E-learning and assessment
At the Open University work is concentrated on developing innovations in the field of distance education by harnessing the power of e-learning and computer based assessment.
OU derived materials are being re-versioned for online presentation, going beyond the relatively simple process of making texts available through the internet to provide students, wherever they are located, with a truly interactive online learning experience of comparable quality to that provided by the OU's current blended media approach.
In addition to work on materials for students, various projects are exploring the provision of high-calibre online student support and robust systems for online or electronic formative and summative assessment capable of dealing with material that is highly mathematical and makes intensive use of technically precise graphics. The purchase of an IT equipment pool will enable the exploration of various methods to overcome these challenges.
The first course to have undergone re-versioning is an introductory astronomy course that attracts several hundred students per year. This has included conversion of the OU's telescope for online observing; enabling students to experience live astronomical data capture from their own homes.
For more information about activities at the Open University please visit our Activities and Projects section.
