Aged 18 to 25? Studying with the OU or thinking of doing so? Then this is the place to come and find out more; a place for you to share your experiences as a young OU student and chat with others in similar situations.
OU lecturer lands role in Hollywood blockbuster
For weeks Dr David Robinson, zoologist and Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences, has been picking colleagues’ brains over the possibility that a drug could kick-start ape evolution to human intelligence levels.
Knowing his interest in evolutionary biology few suspected his questions had less to do with science and more to do with showbiz.
This week Dr Robinson appeared alongside Lord of the Rings and King Kong actor Andy Serkis and film director Rupert Wyatt to lend some expert opinion to the release of the Hollywood blockbuster, Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Dr Robinson joined film people and the writer and chimpanzee expert Dr Sanjida O’Connell on a panel in front of journalists for a Q&A session following a press screening of the movie which opened in the UK on August 11.
The filmmakers hoped David’s expertise could answer questions related to the movie plot which involves experiments on treatment for Alzheimer’s in humans accidentally boosting the intelligence of laboratory apes.
A chimp called Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, leads other apes in a revolt against humans – with spectacular and terrifying consequences. This movie is the prequel to the classic Planet of the Apes where a future earth is ruled by apes.
David, co-author of the book ‘The Emergence of Humans’ and a contributor to ‘99% Ape: How Evolution Adds Up’ was called in by 20th Century Fox last month and was initially asked to do radio phone-ins in the build up to the movie’s release.
“It came out of the blue and then they asked me to do the panel,” he said.
Sworn to secrecy about the film plot and his role he asked OU colleagues in relevant disciplines about the general premise of dementia research and ape intelligence to confirm his own views and without telling them why.
“Most knew about my work in TV and did not ask further what it was for,” said the former head of the Open University Broadcasting Unit and academic adviser on BBC/OU co-productions including Coast, Life and Frozen Planet.
So, has the studio got the science right?
As far as the Alzheimer’s treatment is concerned there are some aspects which are “scientifically plausible”, he said.
“On others the movie science is more advanced than where we are now.”
In the movie a mutated virus is responsible for the apes’ accelerated intelligence rather than evolution and, said David, while “you can buy into a lot of the story” the basic premise remains science fiction.
David said he enjoyed the film, especially the science-based build-up before the climactic battle between apes and humans and he praised Andy Serkis’ role as Caesar the apes' leader.
The part uses motion capture technology as seen in Lord of the Rings and King Kong and Serkis studied the movements and behaviour of chimpanzees.
“It is a compelling performance and despite the technology used he really is acting,” he said.
For weeks Dr David Robinson, zoologist and Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences, has been picking colleagues’ brains over the possibility that a drug could kick-start ape evolution to human intelligence levels. Knowing his interest in evolutionary biology few suspected his questions had less to do with science and more to do with showbiz. This week Dr Robinson ...
The Open University Christian Union
Hi there,
There is now a brand new group for The Open University Christian Union! Anyone who is interested, follow the links below and join in both here on Platform and also on Facebook. Thanks!
http://www8.open.ac.uk/platform/groups/the-open-university-christian-union
or
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Open-University-Christian-Union/254475394571580?sk=wall
Hi there, There is now a brand new group for The Open University Christian Union! Anyone who is interested, follow the links below and join in both here on Platform and also on Facebook. Thanks! http://www8.open.ac.uk/platform/groups/the-open-university-christian-union or http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Open-University-Christian-Union/254475394571580?sk=wall 1.5 Average: 1.5 (4 votes)
Computing Helpdesk opening hours
Monday to Friday 9:00 – 21:30
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 – 17:00
Bank holidays 10:00 – 16:00
This means that support now starts at 9am rather than 8am during the week and opening hours have been reduced at weekends.
"These new times follow a review of demand for the support services offered by the Computing Helpdesk and we are confident that the new opening times will meet the requirements of students and ALs who use these services," says the Helpdesk.
The Computing Helpdesk can provide one-to-one advice for issues such as:
• installing and running module software
• support and assistance with other OU IT services and applications
• usernames or passwords
• access to module websites and other online facilities.
Before contacting the Helpdesk, you may wish to check out the FAQs, other information and 'how to' videos available on the OU's Computing Guide website.
Useful Links
OU Computing Guide
OU Computing Helpdesk
The OU's Computing Helpdesk, which provides IT support for Open University students and tutors, has revised its opening hours. The Helpdesk is now available to answer queries by phone or email at the following times: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 21:30 Saturday and Sunday ...
Psychology - Introducing the social sciences - DD101
Hello fellow students,
I have just registered myself on the DD101 course starting in October, I am so excited and can't wait! Has anyone else decided to go for the Psychology degree? Myself, mum and sister have all decided on this course so we have a little network going on already but does anyone live in the Staffordshire area and starting this course too? It would be nice to extend our study group. We range in ages from 21 - 49 but are very easy to get on with, hopefully we can share our love and excitement for this subject with others ;)
Natasha
Hello fellow students, I have just registered myself on the DD101 course starting in October, I am so excited and can't wait! Has anyone else decided to go for the Psychology degree? Myself, mum and sister have all decided on this course so we have a little network going on already but does anyone live in the Staffordshire area and starting this course too? It would be nice to extend our study ...
Why did you choose the OU?
Hi. Created this topic just out of interest really and to see what other peoples experiences and reasons for choosing the OU are.
Personally i chose it after failing a nursing course at a conventional university. I used credits gained from the work i had completed to lessen the amount of courses i needed to take with the OU. This was an option i found to be fantastic!
What attracted me to the OU is that i could continue to stay where i was living, whilst also working, instead of starting all over again at a different University. Which i was considering unitl the idea of the OU came up.
I think the OU is wonderful and it is so nice how it is so accessible to everyone!
If anyone else has any expereinces they wish to share, feel free to post!:-)
Kylie.
Hi. Created this topic just out of interest really and to see what other peoples experiences and reasons for choosing the OU are. Personally i chose it after failing a nursing course at a conventional university. I used credits gained from the work i had completed to lessen the amount of courses i needed to take with the OU. This was an option i found to be fantastic! What attracted me to ...
The rise of OU fees
Hi guys,
I'm sure you have all heard about the rise in OU fees that are due to take place soon. According to the website articles, current students are not affected, however it would be really interesting to find your opinion on the matter.
You can find out more information on the issue by following this link:
http://www8.open.ac.uk/study/explained/fees-2012
Hi guys, I'm sure you have all heard about the rise in OU fees that are due to take place soon. According to the website articles, current students are not affected, however it would be really interesting to find your opinion on the matter. You can find out more information on the issue by following this link: http://www8.open.ac.uk/study/explained/fees-2012
College courses count towards OU degrees
A partnership between the Open University and Kilmarnock College is giving its students the chance to study part time with the OU.
Kilmarnock College students can count credits from HNC, HND and other courses towards an OU degree.
And the opportunity is open to former Kilmarnock students no matter how long since they left the college.
Dr James Miller, director of The Open University in Scotland told the Kilmarnock Standard he was delighted to be working in partnership with the college.
He said: “It is particularly important in the current economic environment that students from the college are able to up-skill and re-skill and stay one step ahead in the labour market".
A partnership between the Open University and Kilmarnock College is giving its students the chance to study part time with the OU. Kilmarnock College students can count credits from HNC, HND and other courses towards an OU degree. And the opportunity is open to former Kilmarnock students no matter how long since they left the college. Dr James Miller, director of The Open ...
Anyone up for University Challenge?
To take your mind off TMAs, EMAs, exams and results why not apply to join the OU University Challenge team?
OUSA is now starting the process of organising a team for the next series of University Challenge, one of the most challenging quiz programmes currently on television. To be eligible to apply you need to be a current student of the Open University and expect to be studying next year.
If you fancy making an appeareance on television, would enjoy the chance to flex those brain cells and the opportunity to enhance your university's reputation please email your name and PI number to s.j.carter@open.ac.uk who will keep your details on file and send you an application form when they become available later in the year.
Those interested will be asked to take part in OUSA's selection process, with the successful applicants being required to attend an interview and be available for filming if the team gets to the televised stage. More details will be posted once they become available.
To take your mind off TMAs, EMAs, exams and results why not apply to join the OU University Challenge team? OUSA is now starting the process of organising a team for the next series of University Challenge, one of the most challenging quiz programmes currently on television. To be eligible to apply you need to be a current student of the Open University and expect to be ...
Graduates tell how the OU changes lives...
Graduates at the OU's degree ceremony at Ely Cathedral (June 2011) talk about how study has changed their lives - creating opportunities, job prospects, career progression, personal confidence and a chance to develop personally, professionally and academically... 3.5 Average: 3.5 (2 votes)
Recycled OU books bear fruit
It is fortunate that as former fruit growers Jo and Nigel Hunt have a lot of sheds on their land in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
For every few months a van arrives from the Open University at Walton Hall bearing pallets of course material though Jo and Nigel, both aged 61 and also retired teachers, have completed their OU studies.
Instead the old and discontinued material is sorted, stored in the sheds, a garage and nooks and crannies and later sold online via the couple’s website University Book Search to OU and other students and non-students across the UK and around the world.
The site went live in 2003 but an ‘old-fashioned’ postal system, with adverts in the Sesame magazine had been running since 1999.
Jo and Nigel came up with the idea of University Book Search initially to reduce the pile of course books they had collected over the years.
“We added to it each year fully intending to read the material again but our attic was groaning from the weight,” said Jo.
Realising there was a demand for old course material their book search then put those wanting course books in touch with those who had them.
As word spread the couple were contacted by the OU Regional Office at East Grinstead wanting to get rid of old books to make space for new ones.
Jo and Nigel travelled from the West Country to London in their trusty Volvo estate and loaded it with six huge boxes.
“We put them in the conservatory and sorted them into subject and course sets.
The website now takes old OU course material from other centres and libraries and since 2005 Jo has given the profits of these sales, split between the Open University Students Educational Trust and the OU itself - a total of £91,088 making her one of the biggest individual donors.
“I hope to reach £100,000 this year,” said Jo who has received Honorary Life Membership of the OU Students’ Association.
Private sellers can also sell their unwanted materials on the site for a fee.
When Platform spoke to Jo she was about to post parcels to Kenya, Uganda, Malta, Hong Kong and Australia.
But who buys them and why?
“I find both current and discontinued courses are in demand,” she said.
“There are many reasons. Often students want to read the material early to be ‘up to speed’ when the course starts, or they may want to study just for enjoyment without the pressure of exams,” Jo said.
They have sent a set of course material out to a North Sea oil rig so the student could have one there and another at home.
Jo said: “Over the past 12 years thousands of books have found good homes throughout the world and the UK – and our shelves and roof joists have given a sigh of relief!”
It is fortunate that as former fruit growers Jo and Nigel Hunt have a lot of sheds on their land in Budleigh Salterton, Devon. For every few months a van arrives from the Open University at Walton Hall bearing pallets of course material though Jo and Nigel, both aged 61 and also retired teachers, have completed their OU studies. Instead the old and discontinued material is ...
Anybody out there? .....
Hey guys,
I am new to the OU system, just looking around to see whats out there with the Open University! I just wanted to put out a call for any OU youngsters living in Luton and the surrounding area! Would be great to get in touch!!
Hey guys, I am new to the OU system, just looking around to see whats out there with the Open University! I just wanted to put out a call for any OU youngsters living in Luton and the surrounding area! Would be great to get in touch!!
Is the OU the right choice (prospective student)
Hi there,
I am 18 years old, and am trying to decide between going away to a campus university or studying with the OU. I have applied to traditional uni but the hole process has been really distressing and I so the OU looks like a great option, the trouble is every time I feel like I've made a decision I do a mental back flip and feel like I'm back at sqaure one again. I was wondering if there are any other OUers out there in my position, and if anyone could provide any reasurance on the OU student life and experiance.
Thanks guys
Hi there, I am 18 years old, and am trying to decide between going away to a campus university or studying with the OU. I have applied to traditional uni but the hole process has been really distressing and I so the OU looks like a great option, the trouble is every time I feel like I've made a decision I do a mental back flip and feel like I'm back at sqaure one again. I was ...
My EMA is due next week and I haven't even started it. Eek!
There’s a common misconception of me being very studious and dedicated to my voluntary work, leaving no time what so ever for having any kind of life outside of that bubble; my parents definitely think it (my mother accused me of suffering from emotional exhaustion a few weeks back when in fact I had food poisoning), and a lot of my friends think it too.
Well, that’s just so far from the genuine truth. In reality I’m really lazy with work and spend far too much time doing fun stuff, often to the detriment of my studies and voluntary work in fact.
Take this EMA I’ve got due in for example. It’s due by Thursday 9th June and as my last TMA was submitted on 4th May that’s left a good month to knuckle down and get work done towards it. A month, that’s LOADS of time! So why am I only just starting on it tonight, just five days before I have to post it off? Because I’m the Queen of Procrastination Land, that’s why.
In the time between TMA06 being handed in and now I’ve… been on holiday to the highlands, had a weekend in Edinburgh (see picture), been caving in the Yorkshire Dales (see picture), been to Milton Keynes for a CEC meeting and been to the National Digital Conference in London to mention. These are just some of the things which have gratefully distracted me from starting my EMA. The trouble is, leaving it so late has meant I’ve had to forfeit going to the Downhill Mountain Biking World Champs in Fort William this weekend with a group of my mates; Gordie’s gone with them but it means I’m stuck in the house alone all weekend writing a 4,000-word essay. Bummer. I hope he scores me some freebies.
In truth though, it has to be said that I work best when I’m dangerously close to a deadline and it’s usually how I ‘roll’ all the way through my modules anyway. I don’t fret about my studies continually and try to cram as much studying in as I can, I mean for peat’s sake I work full time, volunteer part-time and study part-time; I’m entitled to try and cram a life in there somehow.
Besides, it was my decision to study and volunteer etc so I don’t see why Gordon’s social life with me should have to suffer because of my decisions (although I made some of those decisions before we met so he knew what he was getting into when we finally got together). I feel somewhat guilty about how much of my time is taken up with study and voluntary stuff and my mother is always bleating on about how neglected poor Gordon must feel so I try my best for us to do lots of stuff together. It would be ideal if Gordon studied too, then I wouldn’t feel so guilty, but four years of my gentle persuasion tactics haven’t worked thus far so I may just throw the towel in on that one.
So whilst it probably SHOULD, studying definitely doesn’t rule my life and is certainly not the most important thing in it. It’s in the top five, without doubt, but is far from the most important. I probably ought to spend a bit more time with actual studying and preparations for essays but I don’t and I know exactly what my problem is (and it’s one I must address if I want to continue with Masters and PhD level study); there’s just too much interesting stuff going on in the world and there’s just not enough money and time in my life to do it all. *sigh*
There’s a common misconception of me being very studious and dedicated to my voluntary work, leaving no time what so ever for having any kind of life outside of that bubble; my parents definitely think it (my mother accused me of suffering from emotional exhaustion a few weeks back when in fact I had food poisoning), and a lot of my friends think it too. Well, ...
Students blog about what they've learned at work
In keeping with the spirit of Learning at Work Day on 19 May, two OU students blog about what they've learned during their employment...
"So, the number one thing I have learnt at work: I work best on my own. Now, this isn’t to say I’m not a team player, but I definitely prefer working on my own and being left to my own devices..."
Read more at Nikki's blog Open All Hours
"I’ve been in my current job for nearly two years now, and not only have I made very good friends, I feel I’ve come a long way in skills and self-confidence..."
Read more at Hayley's blog My Open Experience
What have you learned at work? Share your comments below.
Useful links
In keeping with the spirit of Learning at Work Day on 19 May, two OU students blog about what they've learned during their employment... "So, the number one thing I have learnt at work: I work best on my own. Now, this isn’t to say I’m not a team player, but I definitely prefer working on my own and being left to my own devices..." Read more at Nikki's ...
Open University goodies!
Hi everyone,
Thought I would post a couple of links on here so you can get the full benefits of being a student!
If you don't have an NUS card already, I would really reccommend one! They are brilliant (especially if you shop at New Look a lot!) and save you a lot of money on travel, clothes and stationary. Definitely worth £11 per year!
http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/nus-extra.php
Also, to feel part of the team why not invest in an Open University hoody, and make yourself known as one their students! Great way to keep warm and definitely the 'in-thing' right now for students.
https://rsm2.rsmsecure.com/ousacart/webstore/store.php
Hayley
Hi everyone, Thought I would post a couple of links on here so you can get the full benefits of being a student! If you don't have an NUS card already, I would really reccommend one! They are brilliant (especially if you shop at New Look a lot!) and save you a lot of money on travel, clothes and stationary. Definitely worth £11 per year! http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/nus-extra.php Also, to ...
Help tackle isolation and unemployment - become a Digital Champion
"The largest cross-sector army to have ever been put together" will help reduce loneliness and isolation, aid people into employment and encourage learning as part of the Race Online 2012 campaign to get the whole of the UK using the internet by the end of the Olympic year.
The Open University is supporting Race Online 2012, officially launched at the National Digital Champions Day in London on Wednesday 11 May, and attended by OU Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean, uniting young and old faces with a shared interest - learning and teaching how to get online.
Prime Minister David Cameron spoke via recorded message to the conference's visitors, exhibitors and supporters to say: "Together we can make the UK the first place in the world to have everyone on the web."
Fronting the campaign is UK Digital Champion and OU honorary graduate Martha Lane-Fox (pictured) who told the conference inspiration, skills and price are the main reasons for not jumping online and that, by creating an army of Digital Champions, the barriers could be broken down. "We need to embed digital skills and gain a deeper understanding of technology and a fearlessness of using technology to put the UK in a really robust position... we're creating a new model for social change."
Computer buddy
She championed the offer of computer and internet packages for under £100 for the country's most disadvantaged and said there would be a big push at the end of this year, encouraging people to give the gift of the internet - and the skills to use it - this Christmas.
With 1,100 partners on board the Race Online campaign so far, Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society, branded it the "largest cross-sector army to have ever been put together".
"There are nine million people in this country who are not using the internet and they're really the people who need to be. We need to help the elderly, some are suffering really quite scary isolation," he added.
TV presenter Gloria Hunniford, who hosted the welcome reception, admitted the iPad had changed her life and praised Chris Sellers, of Sevenoaks Library, for becoming her "computer buddy" and helping to get her online.
Via video link during the reception, Gloria also spoke to a woman aged 102 - and five months! -who'd been learning to use Skype to talk to her children and grandchildren abroad, and her "baby brother" aged 89 in a neighbouring county.
A mother living in Aston, Birmingham, - an area of high unemployment - described a scheme to set her up with a computer and the internet as her hero as she would never have been able to find a job and improve her life without it.
Making connections
And Mavis, a pensioner, became tearful when she told the audience, via video, how getting online had saved her from a life of isolation and loneliness, connecting her to family, friends and nearby neighbours she'd never had conversations with before.
The day included interactive workshops, information stands hosted by some of the camapaign's partners, a game of bingo and guests were treated to a performance by X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon at the end of the day.
The Platform team was out and about at the Digital Champions Day, catching up with people and organisations supporting the campaign - watch the videos...
Platform asked five Digital Champions what their top tips are for getting the nation online...
Nancy Johnson, of Age UK, talks about refurbishing old computers and passing on IT skills...
Platform's student blogger Carrie Walton talks about how she first got online, her plans to become a Digital Champion herself and how valuable the internet is when you're an OU student...
"The largest cross-sector army to have ever been put together" will help reduce loneliness and isolation, aid people into employment and encourage learning as part of the Race Online 2012 campaign to get the whole of the UK using the internet by the end of the Olympic year. The Open University is supporting Race Online 2012, officially launched at the National ...
Open University Young Students - Facebook Group
Hi All,
I've found a link to a Facebook group for young students:-
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2662150075&v=info
Just thought I would post the link in case any of you are interested in joining it :)
-Michelle
Hi All, I've found a link to a Facebook group for young students:- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2662150075&v=info Just thought I would post the link in case any of you are interested in joining it :) -Michelle
Platform's student blogger on OUSA conference
Platform's student blogger Carrie Walton writes about OUSA conference, a bit of business and the serious wobblies...
"Over the weekend of the 15th – 17th April 2011 I made more new friends and met more new and interesting people than I could’ve ever imagined and it’s all because I went to the OUSA Conference. I’ve been looking forward to it since I first became involved with OUSA at the back end of last year but had no idea what to expect from it."
Read the full post here
Platform's student blogger Carrie Walton writes about OUSA conference, a bit of business and the serious wobblies... "Over the weekend of the 15th – 17th April 2011 I made more new friends and met more new and interesting people than I could’ve ever imagined and it’s all because I went to the OUSA Conference. I’ve been looking forward to it ...
What do people get out of playing games? Help PhD student with her research
Over the last few years, video games have become increasingly popular with a variety of audiences. We still have first-person shooters and adventure games for our PCs and the latest games consoles. But there is more than that. Plenty of families can now be found in their living rooms, waggling their Wiimotes as they play together. Add that to Farmville on Facebook and Angry Birds on our mobile phones and it seems that games have exploded into the mainstream.
There has been a lot of interest in academia about how we can harness this popularity for educational purposes, but my particular interest concerns the games we play during our leisure time. More specifically, I want to further our understanding of how and what we learn from our involvement with games and to consider exactly what it is we seem get out of our game-playing experiences.
If you’d like to help me out with my study, please click here to fill in my questionnaire. It’s about different kinds of game-play experiences – so whether you only play something like Angry Birds on your phone every now and again, or you regularly pull all-nighters playing Call of Duty, do please fill it in.
I’m interested in getting as wide a range of responses as possible, so feel free to pass this on to anyone you know, over the age of 18 and in the UK, who might play games. It should take about 20 minutes to complete. Your participation would be much appreciated.
Jo Iacovides
PhD student
Institute of Educational Technology
The Open University
Over the last few years, video games have become increasingly popular with a variety of audiences. We still have first-person shooters and adventure games for our PCs and the latest games consoles. But there is more than that. Plenty of families can now be found in their living rooms, waggling their Wiimotes as they play together. Add that to Farmville on Facebook and ...
Essay writing trips up students
If you struggle with essay writing, you're far from alone, according to an article in The Guardian which says writing assignments often trip up new students.
To start with, it's tough getting your head around the academic words, says OU graduate Daphne Elliston: "When I came to write my first assignment, I cried," explains Daphne. "I just didn't know what I was doing."
If you struggle with essay writing, you're far from alone, according to an article in The Guardian which says writing assignments often trip up new students. To start with, it's tough getting your head around the academic words, says OU graduate Daphne Elliston: "When I came to write my first assignment, I cried," explains Daphne. "I just didn't know what I was ...
