{"id":16157,"date":"2020-08-12T08:29:02","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T07:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ounews.co\/?p=16157"},"modified":"2020-08-12T08:29:02","modified_gmt":"2020-08-12T07:29:02","slug":"clearing-2020-ou-leads-the-way-in-online-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/around-ou\/ou-speaks-out\/clearing-2020-ou-leads-the-way-in-online-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Clearing 2020: OU leads the way in online learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Level Results Day (13 August) is challenging even in normal circumstances, but with the uncertainty around this year’s grading<\/a> and the anxiety and stress caused by COVID-19, it’s important now more than ever that students take a step back and consider their next move.<\/p>\n

The pandemic has changed the landscape of education, with many universities<\/a> turning to online learning for their next academic year. The OU has been a world-leader in distance studying for over 50 years, using its expertise and experience to help over two million students achieve their ambitions. With more than 200 qualifications across 17 subjects, our courses are highly valued by employers with 78 of the FTSE 100 companies using us to train their staff and more of our alumni working as CEOs and Managing Directors<\/a>\u00a0for UK companies than any other UK university.<\/p>\n

Could online be the choice for you?<\/h2>\n

Online learning allows you to progress academically, whilst giving you the flexibility to fit your studies around your life. Whether you work or have caring responsibilities, you can study with the OU at a part-time or full-time capacity. Being able to work whilst studying gives our students an advantage professionally, but also teaches invaluable transferable skills, such as time management and independence.<\/p>\n

Although online learning has traditionally been seen as a route for mature students, a greater number of school-leavers are realising the benefits of studying remotely, with 31% of our new UK students aged between 18 and 24; a proportion which has been gradually increasing year on year.<\/p>\n

OU modules are developed by multi-disciplinary teams of academics, education and media specialists and external examiners. Expect to learn using a variety of different mediums, from podcasts and forums to interactives. The OU is one of the first universities to have made all its undergraduate course materials accessible by smartphone and tablet, so that you can study wherever and whenever you’d like.<\/p>\n

We’re also a more affordable option, with our fees a third lower than the typical full-time fees in other higher education institutes. The full-time equivalent tuition fees at the OU in England is \u00a36,192, compared to the typical \u00a39,250<\/a> and we have scholarships and bursaries<\/a> to support disadvantaged students achieve success.<\/p>\n

Even though our students study remotely, they’re never alone with a network of over 5,000 tutors running online tutorials and day schools and a lively community of fellow students.<\/p>\n

Professor Tim Blackman, Vice-Chancellor said:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Professor Tim Blackman<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe are the leader in delivering high quality online learning at scale, with rigorous academic standards and universally recognised qualifications. The OU provides a path of flexibility to suit everybody, helping support people to fit study around their daily lives and all whilst being more affordable.<\/em><\/p>\n

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we learn and teach, being able to study a degree online, from home and within a supportive student framework, means that the OU can help people in a time of unprecedented change.<\/em><\/p>\n

Congratulations to all who are collecting their results. We wish you every success for the future.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The OU suited my lifestyle<\/h2>\n
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OU student, Halima<\/p><\/div>\n

Halima has been studying towards a BA (Hons) International Studies<\/a> with the OU since she completed her A Levels. At first, Halima didn\u2019t consider distance learning, but after researching her options, she decided the OU suited her lifestyle better than a brick university. She\u2019s not looked back since.<\/p>\n

“The OU suited my lifestyle. I wanted to establish myself financially \u2013 and study. Once my friend introduced me to the OU, it was life changing. It felt so natural. I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t follow what others thought would be best for me, as now I\u2019ll get a degree and no debt. <\/em>The OU fit my lifestyle without me having to sacrifice anything. I\u2019m able to control the pace of my learning. I\u2019ve also learnt a lot of life skills that others my age won\u2019t experience until they\u2019re in the workplace.<\/em><\/p>\n

“What drove me to study was my passion for learning. I\u2019ve always loved geography, especially human geography. I love travelling, exploring different cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds. With my degree, not only do I learn about different people, there\u2019s history and a range of modules that I can choose from. The quality of the teaching material is great. Text books are informative and link well with the online material. <\/em><\/p>\n

“You have access to a dedicated tutor. It helps knowing they\u2019re always there, even when I\u2019m travelling. They\u2019re just a phone call or email away. I had tutorials in local centres. So, not only did I get to meet my tutors, I got to meet other students. At home in front of a computer screen, you might seem quite alone but at tutorials you feel really welcomed.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve become a lot more confident. I have more self-belief, motivation, independence and self-esteem. I\u2019ve learnt you can do anything, no matter what standards society sets for you. All doors are open to me, I just need to choose one!”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n