Open University

[Pendaric]

I'm idly considering further education options, one of which is to look at Open University courses.

Anyone had any experience with this?

I'm educated to 'A'-level standard 25 years ago, and I was going to go to University at that point, but various family dramas got in the way and I didn't get to go.

I haven't finally decided on what I want to study as yet, but it will probably be Humanities based. I've glanced at an 'Introduction to Shakespeare' course, and an 'Introduction to the Major Religions'.

[Codec]

I've done about 14 courses with them now - about 3/4 of a degree. There teaching material is very good - at least in sciences which is where I've been mostly.

They have some nice 10 point courses which take about 1-2 months to complete, which introduce you to their way of working and are less effort than a full degree course - although they still count towards a degree - its a good way of putting you're toe in the water.

I'd say go for it!

[DMB]

I know a few people who've had good experiences with them. I think it's an advantage that the courses are geared at adults and don't assume that you've just left school.

MY only direct experience is atypical. Back in the early 1980s I did a module of the Open Business School, which they had just started. If I had gone on it would have counted towards an MBA. I did the coursework and went to meetings with my tutor and so forth. However, at the end we had an exam (I don't know if it was formally called that). I got 99% without trying. At that point I decided it would be a waste of time to carry on with other modules. The whole module had taught me a few little things and made me question myself a bit, and in that it was helpful. Overall, however, it presented no intellectual challenge at all.

[Sodong]

I know a few people who've had good experiences with them. I think it's an advantage that the courses are geared at adults and don't assume that you've just left school.

MY only direct experience is atypical. Back in the early 1980s I did a module of the Open Business School, which they had just started. If I had gone on it would have counted towards an MBA. I did the coursework and went to meetings with my tutor and so forth. However, at the end we had an exam (I don't know if it was formally called that). I got 99% without trying. At that point I decided it would be a waste of time to carry on with other modules. The whole module had taught me a few little things and made me question myself a bit, and in that it was helpful. Overall, however, it presented no intellectual challenge at all.I've considered it over the years but ended up doing 7 years of post secondary science and technology at two institutions instead. Now that I have a motive for studying some more I am contemplating how on earth I might take that on along with my current work projects that already spill over into my evenings and weekends.

In some areas of science I could see where the on-campus type of learning provides a few more opportunities - for direct experience, networking and collaboration, lab facilities, access to equipment and instrumentation, assistance, services, etc., but the online courses don't sound like a bad way to get started for anyone contemplating it and may offer such opportunities for all I know. I guess it might depend what one wants to do with one's expanded cerebral cortex when it's all said and done. :)