Iain Blackwood
Employment/ Place
of Work:
Training Office, UK Inland Revenue
Country of Residence:
UK
How I fit the
course work into my life
By sitting on the top deck of a commuting bus and hiding from my family at weekends. It was thanks to my family that they fitted the course into their lives.
My most cherished
interaction on the programme:
The point at which I flew the nest. While in a discussion with a course expert on a specialist aspect, I realised that I knew as much as she did.
Which of the
different course models suited me best?
I think that the combination works well. H801 was an academic apprenticeship packing a large volume of information into a short time; it provided the resource base upon which H804 could be built. H804 allowed personal interest (in my case work driven) to flourish in a much enriched learning environment.
Answers to the Vice Chancellor's questions:
In what ways am I putting into practice the ideas and understandings I developed on the programme:
I help design and produce distance learning products, including online courses, so this course influences me every working day.
What did I find the most stimulating part of the programme:
Doing the TMAs. Sad but true!
What value was the global nature of the programme to me:
It brought together a wider range of experience and circumstances than would otherwise have been possible.
Did I find it isolating or impersonal to study this programme?
For me it is more isolating and impersonal than face to face. More importantly I found it much less productive. But these were minor difficulties that could be accommodated. I could not have done the course in any other way.
Did I find this relevant to my work:
Yes, it is my work.
Has it changed my life in any way:
Since starting the course I have had two children – that changes one’s life!