You Said, We Did

How your voice has made a difference

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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.

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.

Select a topic

You said...
More support around what to do next would be useful.

We did...
From October 2018 we are including a ‘moving on’ week in the module timetable. This will give students a chance to find out more about Level 1 modules and to discuss their options with careers and educational advisors in group sessions and/or one-to-one guidance conversations.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
Moving between online and offline modules can be distracting.

We did...
From October 2018 we are changing the balance of print and online material, with Block 1 in print and Blocks 2 and 3 online. The online medium offers a huge range of opportunities for learning (such as video and interactive media) that isn’t possible in print. We will make sure that we build in lots of guidance on how to make the most of learning for students who are less confident online.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
There are some broken links and missing videos in the online materials.

We did...
From October 2018 we will be ensuring that important videos and content will be embedded into the module website rather than linked to. This will greatly reduce the instances of broken links.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
Some students were disappointed that only the final piece of assessment counts towards the module result.

We did...
A new assessment strategy means that, from October 2018, every piece of assessment will count towards the final mark.
Access
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
You would like more information about where to go for help and advice during your studies.

We did...
We have introduced a new subject-level website in our Sport and Fitness area. This draws together relevant information, advice and guidance for students into one place. We are rolling out subject-level websites for all areas throughout 2017-18.
Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
You don’t always feel part of the OU community.

We did...
We have introduced a new induction programme for students. The programme offers students a variety of information, advice, guidance and reassurance around studying at the OU. Our new induction programme and new subject websites provide a fantastic opportunity for us to help you feel more part of an OU community.
Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
You’re not always aware of OU resources available to you.

We did...
Our new subject websites and new induction programme provide information and guidance on resources available to students. As we develop these, we will explore ways to better signpost helpful and relevant resources.
Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
Each year students provide us with invaluable feedback on their experience with the OU through the National Student Survey.

We did...
The feedback provided through the National Student Survey has played a vital part in informing the improvements reported in the ‘You said, we did’ entries on this site.
National Student Survey
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
You need far more ‘real life' business examples especially where students are self-employed.

We did...
This issue is being raised with module teams to look at current use of case studies. We will further encourage best practice by tutors in drawing out ‘real life’ experience in tutor groups. This will also be taken forward when planning future curriculum content.
Business Postgraduate
Posted on: 01-Mar-18

You said...
You were concerned about the preparatory phase and design of the final module of Making a difference: the management initiative (B839).

We did...
On closer investigation many of these concerns were raised by students on the MBA (Technology Management) (F69). The nature of their final management projects can be more technical and fit less well with the standard design and structure of Making a difference: the management initiative (B839). We will work with STEM Staff Tutor colleagues to consider what improvements might be helpful.
Business Postgraduate
Posted on: 01-Mar-18