Scott Baillie PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Scott Divers Baillie Age: 45 Current occupation: Civil Servant Where you live: South Queensferry, Edinburgh Your program: Diploma in Philosophy Start date: Oct 2007 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I was searching the Internet for a suitable philosophy course. What alternatives were you considering at the time? What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? I initially found that the most suitable course was offered by the University of London and discovered that tutorial support for my course could be provided by Pathways. How do you feel about that decision now? I am very happy with the decision that I have taken. 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? N/A How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? N/A Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? N/A 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? It is useful in providing me with a general understanding on philosophical topics, however I have not found it helpful with my studies in the Introduction to Philosophy module of my Diploma. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? I think that is okay and easy enough to navigate to find a particular subject. 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? Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Very happy How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I am happy with the current system How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? N/A 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? N/A If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? I would like the availability of audio or video downloads and the opportunity to discuss the topics. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Similar to above. The opportunity to discuss and debate any issues from an audio or video lecture 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Enjoying studying again Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Definitely Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I plan to continue on to the BA degree in Philosophy dependent on how successful I am with the Diploma What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? At the moment I am just continuing to enjoy my studies. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Lectures about the topics that are being taught. These lectures could also be made available for viewing on-line by students who are unable to attend and also available for download after the event. 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 think an opportunity for students to get together is a great idea. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? I would if I regarded the conference to be of benefit to my studies and interest in Philosophy 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? I regard this as a good idea. It would provide examples of the standards that are to be reached and also provide extra guidance on a subject. 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? No 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? N/A If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? It is something that I would like to consider in the future. 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? More positive than negative How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? I am grateful that such an organisation exists allowing me the opportunity to study my subject in the method which best suits my circumstances. 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? **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.