Elias Alonso PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Roberto Elias Alonso Sanchez Age: 29 Current occupation: Operations Coach at HTC Where you live: Guadalajara, Mexico Your program: Introduction to philosophy Start date: 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Searching for an online course about philosophy What alternatives were you considering at the time? Actually, there are not very much programs such as Pathways, so there were actually no alternatives. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Got the scholarship to study it at no cost. How do you feel about that decision now? Great, I still read some of the papers provided to me. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Introduction to philosophy How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Just about right. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? They are much more "fresh" and above all they are many examples so it is easy to understand. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? Given the chance I would like to study more programs why? well because I think you never end learning more and more. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Great, although it would be great to have a flash based website. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? Flash In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Mhh actually it looks a bit less serious or professional than it is. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Brian Tee Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Not really, Brian was I think very busy at the time, and he wasn't able to provide me with the feedback from my essays, he even lost the first one, then he sent the feedback much much later, and at the end he "forgot" me. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? Well I think it should be more of a personal thing, and following the "schedules" for example if the mentors status that he's going to send the feedback within the week, you would expect that. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Well face to face is an easier way to have tuition, BUT that takes time and you have to be at the same place, so with this course, for example Im in Mexico and Im being given tuition from the UK, without having to move from my city. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No, didn't knew about them 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? Well, an open debate on an interesting theme like where's the mind, or what's the mind Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Yes, well Im pretty sure everyone has some sort of messenger. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? I felt part of a group, I liked to know there were many people over the world doing philosophy, and was very impressed by the work Geoffrey Klempner was doing. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Well, first course I studied I had an scholarship, and then my mentor never really provided me with any more info or anything at the end he forgot about me. Sometime I still consider studying another course, problem is time, at the moment Im working and doing some others works for psychology but Im sure in the future Ill study more pathways courses. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? Well at my university, and at the moment Im not really planning to get another. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? You always know there is an alternative to study philosophy 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? No 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 be great! Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Well going to the UK from Mexico is quite expensive, although I've been there and probably will be there next year visiting Manchester then for sure I would attend Sheffield for any conference. 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? GREAT!!! 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? Would be great to have the opportunity to contribute 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? More positive than negative How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? To provide feedback in order for future students to have an equal or better experience. 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 , totally 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.