‘Inclusive, Innovative and Responsive’ (Mission, 2017) are 3 words the Open University use on their Mission webpage to describe the ways in which they aim to provide learning to their students who are enrolled on their courses. These 3 words encapsulate the whole ethos of the Open University as they continue to revolutionise not only Higher Education but learning as a whole, removing the learner from the traditional setting and resources and adopting a more dynamic and inclusive method of teaching. This is echoed in their ‘Open to all’ value as they state ‘Most of our undergraduate courses have no formal entry requirements. We believe that the qualifications our students have when they leave are the only ones that matter. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all, and close monitoring makes sure that we live up to our ideals.’ These different and more modern views of teaching and the ways in which to treat higher education allows them to reach a much wider range of students which greatly benefits people living in more socioeconomically disenfranchised situations. ‘We work in partnership with national and local organisations to open up higher education to underrepresented groups, reaching out to potential students in their communities – and ensuring that, once onboard, these students receive the support they need to succeed in their studies.’ Although these views seem much more progressive and inclusive than traditional higher education universities which insist upon strict entry requirements, the Open University has been in operation since 1969. ‘In 1969 one ambition changed the world, giving anyone, anywhere the power to learn.’ ‘The Open University has pioneered distance learning for over 50 years, delivering exceptional teaching and outstanding support to students across the UK and the world.’ (About The Open University, N.D) Over the last 52 years, they have provided education to over 2 million students (About The Open University, N.D) exemplifying their values of education for all. This is proven no more than in their international work providing educational materials and support for over 20 years. ‘We deliver flexible, adaptable and scalable programmes in partnership with governments, NGOs, funding institutions and local partners – addressing areas such as frontline health, teacher education and English language teaching.’ Through teaching vital skills to healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa remotely they not only providing education but helping to save lives at the same time. This example shows the dedication they have to their vision of the future of learning and the different forms in which higher education students can be presented around the world. This is a stark contrast to the traditional universities who are often perceived as being stuck in their ways, providing education to only the already privileged members of society at some institutions.
Learning and the ways in which it is provided at the Open University is something which again is a stark contrast to not only how other British Universities choose to disseminate their information but also internationally. ‘The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning, which is: Flexible, All-Inclusive, Supportive and Social’ (About The Open University, N.D). This is the key to the Open Universities success as though such a radical departure from traditional teaching methods and settings allows them to provide learning opportunities to a much wider range of students. This includes socioeconomic differences, wider age ranges, committed careers as well as parents and other people who do not fit the traditional form of a student. The need to move across the country to attend a few hours of lectures a week is something that blocks these members of society from being able to attend traditional universities. This is where the Open University fits in as they recognised many years ago what the setting and method of learning and teaching is not required to be face to face or formal. The requirement is upon the learner’s willingness and motivation to learn on their own. One key factor that allows them to teach in such different ways and what sets them apart from traditional universities is their theme of ‘Be Open’ as stated in their Academic Strategy.
‘Be open to People, Places, Methods and Ideas’ (Teaching and research, 2017) are all listed with them defining their academic vision simply as ‘Be Open’. ‘It is a vision that comes from our mission and is one that will help us onto a more sustainable track. In setting our Academic Strategy, however, we must not measure sustainability solely in financial terms but also human ones.’ Having a heavier emphasis on the personal and human effects they are causing over the financial benefits they are reaping, allows them to stay closer to this vision and therefore continue to provide the open service they have been for many years. The quality of the creation and delivery of the courses is essential so as to fall in line with these values and visions. Course production is undertaken by ‘multi-disciplinary teams comprising academics, educational technologists and media specialists contributing pedagogic and technical expertise. Respected academics from other universities working alongside OU colleagues and external examiners.’ (About The Open University, N.D). By going to such lengths to create a highly produced and precise module they can ensure that the remote learning experience is as seamless as possible and does not end up being a detriment to their learning and instead of being of great benefit. These modules are delivered through ‘a mixture of reading, videos/recordings and interactive activities’ ensuring that ‘Wherever you can get an internet connection, you’ll be able to study.’ (How will I Study | Open University, N.D) As well as the core module materials delivered virtually online and occasionally in printed form, delivered to the students home address, there is also an extensive Open University Library. ‘Our online library will give you worldwide access to trusted, quality online resources, selected by subject specialists, to support your study.’ (How will I Study | Open University, N.D). A resource such as this is invaluable to any student so having this at their fingertips whenever they may require it, to reinforce their learning or as reference material for assignments or essays, they are well equipped and provided for even though they may not physically be receiving any learning. Through the evolution of technology and more specifically the internet, the Open University has gone through many variations and methods of teaching and feedback. In the ever more connected world, we live in close communication with tutors is easier than ever through virtual calls, emails and online conferences. ‘The OU has a network of more than 5,000 tutors – the largest in the UK. Tutors mark assignments, provide detailed written feedback, and offer support to students by telephone, email, or computer conferencing. They also run group or online tutorials and day schools’ (About The Open University, N.D). As stated above, there are many ways in which feedback can be provided to a student through their close monitoring by Tutors ensuring they never become lost in the system of remote learning.
The methods of learning and teaching provided by the Open University differ greatly from traditional universities as they require no commitment to a fixed location or a commitment to a regular time schedule allowing learners to study whenever possible in their potentially busy lives. This is something that traditional universities lack greatly as they often require students to attend in-person lectures every week, on campuses potentially on the other side of the country drastically limiting the range of potential students. ‘Research has shown students only using online mediums performed in average as well as the ones opting for an in-person lecture’. (6) Studies such as this one support the methods in which the Open University operates by removing all of the obstacles to learning of students in non-optimal personal situations, they are able to gain on average the same level of education and qualification as someone who is attending in-person learning. This requires a much lesser sacrifice opening the opportunities to everyone, increasing the shared knowledge of the country greatly benefiting society. Through this pedagogical style of teaching more emphasis is put upon the self-actualisation and motivation of the learner instead of the university experience being something that becomes mandatory due to the financial commitment they are making to it. This intern will lead to a much more positive experience as fewer negative aspects will be presented through remote learning. This is supported by studies such as this: ‘The OU has been ranked fifth out of 103 higher education institutions for overall postgraduate research student satisfaction in the national survey of research students.’ (OU ranked fifth for research student satisfaction, 2020).
The ultimate question which is raised by the popularisation and success of the Open University throughout the last 52 years is whether this is the future of higher education and will take over from more traditional learning. From the evidence presented through this evaluation of the Open University and their methods of teaching, there is no doubt that what they are achieving is an amazing thing, providing education to those previously excluded from it and opportunities to others wishing to undertake higher education at a different point in their lives. Something which cannot be overlooked when talking about remote learning is the effect that the Coronavirus Pandemic has had upon all higher education institutions, forcing them to adopt this more modern way of teaching. This forced exposure to the ways in which the Open University has been teaching for years, in my opinion, will lead to much more remote and online learning being provided by what were previously traditional establishments. Something which can never be replaced however is the lifestyle and culture surrounding university and this is just one reason why the Open University or others like it will never completely replace the traditional system.
References
About The Open University | (no date). Available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/about/main/ (Accessed: 17 May 2021).
How will I Study | Open University (no date). Available at: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/what-is-distance-learning/study (Accessed: 17 May 2021).
Mission (2017) About The Open University. Available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/about/main/strategy-and-policies/mission (Accessed: 17 May 2021).
OU ranked fifth for research student satisfaction (2020) Research at The Open University. Available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/research/news/ou-ranked-fifth-research-student-satisfaction (Accessed: 17 May 2021).
Teaching and research (2017) About The Open University. Available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/about/main/teaching-and-research (Accessed: 17 May 2021).
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