Larry Barksdale PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Larry E Barksdale Age: 61 Current occupation: Police Officer Where you live: Lincoln, Nebraska U.S.A. Your program: general Start date: 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Internet search What alternatives were you considering at the time? University courses What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Internet instruction, WEB site materials, available subjects, teacher. 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)? Philosophy of Language How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Excellent materials, just about right. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? The materials were much more helpful than textbooks. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? My choice was job driven, in part. Since I am a police officer much of my work involves using language. Part of my choice was to get a better understanding of language. I would make the same choice in the future. 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? No comment 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? Dr. 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? I think it worked very well for me. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? It costs much less. I have taken Logic and Language from The University of Colorado, and I have taken Elements of Logic from the University of Nebraska. 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? I think the online newsletter and the WEB site provides ample opportunity for me. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? It has certainly broadened my world view. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I read the newsletter each time it comes out. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? See the above. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? It keeps philosophy in my mind, and it has given me the sense that with effort it is possible to graph the basic concepts of about any subject. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? I would be much more inclined to take a course if it was a short course. If something could be put together around $50 -$100.00 dollars I think I would be more inclined to take a course from time to time. As an example, I am very interested in Semiotics 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 don't think I would participate. 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? I think this would be a great idea. 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? Not at the present time. 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? 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? I feel that I got an excellent insight into language and thought. It was a jump off point for me, and I don't know if I could have found any other instruction that would have met my interests and my capabilities to take the course. I was looking, specifically, for online instruction. 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.