New BBC Ideas collection co-produced by the OU helps navigate modern life

Posted on 26 July 2022 • TV and radio

A brand new collection for BBC Ideas has launched today on BBC iPlayer, which includes five short films that are co-produced by The Open University.

‘Navigating Modern Life’ is a collection of films to help guide you through the challenges of everyday living – from sharpening up your critical thinking to making sense of statistics.

The OU co-produced films in the collection include:

What does reading on screens do to our brains?                                        

We’re reading more than ever before – but much of it is on screens rather than physical books. Is it changing the way our brains work?

To watch the film, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0clnwjz/navigating-modern-life-series-1-1-what-does-reading-on-screens-do-to-our-brains

Academic consultants: Dr Emily Bullock, Staff Tutor & Associate Director for Arts and Humanities and Dr Joanne Reardon, Lecturer in Creative Writing.

Can you spot digital lies?

Did you know you’re more likely to believe misinformation when you’re anxious? Spotting a digital lie isn’t as easy as you might think.

To watch the film, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0clp8y3/navigating-modern-life-series-1-2-can-you-spot-digital-lies

Academic consultants: Dr Wendy Turner, Associate Head of School and Professor Harith Alani, Deputy Director of the Knowledge Media Institute

Have you been fooled by forensics on TV?

We all love to be amateur detectives, but how accurate is forensic evidence on TV? How much is fact – and how much is fiction?

To watch the film, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0clv64t/navigating-modern-life-series-1-3-have-you-been-fooled-by-forensics-on-tv

Academic consultants: Dr Jim Turner, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology

When can you trust statistics?

Statistics can show us things about the world we can’t perceive in any other way. Broadcaster and journalist Tim Harford shares his tips for making sense of them.

To watch the film, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0clv6s3/navigating-modern-life-series-1-4-when-can-you-trust-statistics

Academic consultants: Dr Karen Vines, Senior Lecturer in Statistics

Five simple ways to sharpen your critical thinking

The world can feel very polarised and confusing at times. Learn about the five strategies to boost your critical thinking skills.

To watch the film, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0clv797/navigating-modern-life-series-1-5-five-ways-to-sharpen-your-critical-thinking

Academic consultants: Dr Mark Pinder, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Dr Paul-Francois Tremlett, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies.

More films will follow later this year, including the history of Josephine Baker and whether zoos should still exist?

Find out more

To watch more BBC Ideas films that have been co-produced by the OU, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/playlists/made-in-partnership-with-the-open-university

Our BBC Ideas content is commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships with support from all of our faculties.

• Commissioned by: Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Head of Broadcast & Partnerships
• Broadcast Project Manager: Jo Weeks
• Broadcast Platforms and Public Engagement Manager: Chris Belson

Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site for additional resources related to these films.