Stuart Burns PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Stuart Burns Age: 60 Current occupation: Retired Where you live: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Your program: I have taken 3 programs, Possible Worlds, Moral Philosophy, Metaphysics Start date: June, 2004 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 web for distance learning courses in Philosophy What alternatives were you considering at the time? None. I could find none available. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Distance Learning over the Internet How do you feel about that decision now? Great! 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Written Programs? As indicated above, I have taken 3 programs. How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? A little too elementary for perfection. But then I have had many years reading and studying Philosophy on my own. I can understand the need to start simple for those who are new to Philosophy. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Much more basic. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? If I flunk out of the UofL BA Philosophy Program, I will undertake the remaining three programs. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Excellent! How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? Better access to some of the better essays generated by the students would be a nice touch. 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? Prof. Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes! How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? A chat-room or Forum for students to exchange ideas and comments might be a nice addition. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? A distance learning course cannot compare, on any scale to either an in-class teaching format, or an on-your-own teaching format. 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? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Yes! A moderated Forum is suggested. See for example the moderated forum recently created for UofL Philosophy students. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Provided much pleasure. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Yes. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I am now enrolled in my first year of the UofL BA Hons Philosophy program. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? 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? Not likely to be able to attend, unless it is held in Toronto. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? No. 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? Good Idea! Although an online library would be just as useful, I would think. 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 have already had material published. 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 already a member of the panel If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? 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? It is the ***only*** online, interactive, means of studying Philosophy that is available. There simply is no competitor. 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.