You Said, We Did
How your voice has made a difference
This page provides an opportunity to see the valuable feedback received from students across a wide range of communication channels, and to see what the OU has done in response.
Please note this video is now a couple of years old so some people no longer have the same title. The current Students Association leadership can be seen on their website.
Choose a topic from the drop-down list below to see how students can have an impact on their university experience and be empowered to help shape the University. Next time you are asked to give your opinion, you know that the OU is taking this feedback seriously and will respond.
You said...
Students with caring responsibilities find it difficult to attend field days or residential schools
We did...
We are exploring, with several partners organisations, how accreditation schemes might evolve to avoid disadvantaging some students. Depending on the outcomes of these discussions, policies may be developed for those students unable to attend.
Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences
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You said...
More information on what is involved in field schools was needed to clarify expectations, which will allow students to prepare and plan ahead.
We did...
We will review the quality of information on our field schools and how it is delivered, from registration opening onwards with a view to improve our communications and the information we provide.
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You said...
Students observed and experienced patronising, overbearing or unfair behaviour on online forums that in some cases betrayed gender bias
We did...
We will investigate what training for moderators we can offer that will ensure more effective recognition of such issues and policing of forums. Our online forums should foster a welcoming, collegiate environment for all students.
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You said...
There was a good level of demand for short online language courses with French and Spanish having the most appeal. The biggest barrier to uptake was the cost and price sensitivity peaked at £299..
We did...
5 languages identified for short course development, aimed at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. French is likely to be released first, at a cost of £199
Marketing and Communications Insight
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You said...
A general engineering degree with specialisms in Electronic or Mechanical had appeal for students and employers. Accreditation compliance is expected and workplace, practical experience was important...
We did...
The OU Bachelor of Engineering, scheduled for October 2020, now includes an Electronics pathway. It is accredited by engineering institutions and includes face-to-face residential schools.
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You said...
Most students had a positive study experience and planned to continue, though they recognised there was room for improvement around assessment clashes and time management support. Some felt that the OU was not set up for full time study.
We did...
Delivering an improved experience of full time study intensity is a key aspect of ensuring our students are successful in their journey and this insight will influence the changes we will be making.
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You said...
Often opt for online learning as no local alternative. International student want to see proof that we are real and to be able to find us easily through a web search. Many are not aware of the OU. The tutorial timings can leave them at a disadvantage and the language in communications can confuse and should be kept simple.
We did...
A Messaging House is being developed to aid communication. Money has been invested to ensure that the OU features further up on a google search and real student 'Open Diaries' deployed on social media and online to aid credibility.
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You said...
A lack of contact from the OU, study fatigue, students wanting the qualification now and early achievement of study goal were all attributed to stopping thier studies. Early access to study materials would motivate students to register earlier.
We did...
Communication strategies and better promotion of Student Support service will form an aspect of an overall strategic effort to better enable students to continue their journey and achieve their study goals, whatever they may be.
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You said...
There was a lack of practical, hands-on experience such as field days and residential schools.
We did...
We are giving opportunities for field learning to more students - by piloting a scheme to open up under-subscribed tutor-led field trips to students on other, related modules.
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)Posted on:
You said...
You would like opportunities to learn GIS skills.
We did...
A GIS topic will form part of a new module, S831 'Environmental Science challenges', for the Integrated Master of Environmental Science degree. We also plan to introduce more GIS teaching at Level 2 in the near future.
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)Posted on:
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