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"With SFU’s highly diverse population, I have engaged in cross-disciplinary studies through interaction and collaboration with highly creative professionals. This cross-disciplinary research has enabled me to understand complex challenges around the world from international students and how educational technology can play a critical role by bringing a multifaceted approach to solving those challenges."
Chukwudi Nwobodo
Educational Technology & Learning Design master's student in the Faculty of Education
I was born into a family of six in the Northern part of Nigeria, where I grew up to age 21. My parents are originally from the Eastern part of Nigeria and for economic reasons moved up north. I am the ICT Manager of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Headquarters in Jos, Nigeria and double as a youth leader of my local youth council with over 2,000 youth members. I am currently the Social Media Manager of the Education Graduate Students Association (EGSA) where I share my wealth of experience in the field of IT and web technologies. As a leader and mentor to young people, managing many people and leaders as well as developmental initiatives has given me great insight into how simple and collective initiatives can transform lives. This has sparked my quest for the advancement of research and innovation in the areas of information technology in education, society and organizations which would help me build sustainable socio-technological developments.
Currently, I am studying towards a Master of Arts qualification under the supervision of Dr. Robert Williamson of the Faculty of Education, where my interest broadly lies in the use of educational technology for learning in emergencies and displaced settings as an alternative to Face-to-Face or traditional learning. I enjoy teaching and mentoring young people, reading, and travelling and have always been fascinated by the power of technology and how it can play a role in solving life challenges.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
As Canada’s most engaged University, Simon Fraser University offered me a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning community experience where I felt safe, accepted, and appreciated while studying remotely. But most importantly, Simon Fraser University offers the best master’s program in educational technology and learning design far ahead of its peers across Canada.
At Simon Fraser University, the mixture of two study areas in the Educational Technology and Learning Design program makes it rigorous and competitive. Educational technology focuses on technological innovation, while learning design primarily focuses on the study and understanding of frameworks that support the learning experience. This makes the master’s program exceptional from the others across Canada and the world, hence my choice of Simon Fraser University.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
Educational Technology & Learning Design (ETLD) focuses on research-based approaches to designing and using instructional technologies and their impact on learning.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
Studying in Canada and at SFU has made a tremendous impact on my studies and research career as it has helped me gain and experience the world-class education Canada offers in a serene and crime-free environment. With SFU’s highly diverse population, I have engaged in cross-disciplinary studies through interaction and collaboration with highly creative professionals. As we all bring our diverse disciplinary excellence in solving world challenges.
This cross-disciplinary research has enabled me to understand complex challenges around the world from international students and how educational technology can play a critical role by bringing a multifaceted approach to solving those challenges.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
I am the first recipient of the newly inaugurated Knud George Pedersen International Graduate Endowment, an award for international students.
This award has facilitated my studies in paying for tuition as well as my research where my study most importantly seeks to provide a research framework for the development of eLearning systems that would provide equal access to education, particularly for persons in displacement and unreached rural areas. Thereby breaking the jinx of lack of access to quality education due to their current conditions.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?
The ETLD program at Simon Fraser University is a mixture of two study areas in the Educational Technology and Learning Design program makes it rigorous and competitive. Educational technology focuses on technological innovation, while learning design primarily focuses on the study and understanding of frameworks that support the learning experience. Studying and researching within the Faculty of Education which has world-class professors, research centres and opportunities makes the faculty and program an Ideal place to study. You would also have the privilege of working with highly supportive and very understanding faculties and staff.
Contact : cna43@sfu.ca