. Every day is a new adventure!
Any advice for future students?
I believe everyone likes learning, but not everyone knows how to learn. When you feel thirsty for answers, talk to your lecturers/supervisors. They, like a caring waterfall, will provide you fresh ideas and knowledge which can positively change the direction of your day. When you feel lonely and stressed, talk to your colleagues. They will become, like they have with me, like your family and friends. Teachers can take you to water, but they cannot make you drink. You are the one who has to drink and enjoy it!
Where you would like to see yourself in 5 years time?
I honestly don’t know where I would like to see myself in 5 years time. But, I would definitely like to still be in front of a computer!
Any other comments?
I think, in the very near future, teachers will be confronted with difficult situations as young people continue to eagerly adopt social media and new technologies that teachers may struggle to keep up with. I think it is important to consider how education systems and teachers can be prepared for this.