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!