As a student at traditional university, most of my work was fact-finding and essay writing. I didn’t do too well with the “traditional” professors, and I loved learning, but not that much.

When I started my degree in Learning, Technology and Research, things were different. A work-based, online degree, with people from so many different backgrounds and in so many different occupations with so many different goals. All enrolled in the same degree. You would think it is difficult, but really, it was not. There were elements that were similar. Readings, for example, on reflection, learning and research. There were skills that we all had to develop, just like those enrolled in English and Science degrees. There was little “knowledge” that was part of it, but a lot of understanding of concepts, such as reflection! And as we moved through this degree, we all inquired into our own practice. 77 different action inquiries running at the same time, and yet we were able to support each other, give peer feedback and discuss the underlying concepts that were still there.

Currently called the BA (Hons) Learning through Technology, Anglia Ruskin University continues to offer students the opportunity to study differently. It is a real pleasure to see the impact continuing after the end of the course.