Student Blog
Submission to the BC Funding Review
As the Students’ Union, representing the approximately 2000 undergraduate and graduate students at the University, we appreciate the opportunity to engage in this Funding Review process. We have been calling for an adjustment to BC’s funding rationale for decades to best support a post-secondary environment of potential and thrivance instead of one of scarcity.
Our experience is grounded in the daily student life and experience at Emily Carr University where the current funding formula has held the University back from meeting its full potential. Even under the current strain, our community continues to excel in unprecedented ways.
Improving Online Learning for ECU Undergraduate Students during COVID19
Selina Huang, Catherine Koh, Francisca Kurnia
The global COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted all of our lives, and as students, the sudden shift in our learning environment from in person to online has been by far a struggle. The frustration and stress were overwhelming, not only for us, but for every other student and faculty member. This made us question and wonder how could we as students help? How might we improve this online learning experience for everyone?
Our research group decided to focus on "Improving the Online Learning experience at Emily Carr during a pandemic" for our "Design Research & Methods" class. The three of us (Selina Huang, Catherine Koh, Francisca Kurnia) spent our semester conducting secondary research and produced a survey for Emily Carr undergrad students; offering them the space and opportunity to share their online learning experiences. We wanted to hear about the personal struggles and troubled encounters they are facing through their online learning experience, as well as what was working.
Through our research, we collected specific information based on students’ feedback. We identified both pain points and helpful tools and methods of learning and interacting in the classroom. We know there's still opportunity for more research, we believe that the information we gathered is valuable and sharing it can be the very first step towards improving emergency remote teaching and learning for everyone.
Moving Forward
Our group hopes to continue conversations with the Teaching and Learning Centre, as well as other stakeholders within the university. We know there's more work to be done, and we're excited to have the opportunity to open more discussion around this research. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us, we would love to connect with you and hear your thoughts.