The Open University

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Why sportspeople convicted of domestic violence forfeit their right to be ‘stars’

2 March 2016

When Floyd Mayweather took on Manny Pacquiao last year in what was billed as the “fight of the century”, the pair of us made the conscious decision not to watch the bout, despite an interest in boxing both as spectators and participants. Unlike some reporters, who claimed to be banned from watching it – ours […]

What does the head of Ofsted do?

18 February 2016

Ministers are thought to be looking to the US, Canada and northern Europe in their search for the next chief inspector of schools. With the current head of Ofsted, Michael Wilshaw, due to step down in December at the end of his term, secretary of state Nicky Morgan is reportedly keen to find someone with […]

People with learning disabilities want to find love too

12 February 2016

This Valentine’s Day will once again see a celebration of love. Unfortunately for many people with learning disabilities, this is just a dream. Although they may want to be in a relationship, they are often faced with barriers and challenges that prevent them finding what many take for granted. But specialised dating agencies can help […]

Why assisted suicide is a ‘moral maze’

11 February 2016

Dr Sam Murphy, Lecturer in health studies and Interim Assistant Head of Department, in the Faculty of Health and Social Care writes on the controversial subject of assisted suicide… The recent BBC programme How to Die: Simon’s Choice brought to the fore the dilemmas that arise following a diagnosis of a terminal illness such as […]

Social mobility isn’t just about 18-year-olds: adults need life chances too

10 February 2016

The prime minister has pledged to double the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education by 2020. David Cameron has signalled an all-out attack on poverty and has thrown down the gauntlet to universities to deliver on social justice. He will be aware that many universities already have a proud history of widening […]

Shocked and surprised boy on the internet with laptop computer

7 ways to keep your children safe online

9 February 2016

From homework to games, research projects to connecting with friends, the internet’s a huge draw for children and a valuable modern-day resource. It’s also a potentially dangerous place to hang out. But while technology continues to change and evolve, the principles of keeping young people safe are the same online as they are offline. It’s all […]

From Bricks to Clicks: how data could revolutionise Higher Education

26 January 2016

Sharing student data in the Higher Education sector will “revolutionise” and introduce a “step-change” in the student experience, according to experts at The Open University. Impact of data sharing in Higher Education explored in new report OU experts endorse the sharing of student data across institutions Using data could improve the student experience and enhance […]

Why English language lessons are not the answer to radicalisation

26 January 2016

David Cameron used an article in The Times and an interview on Radio 4’s Today show to announce £20m of extra funding to provide English lessons for Muslim women in the UK to prevent them from becoming “second-class citizens”. The prime minister’s announcement has come in for harsh criticism, particularly his implication that not speaking […]

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Useful tool or approach with caution? 15 years of Wikipedia

15 January 2016

As Wikipedia celebrates its 15th anniversary, OU Learning and Teaching Librarian Geraldine Smith explains the pros and cons of using it for study… Wikipedia celebrates being 15 years old on 15th January 2016. What it is? Set up in 2001 Wikipedia is one of the largest reference websites on the internet and as of September […]

Sport 2016: Here come the Brits

3 January 2016

Simon Rea, Lecturer in Sport and Fitness, looks forward to Team GB creating a carnival in Rio… The London Olympics saw an unprecedented level of British success. This has led the public having high expectations for the success of British athletes at the Rio Games later this year. In 2012 British athletes brought home 65 […]

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Category: Education, languages and health