Open University

A number of our students have enrolled on Open University YASS courses from September 2010. The courses they chose range from 'Start writing fiction', 'Shakespeare: an introduction', 'understanding human nutrition', 'human genetics and health issues', 'introduction to bookkeeping and accounting',' start listening to music', 'digital worlds: designing games, creative alternative realities' and 'robotics and the meaning of life'.
The Open University provides high quality distant learning and an educational opportunity with university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Although every student is assigned a tutor the majority of the course is independent learning. At the end of the course each student will receive a degree level depending on the quality of the assignments they submit. The ages of Open University students vary greatly as they say they are open to 'People, Places, Methods and Ideas'. There are a variety of support mechanisms for Open University students such as forums where everyone can discuss any problems they may have, and submit their work for other people to critic.
I have interviewed some of our students currently studying with the Open University and here's what they have say...

Why did you decide to do the course?
Stevin: Because I thought it was a very interesting topic within the business area.
Hannah: Because it seemed interesting and it was good to put on my UCAS form.
Louise: Because I'm fluent in Spanish and I don't have as many Spanish lessons compared to frees and so to take up that time Mr. Tarrant suggested I do the course.
Joe: Because it fitted in with my subject areas and I thought it would be a good stepping stone.

What do you want out of the course?
Stevin: To get a basic understanding of accounting.
Hannah: Just to understand human genetics in more context.
Louise: To improve my writing skills.
Joe: A further understanding in how games are designed and made.

What problems did you encounter whilst doing the course?
Stevin: I received my stuff 3 weeks after the course started so I was really far behind.
Hannah: Juggling the course with all my other work.
Louise: I never got sent my username or password so I had to ring them up.
Joe: Leaving work till the last minute.

What has been the best aspect of the course?
Stevin: The forums were very helpful as it's good to know where everyone's at.
Hannah: The achievement you felt from finishing it.
Louise: The activities they give are quite good.
Joe: The practical side of actually designing a game.

Would you recommend the course to anyone else?
Stevin: Anyone that wants to do something related to business.
Hannah: Yes if they wanted to further their knowledge on something.
Louise: Yes definitely if they are interested and want to get better knowledge in their chosen course.
Joe: Yes if you want to go into designing as a career as it is a good stepping stone.

What advice would you give to anyone signing up to the course?
Stevin: You have to be very committed with it otherwise you won't stick with it.
Hannah: Keep organised.
Louise: Do the activities before you start doing the main piece of work.
Joe: Try and get the work done within the time limit, if you can go further head by all means do.

By Sarah Manning