Paolo Volpara PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Paolo Volpara Age: 62 Current occupation: teacher Where you live: Istanbul Turkey Your program: Program A. The Possible World Machine Start date: March 2004 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I found the Pathways program on the internet after recommendation from friends. What alternatives were you considering at the time? Open University or University's distant learning program What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Distant learning with the possibility to study from home. How do you feel about that decision now? Very positive. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? No How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? At the top level of quality. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? The choice was right and I would not change anything. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Essential for studying. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? No suggestions: I do not have experience on electronic media. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Rachel Browne Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes, the lack of contacts after the initial stage was only my fault. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? It did not work for me because my erratic schedule requiring continuous traveling. I am sure that it works well for students disciplined to maintain a regular program of studies. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? No comparable experience. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? I have no space for this kind of activities: I debate the content of what I studied in real life with peers and students. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? No suggestions 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Very much so. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I plan to take a new course by next winter: metaphysic and ethic. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Better life, more serenity, abandonment of daily worries. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? History of philosophy, Metaphysic. Ethic. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? I would be tempted to participate. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Definitely yes. Currently, there are two free Pathways e-journals, Philosophy Pathways and Philosophy for Business. What are your thoughts about a third journal dedicated to publishing the best examples of course work by Pathways students? Not interested. 8. CONTRIBUTING TO PATHWAYS Do you have any thoughts about possible articles for Philosophy Pathways or Philosophy for Business? Or have you already written a piece that you could send us? I am not at the level with Pathways contributors Have you have successfully completed the ISFP Associate or Fellowship Awards, or the first year of the University of London Diploma or BA in Philosophy? If so, would you like to join the panel of Ask a Philosopher? No to the first question If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? No BA 9. GENERAL ASSESSMENT In the most general terms, how would you rate your experience with Pathways: Strongly positive? More positive than negative? About equal? More negative than positive? Strongly negative? Strongly positive How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? Clear, well taught program with immediate impact on the way of thinking 10. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE YOUR COMMENTS Are you prepared to allow us to reproduce any of your comments above, under your name, on the Pathways web site? Yes Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? No **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.