Bill McNeill

Employment/ Place of Work:

Staff Tutor, College of Estate Management, Reading

Country of Residence:

United Kingdom

How I fit the course work into my life

In retrospect I'm not sure how I managed to - except that a lot of 'normal' life had to be sacrificed. I frequently travel in the UK and overseas to see students and journeys on planes and trains provided opportunities for reading. I am not a late night person so at other times it was a question of frequent early mornings, some evenings, at least one full day at weekends and usually one or two days of annual leave for writing up assignments. Time (or lack of it) was a real problem and needed very careful negotiation with my nearest and dearest - without whose support the task would have been impossible. They, at least, are certainly not sorry that I have completed the MA!

My most cherished interaction on the programme:

All the interactions with the course materials, fellow students and tutors were enjoyable in different ways. Learning to communicate in the eBBS was rewarding - particularly developing the art of 'say' writing which so many of my peers are expert at. If I will remember one interaction above others it will be the online debate in H802. I moderated my group with contributions from folk in New Zealand, the Middle East, Italy and around the UK. The exchanges and arguments that we had were superb and made for a tough but memorable few weeks.

Which of the different course models suited me best?

A three year course and three different models to learn from. H801 was a mountain of paper and the struggle to conquer it was initially hard until the distance 'discipline' kicked in - after which it became less arduous. The heavy structure did at least mean that I always knew when I was behind and by how far. In contrast H802 was like a feather both in terms of the material provided and in the content - very light and airy but no less demanding intellectually. H804 brought with it more challenges in terms of the academic rigour required to choose one's own path through the 'library' provided but the goal of completing the degree ensured that the necessary commitment was maintained. Of the three I have to choose H802 as the design concepts and collaborative activities ideally suited my engineering background.



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 am evaluating all the course modules that I am responsible for to ensure that they incorporate best practice. Additionally, since completing the programme, I have been asked to undertake educational development for my College advising colleagues on up-to-date thinking on course design, delivery methods and student support.

What did I find the most stimulating part of the programme:

The whole programme stimulated much thought and provided an excellent opportunity for me to reflect on my own practice in distance education. As a subject specialist this has largely been learnt by trial and error over a ten year period.

What value was the global nature of the programme to me:

Very valuable - approximately 30% of my students are located outside the UK so hearing and reading about teaching experiences from other countries was very rewarding. I am now actively examining ways to improve communication and study methods for students studying in a second language.

Did I find it isolating or impersonal to study this programme?

Not at all. The computer conferences were a real life line and a part of the programme that I am missing very much. Early mornings are not the same without logging on to exchange comments or simply to lurk!

Did I find this relevant to my work:

Very much so. The design model that my College uses is very similar to H801 so the programme has given me many ideas for altering and improving it in ways that will help my students with their learning experience.

Has it changed my life in any way:

Yes. I am 3 years older but much better informed and more confident in this field of education thanks to my fellow students and the tutors at IET. I wish I had had the opportunity to take the MA 10 years ago.