Erica McAteer

Employment/ Place of Work:

University of Glasgow and the Open University

Country of Residence:

Scotland

How I fit the course work into my life

I lecture in the Faculty of Eduction within the Teaching and Learning Service at the University of Glasgow. My students are lecturers and support staff, taking our Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, going through our New Lecturer Programme, or taking a postgraduate degree. My 'specialism' within higher education, both for my teaching and my research, is Information and Communication Technologies - aka 'networked learning'. Working for the MAODE was integral to my professional and academic development over the past three years. It wasn't easy (home life rare...) but it was essential! I now tutor on H804. My two posts seem to complement each other pretty well - but I will check on that as this first year ends and see what the students say.

My most cherished interaction on the programme:

Hard to say - more appropriate to record that I think I have made some real, and permanent, friendships through the course with fellow students. I value that enormously. In a sense what I 'cherished' about the programme was the way I felt as I left my physical surroundings in place but entered 'my other institution' where I had a developing identity and a community I did not want to lose. Hence my staying on to teach...

Which of the different course models suited me best?

For me each came in with something I badly needed at the time. I think I was happiest with H804 though, so far as learning environment went.



Answers to the Vice Chancellor's questions:

In what ways am I putting into practice the ideas and understandings I developed on the programme:

As an H04 tutor, as a practitioner in a 'traditional' institution supporting my own students online, in my research - when there is time...

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

Difficult one - some things seemed painfully stimulating at the time, eg in particular the examinable components... Seriously, though, the start of each block, the new reading, watching and participating on the eBBS, a feeling of 'development'.

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

It was really good to feel part of an international community, with common concerns and interests. I learnt a great deal.

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

Absolutely not, ever.

Did I find this relevant to my work:

Yes, that is why I took the degree.

Has it changed my life in any way:

Of course it has!