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Date: |
Summer 2006 |
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Location: |
based at Kindrogan, Balirgowrie, Perthshire |
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Author: |
Jackie Wardill |
A Guinea-pig at Kindrogan!
I have walking difficulties and I was so disappointed when I realised that I could not attend SXR 339 at Kindrogan (Blairgowrie) last summer without considerable support. I wished to participate through interest so I was not unduly concerned with passing the Course. Consequently, I was delighted when Jessica (Bartlett) asked me if I would be a guinea-pig for a Project that would eventually, hopefully, enable disabled access to this Course.
My husband, Cyril, was to be driver and my assistant. We used our own 4x4 car. John (Whalley) stayed with me in the car as my tutor, and Louise (Thomas) sprinted up the hills, rocks and glens with all the necessary equipment. Mark (Gaved), a PhD student who designed and set up the equipment with colleagues from KMI (Knowledge Media Institute), particularly Chris Valentine and Lewis McCann, at the Open University, accompanied us for the first few days and was in constant communication after that as he had to return south. There were four roadside locations I was able to reach and study. For the other locations the car got as close as possible and I worked from there. Louise’s equipment included aerials, wireless networks, laptop, cameras and hand walkie-talkie ---she said she really needed to be an octopus! John and I used the hand walkie-talkie and the laptop for the videos and stills. We had an aerial for the wireless base-station. Louise answered queries, described interesting sights, sent me videos and stills. I was also able to talk to other students. A new skill for me was learning to use the hand walkie-talkie, without accidentally cutting-off Louise (very easy to do!), and writing at the same time!
We had our problems- that’s what the week was about! The batteries lost charge faster than anticipated but we had Cyril’s generator as a back up. Radio coverage could be patchy, and for two locations the terrain was impossible to get within range.
It was an exciting and memorable week. I visited, virtually, places I could never have reached on my own. I do hope the Project develops well – there are many disabled people out there! I have completed and submitted my TMA for the Course. I now await that particular day in December when I will discover whether or not I was able to meet the Course objectives!
The car was a comfortable study location for me. The most unforgettable time was when John and I had to sit on the back of the car. The sun was shining on the laptop so we had to cover ourselves with an anorak in order to see the screen – see photo!
PS I am delighted to hear that I gained a Grade 2 (86% for the exam. and 67% for continuous assessment).