Introduction

For much of my working life (30 years), I was a computer programmer and then a system developer. I worked as an independent consultant and also developed and taught technical training courses in face-to-face workshops. These experiences were primarily “chalk and talk” (except I used PowerPoint). I began to realize that this teaching style is not particularly effective, and I needed to find better ways in which to engage learners.

I started out by talking with the students at break times and trying to understand where they were coming from, rather than delivering a content heavy course that did not necessarily relate to their learning needs. I still needed to understand the teaching process better, so I began to take adult education classes to learn better ways of responding to students needs and assisting them in gaining the knowledge they were looking for.

Also during this period, my health situation was changing and I needed to find a way to continue my career with limited commuting, and with reduced face-to-face teaching activities. Most of my development work could be done remotely, why not my teaching? This is when I really started to get interested in distance learning – both as a learner and as a future course developer and facilitator. I no longer believed in the model of instructor as the “sage on the stage”, and saw my role much more as guide and co-creator of understanding.

I have now rediscovered myself as an advocate for myself and others – particularly focusing on seniors issues, poverty, and disability. Although over the official retirement age, I intend to keep busy in the next few years as I engage in this new work. I plan many years of further study, as I have so much to learn in order to make my efforts count. I look forward to the adventure!