Hi all,
I'm just coming to the end of my first module at the OU, AA100. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed the studying aspect I have not spent nearly enough time (in fact hardly any) on forums, blogging etc and generally getting social. I've realised that distance learning can feel a little isolating, and I think getting more involved with people who are facing the same challenges and have similar goals will be hugely beneficial to my journey, and perhaps I can contribute to someone elses! Only just exploring forums, Platform and OUSA really! So this is my pledge to get more involved in student life! I'd love to hear from anyone who identifies with me on this...perhaps you can pledge with me too!
Chrissy
Hello Chrissy, I was thinking this online lark was going to be very isolating too, not what I need at all, with my daughter back at uni and living on my own. I loathe computers but am determined to get over the fear of deleting everything or blowing the contraption up. AA100 is my first course and just starting it.
When I explored the forums I tried to add a smiley face and everything froze. I was in a panic. Then I noticed I spelled something incorrectly and edited it, but couldn't get out of it, so erased it all and had to save it. There's a message somewhere with just a full stop. I felt such a twit. Oh well.
What course are you going on to do next?
Abigail
Hi Abigail,
We'll soon get the hang of it I'm sure! I'm just finishing AA100 myself, it's a very interesting course. Moving onto a level 2 for October A200, Medieval to Modern and also running with A150 in November. Hope it won't be too much! Love the OU though I'm so glad I decided to study with them. Hope you enjoy AA100 as much as I did. Any idea what arts pathway you want to follow? As you can see I'm a history girl myself!
Chrissy
Hi Chrissy, I am just starting my first module with the OU, and just exploring Platform, my blog and the forums. Thanks for posting this and reminding me to make sure I use them. I am busy working out where to find the time to do the studying, I don't seem to think of making time for blogging and using the student forums - it might be a good idea to plan time for that too!
I am interested in studying AA100 after the module I'm on now (Design and the Web T183). Is AA100 good? I am thinking of working towards a degree in Humanities with Art, but wondering if the Art module is hands on, or more looking into the history of art? Is there practical creating art in the course? And if not, are there other Art Modules that are more hands on? Or would I be better working on the Design Modules (U101 and T211) ?
Hi,
I found AA100 very interesting and I think it is intended to be a kind of stepping stone to any arts/ humanities subject. If you're looking into doing art history I think it would be suitable as it does cover some of this subject to an extent. But be warned, it also includes some history, religious studies, philosophy, english literature to name a few so you will probably find you like some parts more than others. But then you're not stuck on one subject for more than a week. There isn't any practical art involved in AA100, I think there must be another pathway to an art degree but I don't really know anything about that side of things. Hope I've helped a little bit!
Hi Christina, Thanks so much! I thought AA100 covered Art in various forms - writing, music, sculpture and visual art, I am surprised it includes history, religious studies, and philosophy as well. It does sound like a good introduction to Humanities, and would be good to help you decide which parts of Humanities you would like to study more into. But as for practical art, I think I would have to look to another module for that! Thanks so much for giving me a better idea of what it involves!
Art Girl
Hi Art Girl and Chrissy,
I am hoping to complete a BA (Hons) in Humanities with Art History, and this course was compulsory. The course I wanted to do next will be cancelled next October I think, so I have to wait and see what the replacement will be. I need to get 120 points at each level, and they recommend doing the residential course, which would knock it up another 30 points, I think. So I haven't quite worked out what I need to do next, and I may have to overlap some or I'll be doing this for six years. I need to get a job, but I just couldn't get anything that would pay enough to pay the bills. I am counting on this degree to get me a job in a gallery, which is what I really want to do. It is too late in life to put anything off any longer. I would have preferred to do a more hands on course too. I did a Fine Art A level a few years ago and loved it. I am an artist anyway, so I can now combine studying with painting, and I volunteer at a gallery. Hope you find what you are looking for Art Girl.
Isn't the OU great for a career change?! I'm relying on it too career wise, I do work but it is sooo dull! I want to teach (I think) unless I can get an amazing well paid job in the British Museum in which case I will NEVER leave!!! I am over-lapping this year and I hope I can cope. I'll basically do whatever it takes to cope, otherwise another 5 years is a heck of a long time! Good luck with your plans Abigail. A bit like me, ideally, you would like to find a job in your field before you graduate, but art and in my case history jobs can be difficult to find. Keep an eye out all the time and see if there are any companies that send you new job updates (I found English Heritage do this) and you never know what will come up. The OU seem to think a lot of employers are impressed by OU students, not just alumni, so I am holding out hope!!!
Yes, I think I will keep my eye out tentatively, as a part-time job which is paid would be great. I love helping out at the gallery and it gives me experience, but I really want to feel that buzz again when the pay check arrives. Although it's probably online now...takes all the thrill out of it doesn't it!
Let me know how you get on with doing two courses at once. I would be interested to hear how you juggle them. Do you have many responsibilities, like kids, husband, dogs, whatever?
I haven't been to the British Museum for ages. I went with my daughters and they were a bit bored I think, but that was years ago. I'm off to the Portrait Gallery this weekend with my eldest, and I hope to pick up tickets for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition which is coming.
Good luck with your studies.
I pledge to this.
A150 will be my fourth course with the OU, and I'm still quiet on the forums. I want to try and get the most out of my OU life. I already use the OU blog which I find is a wonderful thing. However, I've not had the chance to get to know many people. So many times throughout the courses, I've felt the need to contact someone to air my frustrations, but didn't know where to turn to. I'm hoping with A150, I will be more confident in approaching the forums.