Historical OU TV and Radio

The Open University has produced a number of series to inform students and a wider audience about the University. Series such as 'Open Forum' and 'Countdown to the OU' covered various topics such as methods of teaching, information about modules and guidance on areas such as summer schools. The OU Digital Archive Historical Television and Radio collection includes a small sample of the archive. The collection will grow as more contents are added.

Image of Historical OU TV and Radio
Thumbnail Title Description Date
video preview image for Why were we chosen as students? Why were we chosen as students?Naomi Sargant answers the question from a student "Why were we chosen as students?1971
video preview image for Open Forum 10(1971) : general Assembly at Cranfield Institute of Technology Open Forum 10(1971) : general Assembly at Cranfield Institute of TechnologyGeneral assembly at Cranfield Institute of Technology, discusses consultative committees, the...25 September 1971
video preview image for Open Forum 10 1971 Open Forum 10 1971General assembly at Cranfield Institute of Technology, discusses consultative committees, the...1971
video preview image for Open Forum 6 1971 Open Forum 6 1971Discussion on student participation. Outlines structure of University required under the Charter,...22 May 1971
video record for Open Forum 03 (1971) : programme 3 Open Forum 03 (1971) : programme 3A discussion on how to study, levels of study and allocation of time.23 February 1971
video preview image for Open Forum 1 (1971) Open Forum 1 (1971)The first Open Forum programme includes the University Secretary's opening speech welcoming Open...1971
video preview image for Open Forum 02 (1971) : Programme 2 Open Forum 02 (1971) : Programme 2James Barber with part-time staff and students discusses the counselling service.26 January 1971
video record for Open Forum 03(1972) Open Forum 03(1972)The whole question of assessment, exams etc., is looked at in great detail.20 February 1972
video preview image for Open Forum 1 1972 Open Forum 1 1972A look at Walton Hall, including student records, enquiries, computer area and correspondence...1972
video record for Open Forum 10(1972) Open Forum 10(1972)A look with a student discussion at the developing role of the counsellor.20 September 1972
video record for Open Forum 01(1973) ; programme 1 Open Forum 01(1973) ; programme 1Lord Gardiner speaks about his new role as Chancellor. There are excerpts from the Mace Ceremony...12 January 1973
video preview image for Open Forum 1 (1973) Open Forum 1 (1973)Lord Gardiner speaks about his role as Chancellor. Excerpts from the Mace Ceremony with film shots...12 January 1973
video preview image for Open Forum 7 (1973) Open Forum 7 (1973)Footage of laying the Library foundation stone including speeches by Walter Perry and Baroness Lee....1973
video record for Open Forum 13 : Maths special Open Forum 13 : Maths specialA discussion on the shortcomings and possible improvements in the maths foundation course.23 October 1974
video preview image for Open Forum 1 (1975) Open Forum 1 (1975)The VC's message to students; reviewing progress so far; the role and importance of study centres;...1975
video preview image for Open Forum 2 (1975) Open Forum 2 (1975)Jennie Lee's OU staff club lecture on the early history of The Open University.11 February 1975
video preview image for Open Forum 7 (1975) Open Forum 7 (1975)A programme about women students and the difficulties some of them have faced juggling their...1975
video record for Royal Institute of Chemistry centenary (1877-1977) programme 4 : 100 years on - contemporary chemists Royal Institute of Chemistry centenary (1877-1977) programme 4 : 100 years on - contemporary chemists1977
video preview image for Open Forum 24: OUSA lecture 1977 Open Forum 24: OUSA lecture 1977PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAMME CONTAINS OUTDATED, RACIALLY OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE Sir Harold Wilson's...22 October 1977
video record for Open Forum 38(1978) : Magnus Magnusson special Open Forum 38(1978) : Magnus Magnusson specialOn the eve of the 10th anniversary, this wide ranging discussion looks at the OU, its impact,...18 October 1978
video preview image for Countdown to the Open University 1 (1981) Countdown to the Open University 1 (1981)An introduction to The Open University, including interviews with Lord Perry, Brian Broombridge,...1978
video record for Open Forum 27(1978) : how to make the best use of TV programmes Open Forum 27(1978) : how to make the best use of TV programmesThis programme advises students on how to use the TV programmes with their studies.06 February 1978
video record for Open Forum 33(1978) : students with handicaps Open Forum 33(1978) : students with handicapsThe programme interviews four students with particular problems - distance, isolation, payment of...17 July 1978
video record for Open Forum 28(1978) : self help groups Open Forum 28(1978) : self help groupsA look, with examples, at self help groups, their form and function.27 February 1978
video record for Open Forum 29(1978) : degree of choice Open Forum 29(1978) : degree of choiceA discussion on careers advice and counselling for OU students.13 March 1978
video preview image for Degree of Success 10 Years of the OU Degree of Success 10 Years of the OU1979
video preview image for Open Forum 45 (1979) Open Forum 45 (1979)Film of the visit of the Queen and Prince Philip to the Open University Walton Hall campus....27 June 1979
video preview image for Open Forum 41: The First Ten Years Open Forum 41: The First Ten YearsFilm of notable events from the OU's early history. The contributors give their views on the OU's...1979
video preview image for Open Forum 42: Tomorrows OU world Open Forum 42: Tomorrows OU worldThe programme considers the possible role of the following computer-assisted learning systems in...1979
video preview image for The nature of OU students The nature of OU studentsNaomi Sargant describes the nature of the Open University student population, comparing 1979 with...1981
audio record of James Cox meets Jennie LeeInterview between Jennie Lee and James Cox for BBC Radio Scotland, regarding Jennie Lee’s...22 June 1982
video preview image for Open Forum 76: Campus On Camera Open Forum 76: Campus On CameraFilm of notable campus events in the Open University's history including the first building work,...1982
video preview image for Open Forum 77: Prince Charles' Visit Open Forum 77: Prince Charles' VisitFilm record of the visit of Prince Charles to the OU Campus in 1982 to open the Perry Building and...1982
video record for Visit of Prince Charles Part 1 Visit of Prince Charles Part 1Footage and commentary of the visit of Prince Charles in 1982. Includes footage of the OU Walton...1982
video preview image for Countdown to the OU 1 (1983) Countdown to the OU 1 (1983)A look at the early history of the Open University. Featuring an interview with John Horlock;...1983
video preview image for Open Forum 82 1983 Open Forum 82 1983Extracts from the 1983 Graduate Press Conference, which concentrated on the OU in the international...01 February 1983
video preview image for Open Forum 83 (1983) Open Forum 83 (1983)A look at the impact of new technology on OU teaching methods. The following are examined: video...1983
video preview image for Open Forum 81 (1983): Meet the Vice Chancellor Open Forum 81 (1983): Meet the Vice ChancellorThe Vice Chancellor addresses new students, illustrated by extracts from previous Open Forum...17 January 1983
video record for Open Forum 91 (1984); Vice-Chancellor's forum Open Forum 91 (1984); Vice-Chancellor's forumStudents question the Vice Chancellor on a number of problems of concern to them.06 January 1984
video record for Open Forum 106(1985) : academic follies Open Forum 106(1985) : academic folliesHumorous lecture given by Professor Laurie Taylor to OUSA national conference.29 March 1985
video record for Open Forum 107(1985) : the robot revolution Open Forum 107(1985) : the robot revolutionRobot technology, its past, present day applications and future uses and implications for man.06 November 1985
video record for Open Forum 126(1987)The Open Lectures : the nature use and acquisition of language Open Forum 126(1987)The Open Lectures : the nature use and acquisition of languageA meeting of the OU Psychological Society at Senate House, University of London in April 1987 at...09 April 1987
video preview image for Open Forum 119 (1987) Open Forum 119 (1987)This programme looks at how the spread of home computers has opened new opportunities for teaching...01 March 1987
video record for Open Forum 124(1987) : Preparing for exams Open Forum 124(1987) : Preparing for examsAdvice given on how to revise for exams and shows proceedures for marking exam papers.09 September 1987
video record for Open Forum 125 (1987) : The Open Lectures at Durham Summer School Open Forum 125 (1987) : The Open Lectures at Durham Summer SchoolRobin Wilson gave a lecture, with the aid of slides,on "Isaac Newton and his times" to mark the...10 November 1987
video preview image for Open Forum 132 (1988): Magazine programme 5 Open Forum 132 (1988): Magazine programme 5The Open University looks ahead to the year 2000 and the role Information Technology courses will...1988
video preview image for Open Forum 128 (1988) Open Forum 128 (1988)The first of the new look Open Forum programmes looking at New Technology: teaching by Interactive...04 February 1988
video record for Open Forum 129(1988) Open Forum 129(1988)The programme looks at the Education Reform Bill which has been through the Standing Committee...03 March 1988
video record for Open Forum 133(1988) : Magazine programme 6 Open Forum 133(1988) : Magazine programme 6An exploration of the role Open University update packs play in the crisis of teacher shortages in...29 June 1988
video record for Open Forum 131(1988) : Magazine programme 4 Open Forum 131(1988) : Magazine programme 4Report on the OUSA Conference which took place on the 9th & 10th April l988; interview with the new...05 May 1988