Reflections from our TEL Student Ambassador - Davina

Photo of Davina

Working as a TEL Student Ambassador

As a postgraduate student in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law, working with the Technology Enhanced Learning Team (TELT) gave me an opportunity to see the university from a different perspective. 

I developed practical skills that I would not have gained through my degree alone. In particular, I learned about video creation and using H5P software to design interactive content. These were both technical skills, but also required thinking about how information is presented to others in a clear and engaging way. That combination of technical and communication skills is something I found valuable and relevant beyond the role itself. 

My advice to future TEL Student Ambassadors and QMUL staff

For future student ambassadors, my advice would be to make the most of the people-facing side of the role. Talking to students and sharing their perspectives is a big part of what makes the work meaningful, and it’s a great way to develop communication skills in a professional setting. Being able to listen carefully, summarise feedback, and share it in a constructive way is as important as the technical side of the work. 

For new staff, I would say not to hesitate in reaching out to the TELT team when in need of help with the university’s technologies. Everyone benefits when staff feel confident using the technology, and the team is always supportive in helping people get there. Asking for help is not a weakness, but a way of ensuring that teaching and learning are delivered as effectively as possible. From what I’ve seen, the TELT team is committed to making that process smooth and approachable, and staff should take advantage of that support. 

The best bits

One of the parts I enjoyed most was interviewing my peers. It was fun to bring my friends into the process and to hear their honest views about the university’s technologies. Having those conversations gave me insights into how other students navigate the digital learning environment, and I enjoyed being able to take those perspectives back to the team. It reinforced the idea that student voices are essential in shaping how technology is improved, because the way people actually use these systems in day-to-day study can be quite different from how they were originally intended. 

The collaborative aspect of TELT was another positive feature of the role. Working with the great team over at TELT, and my fellow student ambassador was highly enjoyable, and there was always a sense of support within the team. I appreciated the way knowledge was shared openly, and questions were welcomed – it made the work environment both productive and approachable. 

Overall, being part of TELT was a valuable experience that offered both practical skills and insight into how digital learning is supported at Queen Mary. It was a chance to contribute to improving the student experience in a tangible way, while working alongside a supportive team. For anyone considering the role, it offers a valuable perspective on how the university operates and the opportunity to play an active part in supporting it.