The Open University

Wooden blocks with 'FACT' and 'FAKE' in black paint

Fake news and the need for ‘social’ digital literacy

1 August 2018

The phrase ‘fake news’ has been popularised in recent years as a result of changes in the political landscape, both in the UK and the USA. Lecturer in English Language and Applied Linguistics, Caroline Tagg, and Senior Lecturer in English Language and Applied Linguistics, Philip Seargeant, reflect on the conclusions of the recently published interim report […]

We know there is water on Mars – what next?

31 July 2018

The age old question of whether Mars has ever supported life is the focus of the latest research from scientists at The Open University (OU). With over half a million pounds of funding from the UK Space Agency, they will be exploring the chemistry of the martian environment to determine if life has ever existed, […]

New Research Network to support the UK’s Food Manufacturing Digital Economy

31 July 2018

A new project has been launched to examine how the Internet of Things (IoT) could transform the food industry through innovations such as ‘smart’ cooking appliances, data-driven supermarket refrigeration networks and enhanced food traceability systems. The Internet of Food Things (IoFT) Network Plus will bring together data and computer scientists, chemists, and economists to investigate […]

OU launches plastic waste initiative with BBC

28 July 2018

Following the impact of Blue Planet II, The Open University (OU) and the BBC have launched an online platform, which brings together programmes and resources to help us understand plastics, the impact they have on the environment, and top tips to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. Plastics Watch brings together engaging and interactive content […]

Students give thumbs-up to Open University teaching

27 July 2018

The Open University (OU) has been ranked in the top 20 of UK universities in the latest National Student Survey. The OU rose 19 places to be joint 20th out of 139 participating universities in the annual survey of student satisfaction. It fared even better in the Nations of the UK, ranking first in Northern […]

Explainer: how online is making learning more accessible

27 July 2018

Access and inclusion in education is key for those providing digital learning. Here, FutureLearn’s Isabel Drury, Partnership Manager, explains the reasons why it should be a core attribute and some of the ways they are responding to needs. What is digital accessibility? People with sensory, physical and cognitive impairments face significant barriers when they use […]

Five things teachers and students need to know about online learning

26 July 2018

A recently published book, Creativity and Critique in Online Learning , edited by Jacqueline Baxter, George Callaghan and Jean McAvoy from the Open University, throws up some key things to consider if you are teaching or studying online. 1) Online forums Don’t assume that just because only certain people contribute to online forums, that they […]

OU was ‘a natural choice’ for former professional cricketer Adrian Rollins

26 July 2018

With two double centuries, more than fifty 50s and fifteen 100s scored and a total of 9,000 runs in all his cricket appearances, professional cricket player Adrian Rollins was at the height of his career when a sudden injury changed everything. Fielding close to the wicket for Northamptonshire, Adrian took a catch diving forward with […]

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence in education: Who Cares?

25 July 2018

The OU’s Dr Wayne Holmes, a lecturer in Learning, Science and Innovation in the Institute of Educational Technology, discusses its impact and why ethics is crucial to the adoption of AI in education. Whether students and academics welcome it or not, Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being deployed in universities around the world, and will significantly […]

Supporting your child online – pointers for parents

25 July 2018

Professor of Education (Futures) for the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education, and Language Studies (WELS), Peter Twining, explores about the benefits of the internet and the way parents can support young people to be safe online. It is clear from talking with parents that they are often torn between a recognition of digital technology’s importance in […]

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