Over the past fifteen years I have developed my skills and enhanced my knowledge in the area of adult education. It started simply— providing instruction to water utility engineering staff about project management tips, which was driven by an experience, related to a night-course that I attended at the University of Toronto during the winter of 1992.

Then in 2001, I embarked on the journey that I am currently on now. By utilizing the St. Francis Xavier University adult education model, I designed and implemented waterworks operator training related to Ontario’s Drinking Water Regulation.

I re-focused in 2005. I considered what direction adult education was going in, and still is for that matter. I started on a Masters of Distance Education degree through Athabasca University. And I have been steadily working my way through it … and really enjoying my educational experience along the way!

I faced many challenges during the completion of my Masters degree. My wife, Emma was a stalwart for me and and could not have done it without her support, love and understanding. Initially I was concerned about going back to school (in a formal manner) and secondly about doing it via distance education. I adapted to a new learning environment, developed effective working relationships between other learners, and was motivated by the rich and diverse learner community at Athabasca University. I am glad that I embarked on this journey!

One of the enjoyable steps that I undertook was to take a trip back in time and review the more than 30 assignments (close to 50,000 written words) that I worked on during the past 5 years of study. I was pleasantly surprised to see how of the essays and research assignments still made sense  

Most were still quite relevant, insightful and frankly an interesting read. So I am sharing with the outside world some of my proud moments during my quest for a Masters of Distance Education degree... ones that really inspired me upon second reflection. I hope that you enjoy them as well.

Essential Ingredients of Adult Education - A Mess of Spaghetti

Sub-Saharan Africa – Perspectives on Distance Education

Using m-Learning to Build Teaching Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Social Justice - Food not Bombs vs. City of Kitchener

Distance Education Enterprise Business Plan - Walkerton Clean Water Centre

Moving forward, I can make a difference in the world by improving the lives of other people. I believe this is best done by providing meaningful and effective educational experiences. I will provide leadership and guidance to experienced subject matter experts that want to provide training but don’t know how to structure course material so that it becomes learner centred. I will develop a solid reputation as an educator and skills developer.

Grant.