This free course is for students who are enrolled to start their first undergraduate Open University module. If you have not yet enrolled on an OU module you will not be able to complete all the activities. You should visit the public OU website to find out more about our modules.If you are enrolled on an Access module or postgraduate module, this course won't be relevant to you. Check StudentHome for links to resources to get you started.If you’re enrolled on an Apprenticeship this course is relevant but you will also have additional resources to explain and help you prepare for your Apprenticeship programme.Welcome to this free course, Being an OU student. The aim of this course is to help you get off to the best possible start on your journey with The Open University (OU). Students who invest a bit of time preparing for their studies are more likely to succeed, so taking time to do this course now will help in the long run.The course gives a flavour of what OU study is actually like. You'll learn about how you'll be supported and the technologies you'll use, and you'll start to develop the skills you'll need to succeed.For some of the activities you will be required to have access to the website(s) for your first module(s). These will usually become available about three weeks before your module starts. You can, however, work through this course now and come back later to complete these activities.Enrolling on this course will give you the opportunity to earn an Open University digital badge. Badges are not accredited by The Open University but they are a great way to demonstrate your interest in the subject and commitment to your career, and to provide evidence of continuing professional development.Once you are signed in, you can manage your digital badges online from My OpenLearn. In addition, you can download and print your OpenLearn Statement of Participation - which also displays your Open University badge.When you have completed the course we would really appreciate your feedback. If you would like to share your experiences of taking this course, please fill in this short survey.
Overview
Syllabus
- Session1Session 1: What’s OU study all about?
- Introduction
- About this course
- 1Â How do you feel about starting your studies?
- 2 What will OU study be like?
- 3 What does it mean to be an OU student?
- 4 How will I find time to study?
- 5 Student discounts and software
- 5.1 Your academic email address
- 5.2 What is Office 365 and how can I access it?
- 6 Summary of Session 1
- Acknowledgements
- Session2Session 2: Where do I find everything?
- Introduction
- 1 Navigating StudentHome
- 1.1 Overview of StudentHome
- 2 Your module website
- 3 Your Study website
- 4 The Help Centre
- 5 Computing Guide
- 6 The OU Library
- 6.1 Using other university libraries
- 7 Where do I find…? quiz
- 8 The OU campus
- 9 Summary of Session 2
- Acknowledgements
- Session3Session 3: How will I get support?
- Introduction
- 1 Who’s who in the OU?
- 1.1 Student support team (SST) adviser
- 1.2 Your tutor
- 1.3 The Computing and Distribution helpdesk advisers
- 1.4 OU Students Association
- 1.5 Careers and Employability Services
- 2 Accessing support
- 2.1 Who should you contact?
- 3 Support if you have a disability
- 4 Mental wellbeing
- 5 The OU community
- 5.1 Social media
- 5.2 Using social media for learning
- 6 Summary of Session 3
- Acknowledgements
- Session4Session 4: How will I learn?
- Introduction
- 1 Modules and qualifications
- 2 What’s in a module?
- 2.1 OU Study app
- 3 Tutorials
- 3.1 What happens at tutorials?
- 3.2 Online tutorials
- 3.3 Face-to-face tutorials
- 4 How do forums work?
- 5 Safeguarding
- 6 Assessment
- 6.1 How will I submit assignments?
- 6.2 How will I get feedback on assignments?
- 7 What is referencing and why is it important?
- 7.1 What is plagiarism?
- 8 Summary of Session 4
- Acknowledgements
- Session5Session 5: How can I be a successful student?
- Introduction
- 1 Keeping a study journal
- 2 What do I need to know about distance learning?
- 3 How can I succeed at distance learning?
- 4 Planning your time
- 4.1 Time management strategies
- 4.2 What can I do if I fall behind?
- 5 Top tips from other students
- 5.1 Getting your family and friends on board
- 6 Summary of Session 5
- Acknowledgements
- Session6Session 6: What do I need to do before I start studying?
- Introduction
- 1 Equipment needed for study
- 1.1 What sort of computer?
- 2 Essential computer skills
- 3 What are digital skills?
- 3.1 Digital skills for study
- 3.2 Developing digital skills
- 4 OpenLearn
- 5 What are the best things about studying?
- 6 Summary of Session 6
- 7 The end-of-course quiz
- 8 Congratulations
- Acknowledgements
