Discover why Daniel chose King's College London's online MA in Digital Futures and how the programme is supporting his career and ambitions.
Meet Daniel Thibeault, owner of a digital media recording, post production and publishing agency and current student on King's College London's online MA in Digital Futures.
Daniel is also the North American Regional Coordinator for Stop Killer Robots, an international campaign calling for legally binding rules on autonomous weapons.
In this Q&A, Daniel shares what inspired him to join the programme, how his studies are shaping his work in digital policy and education, the support he's received along the way, and his advice for anyone considering studying online at King's..png?width=560&height=280&name=Blog%20Featured%20Image%20(3).png)
Tell us about the moment you knew it was the right time to pursue this programme?
I was watching a YouTube video featuring Benjamin Bratton and in doing follow up searches for his other work and platforms I came across information on King’s College London's master's programme in Digital Futures.
That led to the Stephen Fry keynote at the King's Digital Futures Institute. As I have been doing my own study for about three years on digital technology, everything just came together in that moment.
Describe your feelings right before starting your first module. What were your biggest hopes for the programme?
I felt a mixture of nervousness and pride. My hopes were to meet a collaborative group of fellow students and transition into authentic academic work.
Can you recall a specific class, project, or interaction where you realised you were truly mastering a new skill or concept? Describe that moment.
It was during some really dense article readings when I realised that concepts and terminology were beginning to stick. I was flowing much better through the material with fewer moments of confusion and comprehension problems. During these moments I also realised I was making connections with other concepts and theories from previous weeks' activities. It’s a really good feeling and I am getting hooked on it.
What was the single biggest challenge you faced during your studies, and what resources or person at the university helped you overcome it?
I struggle as an academic writer but received enormous support from Programme Director Dr Rob Gallagher, who took the time to meet with me individually and listen to my concerns. He helped me understand the difference between “Pedagogy” in undergraduate and “Andragogy” in graduate settings, which not only had a positive impact on me as a student, but also in my role as a university adjunct instructor here in the US.
Also, Caroline Edwards has been a great Student Success Advisor and sounding board for issues that have arisen, including my academic performance. She helped me access a writing tutor and attend drop-in sessions.
Describe the first time you directly applied a concept or skill from your programme to a problem in your career or daily life. What was the skill and what was the result?
I applied to become a member of the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. I was accepted and asked to become to the North American Regional Coordinator, something that I feel is directly related to my involvement at King's. I have found that ramping up to perform the role was greatly impacted by our module studies. Everything aligns, I have a vocabulary and conceptual understanding of material technology more broadly and importantly in terms of benefits, harms and policy making.
What is the lasting impact this programme will have on your community, industry, or family? What change do you now feel empowered to make?
I currently teach at a university and my intention is to design and teach courses to undergraduate students on digital literacy and emancipation from harmful AI. I intend on working with Stop Killer Robots for as long as possible, helping North America develop a voice in the efforts towards binding international laws on autonomous weapons. I am setting up a lab in my home for building an array DIY internet of things for my personal use. My goal is to find ways to de-platform for the health and security of me and my family.
If you could give a prospective student some encouragement or advice about starting this journey, what would it be?
The most important thing my Enrolment Advisor Jordan said was, “maybe I have too much going on right now is not a good reason to put off enrolment”. The fact is we always have too much going on, and the “right time” to enrol is now. I took that advice. I’m glad I did.
Thank you to Daniel for speaking to us about his experience!
Develop the creativity and critical thinking to understand and shape the future of digital culture and society. Learn more about the King's online MA in Digital Futures:
