Bill Crowley PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: William Crowley Age: 46 Current occupation: Physician Where you live: Port Lavaca, Texas, USA Your program: Possible World Machine Start date: 10/06 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Searching for internet philosophy courses as well as advertisements in philosophy magazine What alternatives were you considering at the time? University of Illinois What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Quality and flexibility, easing myself back into academic study after so long a time How do you feel about that decision now? Excellent 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Possible World Machine How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? At first glance, seems easy enough but complexities and challenges arise in the essay questions. Then when I review the readings and after reading related material much greater depth is apparent. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Pretty straightforward compared to several intro books I have come across. Easier to read and grasp the material Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? I believe I have stumbled upon the program best suited to me. I look forward to additional studies with additional pathway programs. Very stimulating and engaging. This is what I was looking for. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I have not visited the Pathways web page in some time. I did at first but for whatever reason, time constraints, computer access, etc I have not visited for some time. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? All the basic information to get started is there. Seems like there were two versions of the home page but everything was there needed to get started. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes, especially the letters written by former students. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? John Brandon Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Very happy. Mr Brandon has pointed out many things to me that has made me see things in a new light. I feel like I have learned how to think better. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? It has worked for me. When technology permits in the future, perhaps some webcam interaction. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? A major advantage over other distance learning programs is the tuition which is by far less expensive than other programs I have looked at. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? I have observed but not actively participated. 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? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Yes, perhaps teleconference or internet live chat? 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Studying philosophy has enriched my life by making me think about and examen more closely things that I take for granted. This helps me put things into better perspective and hopefully translates into greater understanding of life and existence. 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 What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Benefits include mentor feedback. Consequences or benefit depending on point of view: no "assigned reading" other than pathways material provided. This means one is free to explore or choose what to study further. Of course that's where the mentor comes in with suggestions. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Perhaps if the dollar starts doing better against the euro. 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? That would be an excellent idea to see how questions were discussed by fellow students. 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, but I would like to when I am more proficient. 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? I am a beginner. If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? That would be my dream someday........... 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? Pathways is making me start to think very differently about the world. That is what I was looking for. A guided exploration with feedback from someone who can get me to look at things differently. Someone who can prevent me from overlooking things because of my personal prejudices and mindset. 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? Anything to help. 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.