The module Y162 “Starting with Maths” ‘ requires use of a scientific calculator. The course material includes a guide to the TI-30XA calculator which explains how to use it in the context of the module. Here is a picture of the course materials, just after I’d opened the package as delivered to students.
If we’re opening up Y162, I think we’re going to need to provide alternatives to this specific calculator, including an online equivalent such as this one from Web2.0calc.com.
The ‘Starting with Maths’ text book contains 17 mentions of the word ‘tutor’ in its 7 chapters. The first 8 of these occur within the first chapter, and all emphasise that the student should ask their tutor for help if they”re having difficulty understanding any of the concepts. For example
“If you are still puzzled by it, try discussing the problem with someone else or your tutor”.
The strategy of discussing difficult concepts, skills, or methods is emphasised throughout the book. When this material is transformed into an open educational resource, how could this tutorial support be prvided? On OpenLearn Learning clubs and forums (e.g. the Maths & stats forum) allow learners to connect with other learnerrs. For the the American Universities involved in this project, is there another way that learners can get support? I note taht the only one of the 7 chapters which does not refer to a tutor is chapter 6 ‘Working with data’: I wonder if there’s anything particularly different about the material in this chapter?
During our meeting Guy sketched options for the content development process as we talked:
One important decisiosn that needs to be taken quickly is who will do the editing/content preparation for the first release. Options include an OU media person, or some one from the US college(s). There are pros and cons for both, and hopefully whichever is choosen there’ll be some info and skills exchange that takes place during the content preparation process. To move things forward,
a meeting including both tech and management folk from all involved parties (inc OU) will be set up for next week
