Kim Whittlestone
kwhittlestone@rvc.ac.uk
About me
Kim is a veterinary surgeon with over 17 years experience in e-learning for veterinary and medical education. He joined the new LIVE team at the Royal Veterinary College in May 2006 as Senior Lecturer in Independent Learning. I'm married with two daughters - 14 and 17 years old.
What I hope to get out of this project
I hope that we can create a learning community that will help us to understand how groups like this can work remotely. I also would like to see everyone being engaged in and empowered by this exciting opportunity.
My best learning experience
Probably, learning to ring church bells. It was a true community of practice with experts who showed what we were aiming for and guided us as learners in a difficult technical challenge - just enough challenge so it was interesting, and then as soon as we were able to help others, guided to take on the role of supporter/teacher.
Pathology that interests me
I was introduced to human forensic pathology when at Bristol University - this can clearly be very shocking, but a really enthusiastic pathologist made it 'come alive'! I'm also keen on stories, so I guess forensic path has that characteristic too.
Pathology that I think is difficult
Initially, just the concepts and the 'new' language. Later on, being able to apply the basics to 'real' situations.
Day one thoughts
What I learnt today
- You can never do too much preparation for workshops
- Face to works well
- We still don't know enough about online communities!
What I still need to learn
- See some of ToDo List of Technical Stuff on Wiki
- More about supporting an online community
How I feel about what has happened today
- It is going to be challenging
- Potentially, it could be very good
- Good group - it'll be interesting to see what happens!