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...
How the process of obtaining references from the Open University could be improved.
We did...
We used your feedback to help make a number of recommendations for consideration by University management.
Read moreStudent Consultations
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You said...
We find it much easier to use the books than to use the online material as we’re not experienced with using a computer or taking part in online forums.
We did...
Developing computer skills and working together collaboratively through forum activities prepare students for future Open University study and are important employability skills so these are introduced gradually as students progress through the module. We recognise that some students require extra support in using Information Technology and so tutors have received additional guidance to do this. We have also produced an information sheet on getting online for students, “Using the Access Module Website”. Future plans to support students to become more confident with working online include producing a YouTube video to show students how to find their way around the websites and to submit their assignments online.
AccessPosted on:
You said...
We found the guidance for the assignments was too long and confusing because there was too much information in the Assessment Guides.
We did...
We have redesigned the Assessment Guide to present information and guidance on assessment more clearly and in more straightforward language.
AccessPosted on:
You said...
We were uncomfortable being asked to reflect on personal experiences in several of the activities.
We did...
Although many students benefit from connecting the module material to their own personal experiences, we have included advice to students that, if they find it emotionally challenging, it is possible to complete the module successfully without doing so. We have also included a link about a range of organisations that offer support to people experiencing emotional difficulties.
AccessPosted on:
You said...
The online school design activity was frustrating to use and not well designed so work was usually lost.
We did...
While this is an interesting and useful learning activity, there have been some software issues which we are looking into resolving by redeveloping the tool to make it more reliable for students to use in the future.
AccessPosted on:
You said...
We would like more flexibility to complete assignments around holiday times.
We did...
The submission date for the second TMA has been moved to a later date to allow students more time to complete their assignment.
AccessPosted on:
You said...
It is not always clear how your arts and humanities studies are relevant to your work or career.
We did...
Skills developed through studying the arts and humanities are highly relevant and valued in the workplace, and we will explore ways of articulating these more clearly on module and qualification sites.
Arts and Humanities
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You said...
Independent study at level 3 can be daunting.
We did...
We are working on some additional bridging materials to help you prepare for independent study at level 3. These will be made available ahead of the October 2017 presentation.
Posted on:
You said...
Tutorial provision has become an area of heightened concern because of the introduction and implementation of the Group Tuition Policy.
We did...
The Board of Studies is reviewing the presentation of every module in each qualification in order to identify improvements that can and will be made under this policy for the next presentation of each module, as well as providing feedback to University-level reviews of the policy.
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You said...
An ongoing concern continues to be the provision of online and printed materials and the balance between them on individual modules.
We did...
While online delivery permits greater use of internally produced interactive materials we recognise that printed resources are also highly valued, and many students would like the best of both worlds – desiring both online and print materials so that you choose when, how and what to study. To this end, we endeavour to ensure that module materials are available in as wide a range of formats as possible and can be accessed by a wide range of devices.
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United Kingdom and online
United Kingdom and online
At home / online
