Student ambassadors

25 Pages·2007·2.36 MB·English

sesame
The Open University Reaching the OU community worldwide Autumn 2007 Issue 235
Student
ambassadors
+ Win OU
course gift
vouchers
comment
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CONTENTS
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News round-up Pages 4 - 7
Letters Pages 8 - 9
Perseverance
Every ‘second’counts Pages 10 - 11
The OU’s activities on Second Life
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sesameinvestigates Pages 12 - 13
In this issue, we focus on travel discounts for pays off
OU students
Degrees of deceit Page 14
(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:96)(cid:103) Welook atfake degrees being sold online
My Orphean underworld Pages 16 - 17
Actress Sophie Ward writes for sesame
Exam spotlight Pages 18 - 20
Frequently asked questions and tips
Give something back Pages 22 - 23
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The OU’s student ambassador scheme
When the mind is willing Pages 24 - 25
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(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14) Don’t miss out Page 27
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Courses Pages 28 - 29
The latest OU course developments
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Careers Page 30 - 32
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Law and crime focus plus news and company profile
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Win! Page 35
We have £1,000 worth of OU course vouchers to THEinternet has opened up many positive possibilities for
give away
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With this issue – OU Student Page 37 issue of sesame, we look at the good – the OU’s projects
The latest from the Open University Students Association on virtual reality world Second Life – and the bad in the form of
fake degree certificates being sold on the net.
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opportunities for students, allowing you to discuss and study
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MySpace. Have you joined The Open University network on
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Facebook yet? And what do you think about a sesamecommunity
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(cid:93)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:71)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:14)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:94)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:99)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:86)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:83)(cid:100)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:101)(cid:83)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:28)(cid:14) As you all know, one of the most important qualities needed to
finish an OU course is perseverance. In this issue of sesame, we
Editor: Tracy Buchanan email:[email protected] look at how perseverance has paid dividends for many of you –
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Creative Director:Maxine France email:[email protected]
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Head of Publications:Debbie Dixon email:[email protected]
their OU studies with their careers in football and rugby.
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(cid:101)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:28) press. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the Finally, we report back on how sesame’sown perseverance
prior permission of the publishers. may result in an important change of rules that could lead to
Views expressed in articles are those of the contributors and not more rail discounts for students. This is thanks to our
necessarily of sesameor The Open University. Publication of an
investigative feature which looks at how British transport
advertisement or loose insert in sesamedoes not imply Open University
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when it comes to concessions.
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The Open University General Enquiries:[phone]
So, perseverance really does work wonders – for those of you
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sesame:The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA studying for exams right now or getting ready to hand a TMAin,
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email:[email protected] website:www.open.ac.uk/sesame
don’t give up, it’s worth it in the end!
Printed by:Pindar Plc. Tracy Buchanan, Editor
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Square7 Media, Tulip House, 70 Borough HighStreet, London SE1 1XF so have a new name!
email:[email protected] telephone:[phone]
2 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 3
news news
More news online at www.open.ac.uk/sesame More news online at www.open.ac.uk/sesame
IN BRIEF
OUSA gets top OU in Scotland opens up
Interdependence Day
INTERDEPENDENCE Day is taking
place on 20 October. The event is a
deal for students
collaboration between The Open learning opportunities
University and the New Economics
Foundation and will explore the idea
of ‘interdependence’ – the ways in
which we are connected both to other
THEOU Students Association (OUSA) ensures that Open University students
people and the ecological systems on
which we all depend. For more has brokered a brand new NUS card are entitled to even more added-value THE Open University in Scotland has priority areas of maths, computing, science for those in the very lowest income bands,
deal. benefits.
information visit www.open.net/ taken strides in recent months to and technology, giving people up to £300 research confirms that finance is a
The new agreement means that all OU Lisa Carson, the newly appointed
interdependenceday/index.html make higher education even more towards the cost of studying part-time with significant barrier for people at all income
students can get access to the NUS Extra president of OUSA, said of the deal: “I think
accessible for all in Scotland. the OU, including help with course fees in all levels.
card, which gives even more discounts than this is a great deal for OU students – two
Albert McPhee A groundbreaking new project, managed OU subject areas. “That’s why the OU is making this
ever before. cards for the price of one and access to a
ALBERTMcPhee, who served OUSA by the OU in Scotland in collaboration with The Open University’s Scottish director, additional support available from our own
great range of discounts. The inclusion of
and the Association of OU Graduates Scotland's four Wider Access Regional Peter Syme said: “The Open University’s resources, with extra help for maths,
Excellent savings the International Student Identity Card
over many years, has died. Albert, Forums, is helping thousands of new and research shows clearly there is no shortage computing, science and technology courses
For just £10 a year, students who have the means this is a benefit for all our students.”
who had successful careers in the prospective migrants access higher of motivated people in Scotland keen to which are of particular economic
new card are entitled to discounts at a For further information go to
Royal Navy and in the electricity education and improve their career improve their skills and their prospects by importance.There has never been a better
range of high street names and online www.open.ac.uk/ousa
industry, studied with the OU from prospects in Scotland. getting back to learning. Yet many of them time to study part-time and we hope that as
shops, from Amazon to Matalan. The
1977 to 2004 in arts and science. He And a landmark partnership agreement are prevented from achieving their many people as possible will take
card also incorporates the
was a keen member of the OU History by the Scottish Trades Union Congress potential by the cost involved. While the advantage of it.”
International Student Identity Card
Society in Scotland and became its (STUC) and the OU in Scotland could open government’s fee waiver and Individual For further information go to
(ISIC) which is particularly appealing
president. Ian Wood, associate up learning opportunities for approximately Learning Account schemes are a real help www.open.ac.uk/scotland
for students because it offers
lecturer in the OU in Scotland, led the 630,000 trade unionists in Scotland.
tributes at Albert McPhee’s funeral at eflixgchetlsle, nt asnadv ingosv eorns eianste rnatotiuornisatl For migrants, the Diverse Routes into TInhceh isnignnanin. gR oefp trhees eMnetamtiovreasn fdruomm othf eU OndUe, rSsTtaUnCd ianngd b Reotwllese-Rno tyhcee O sUta affn adr eS TpUicCtu troeodk h pelraece at the Rolls-Royce plant in
Seafield Crematorium, Edinburgh: Higher Education Project draws together a
attractions and excursions.
“Albert was a man of great good comprehensive array of information on
Previously, OU students could
humour and an accomplished issues such as access to financial support,
apply for a basic NUS-OUSA
raconteur, especially about his days courses to improve English language skills,
Associate Card which offered
in the navy. His generous and and recognition for previous study in other
limited discounts. This new deal
gregarious spirit will be greatly countries.
missed by all who knew him.”
Significant
Former mayor commended New tools for OpenLearn The agreement between STUC and the OU
in Scotland will allow both institutions to
FORMER King’s Lynn mayor Frank
widen access to higher education while
Cork received a prize for being the
developing skills in the workplace. A key
oldest OU graduate in the country at a NEW developments at OpenLearn, the website launched last year with the intention of
element of the agreement will be to offer a
graduation ceremony at Ely Cathedral making educational resources freely available to everyone, mean that its users will soon be
10 per cent discount on a wide range of
in Cambridgeshire in June. Mr Cork, able to link up in a number of ways across the globe.
courses to union members who are new to
who graduated with a social science Three tools have been developed in the LearningSpace by the OU’s Knowledge Media
studying with the OU.
degree at the age of 89, studied Institute. The new tools will allow users to stage video conference events, locate
Anew financial support initiative from the
for his degree despite experiencing and communicate with fellow learners worldwide and create their own multimedia
OU in Scotland is also set to give a
memory problems as a result of a workspaces.
significant boost to skills development in the
stroke. MSG, a form of enhanced instant messaging service, allows learners to identify when
others studying the same material are online so that they can use text chat to
VC chairs ACU communicate with each other. They can also identify the geographical location of other
New advertising campaign
THEOU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor learners through Google Map technology.
Brenda Gourley, is the new chair of Compendium allows users to create a knowledge map to map concepts, debates and
the Council of the Association of meetings simply by dragging and dropping web resources.
Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Flashmeeting makes online videoconferencing possible via a THE Open University launched a nationwide television advertising of the population who basically don’t understand what the OU does.
The ACU was founded in 1913 and web-browser. Have campaign to increase awareness and explain the benefits of We are developing campaigns focusing on key selling points that
is the world’s oldest inter- These new communications tools complement the recent you used studying at the OU in August. The new campaign – called ‘Open explain how the OU can help achieve their goals.
university network with approximately site additions of myLearningSpace and myLabSpace, a way of OpenLearn? If so, Doors’– was rolled out on terrestrial TV channels in Scotland and “The advertising is not generic, but specific to different segments
500 universities across the personalising the OpenLearn experience for learners and what do you think? How digital TV nationally, with print and online support. of the population – people who are at work are different from
Commonwealth as members. Go to educators. They provide users with a list of courses they’re does it help? Email The new TV adverts featured doors opening into inspirational people who are at home; people who work in healthcare are
www.acu.ac.ukfor more information. enrolled on, along with information about recent changes [email protected] images relating to the OU – from tutorials taking place to students different from people who work in education.”
within those courses. with your working from their home desktops. The OU’s director, Marketing & Have you seen these ads? What do you think? Email
The website can be found at: www.open.ac.uk/openlearn views. Sales, David Andrew said: “There is a greater focus on the section [email protected]
4 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 5
news news
More news online at www.open.ac.uk/sesame More news online at www.open.ac.uk/sesame
IN BRIEF
Feedback time! Kaplinsky
Part-time insights
NEW research carried out by The
Open University and Birkbeck,
University of London, has revealed
calls for
new insights into how part-time study
THE OU is very keen to receive feedback from all its students on Open University
changes the lives of mature students.
courses and programmes of study to help improve the courses, services and
The preliminary report can be found
support offered.
at http://www.bbk.ac.uk/benefits and
You can do this via the end of courses surveys, which are managed by The Open radical
there will be a three-year follow-up
University’s Centre for Institutional Research (located in the Institute of Educational
study to see whether these benefits
Technology). Currently, samples of students from a selection of courses are invited to
increase, decrease or change.
participate in end of courses surveys. There are standard, work-based learning and
residential course versions of the survey available.
Receive multiple copies of sesame? rethink
Until recently, the end of courses surveys have been postal but there is an increasing
THE sesame team is re-looking at
move to online surveys. The facility for students to respond by post will still be retained but
its distribution to ensure people do
online surveys do allow the University to increase the sample size without increasing
not receive multiple copies, ensuring
costs.
a more environmentally-friendly
approach. This means that only one Pilot project THE OU’s Professor of International Development, Raphael
copy of sesame will be sent to each
In October 2007, a pilot project will take place – in addition to the normal process of Kaplinsky, gave a rousing inaugural lecture in July. In the
household. If you receive two copies
inviting a sample of students on selected courses to provide feedback, the questionnaire lecture, professor Kaplinsky stated that China and India’s
of sesame to two different addresses
will be made available online so that any student can provide feedback. The University is manufacturing boom may force the need for a radical rethink of
(eg. this might be because you’re
keen to move to a position where all students will automatically be surveyed on all development strategy in Africa and other parts of the world where
both a student and an associate
courses and this pilot project will inform this strategy. The end of courses surveys will go poverty levels are rising.
lecturer), then please email
live on 20 October 2007 after the autumn examination period has closed. All students are He highlighted that with 20 per cent of the world’s population,
[email protected] with your PI
being encouraged to visit http://elsa.open.ac.uk/courses.surveyfrom this date to complete China is now the world’s
number. But do not email sesame if the survey online. second largest economy and “We don’t need an
you receive two copies to one
In addition, feedback on your experiences with your tutor is also invited from students at largest emitter of greenhouse open global economy
household as this is being dealt with.
different times through the DALS (Developing Associate Lecturers through Student gases, yet China only started for Africa” Professor Raphael Kaplinsky alongside his wife Catherine (centre) and his daughter,
Feedback) surveys for selected groups of tutors and students. Collectively, your feedback exporting to the rest of the world newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky (right)
Virgin Balloon flight winner
gives the University a good idea of the student experience which in turn allows the OU to just over 20 years ago. India has also grown very rapidly and is on world, and the poorer producers of the world,” said Professor
CLAIRE Harris of London won the build and support the development of its curriculum and tutors. Course teams, faculties target to have the world’s largest population by 2030. Kaplinsky, who has researched and advised governments, firms
Virgin Balloon Flight competition that and student services receive the full results in order to consider and respond to any issues “We don’t need an open global economy for Africa. To succeed and trade unions in more than 30 countries.
ran in the last issue of sesame. that are raised. we need a very, very skewed global economy which, at the external For further information on Professor Kaplinsky and the
Student feedback forms part of the University’s quality assurance systems and level, doesn’t treat all developing countries the same, and gives Development Policy and Practice Department visit:
OU receives Race Equality Award is also used to inform wider policy debates such as the Student Support Review. very, very significant privileges to Africa and the poorer parts of the http://dpp.open.ac.uk
THE OU has been awarded a Race Your feedback can also support other students in their course choice. More information
Equality Award for its race equality at www.open.ac.uk/student-surveys A summary of key results for each course
and race relations work. Professor surveyed has recently been published on the courses and qualifications website Try out teaching
Brenda Gourley, the Vice-Chancellor, www.open.ac.uk/courses
was presented with the award by If you would like to provide any feedback about OU surveys in general please email
Milton Keynes Racial Equality Council [email protected]
Director, Navrita Atwal.
IF you’re interested in exploring teaching PGCE course providers. They also receive technology, ICT, religious education, music,
as a career, the Open University a bursary of £600 on completion of the modern foreign languages (German, French
Nature of Britain explored
Autism conference
Student Associates Scheme could offer scheme. and Spanish) or geography.
THE world’s leading experts on you the unique opportunity to explore Adrienne Gristwood took part in the Applications are being accepted now and
autism gathered at the OU recently secondary school teaching in England as a scheme and said: “It was a fantastic and students can undertake their placements at
ALAN Titchmarsh will be exploring programme said: “The Open University is
for a major conference on the career. really enjoyable experience which I feel any time in the school year (with the
the unique ecology of different landscapes committed to encouraging a can-do attitude
condition. Doctors and psychologists Funded by the Training and Development privileged to have been given. It has agreement of their host school). It is
and eco-systems in a new BBC/OU to science and learning and The Nature of
from institutions across Europe Agency for Schools, which aims to recruit convinced me I want to pursue a career in recommended that people apply as soon as
co-production, The Nature of Britain. Britain is very much about what you can
attended the event to discuss the teachers in subjects where they are most teaching.” possible because the application can take a
Following on from The British Isles: A see and do yourself.
main theme – ‘From diagnosis to required, the scheme gives current students To take part in the scheme, you must be while to process as it includes a CRB check.
Natural History, The Nature of Britain will “Wildlife around the world is often
intervention’. The programme was led the chance to experience working in a studying at undergraduate or postgraduate Please check our website for full details
start at 9pm on Wednesday 10 October on marvellous on TV but our local natural
by OU senior psychology lecturer Dr secondary school. level now; be within travelling distance of a about eligibility criteria.
BBC ONE. The eight-part series will feature world is fascinating too. You don’t have to
Ilona Roth and lecturer in human Students benefit from distance learning secondary school in England; not already If you’re interested in applying to the
eight different landscapes – Islands; be a zoologist to experience this and the
physiology and biology Dr Payam materials; receive the help of a have qualified teacher status (QTS) and be scheme, visit www.openuniversity.co.uk/
Farmland; Urban; Freshwater; Coastal; series shows some of the special things
Rezaie. For more details on the school based mentor; and, on completing studying towards, or already hold, higher sa-scheme to download an application
Woodland; Wilderness and Secret Britain. right on our doorsteps.”
presentations visit www.open.ac.uk/ the scheme, they can add their experiences education qualifications or an A-level in form. For more information call +44 (0)1908
Dr David Robinson, The Open Visit www.open2.net for more
ARUK2007 on to their CV to potential employers or physics, chemistry, maths, design and 858685.
University’s head academic on the information.
6 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 7
letters letters
Charles Handy belong. In my case the years. So who are these people Discontinued We would love to do more, but I spend as much time preparing did he make tutorials his own! waiting for me to take it for a
aspiration to achieve my who peel off at 40? we are doing our utmost with the TMAs and revising for exams He was always so full of energy walk. My study is mine, just for
feature history MA
personal development goal (eg. I think what Mr Handy misses resources available. but there aren’t many hours left and enthusiasm that you me and I can lose myself in it
sesamefeatured an article on achieving my MBA) and my is that people like myself are I’M coming to the end of six in the week! My OU studies are couldn’t help but enjoy the and resurface with the feeling
Charles Handy, the management need to achieve a work life shareholders, customers, marvellous years of a very important to me, not I’m course. that I have been elsewhere for
OU admin praised
guru, in the last edition. Here’s balance with my work, family employers and employees. humanities degree, majoring in sure for the same reasons as Since then I have had an a breath of fresh air.
just a selection of the letters we and study while contributing BUTmore importantly we are history. I’ve been very sorry to Mr Farrugia, but I don’t want to interesting array of tutors and I Sarah Annie Witts
received in response to that towards the success of the parents, siblings and see, as I have progressed I EMBARKEDon my OU be ‘written’off as just ‘retired’. think having Rob as my first Welwyn Garden City
article. organisation. neighbours. When we talk through it, how the choices of ‘career’back in 1999 and in Maureen Harrison proved just how enjoyable
June 2007, I finally received the
I find it incredible that leaders about organisations being history courses have Newcastle upon Tyne home study could be.
I HAVEjust read your article result I required to complete my
can be so narrow minded, hubs, I begin to worry – I want diminished over the years. As Abig thanks to all the tutors TVexperience
‘The Future of Work’featuring degree. Reaching this
outdated, self possessed, a community and environment my studies went on, I became at The Open University, I didn’t
Charles Handy. He hit the nail blinkered and un-inspirational in for my children and more and more enthusiastic milestone after several years of I READ with some interest the think that I would be able to IN 2001, I took my first Open
right on the head. As an OU such modern times. My MBA grandchildren to grow up into – about tackling a masters at the study has given me a great letter from Pete Farrugia study for a degree while University course. I was attracted
student studying for an MBAI has taught me one thing above I want sustainability. right time. Now I am very sense of pride and relative to typing examination working and looking after two to the University because it had
have to say my studies have all else. The ability to recognise Sustainability does not mean disappointed to discover that achievement and naturally papers. For a number of children but I am four years in provided facilities for disabled
cost me dearly! quality leadership and the traits hubs it means organisations, the OU has discontinued its cause for celebration. Once the reasons, mainly related to a and still loving it! students for many years ahead
I have self-funded my studies that they exhibit. communities, teams and history masters, and that no initial euphoria (and hangover) somewhat disrupted childhood, Angela Green of other teaching institutions. I
with the OU throughout my Needless to say I no longer individual responsibility. replacement will be offered until had subsided, I spent a little I was never taught to write. Essex suffer from aphasia so I need
student days and approached work for the organisation! Structures are actually at least 2010. time reflecting on my overall Now in my sunset years, for the notes for any audio or visual
the organisation [I worked for] Nigel Clifford important for the way we run I have loved my studies with OU experience. I think that one first time I am engaged in a teaching material.
to assist with the fees as they Shropshire our lives, do business, but the OU – they have opened a area that is often overlooked or basic undergraduate course at Keeping me sane It was 25 years ago that I
professed to be committed to essentially they are a part of whole new world to me – and taken for granted by students is the OU. became aware of the OU when
the development of staff our community. These now I have been brought up the OU’s extremely efficient, Should I wish to pursue I HAVEbeen studying with the I received a letter from its
through training and claimed to I THINKmany people read the structures/families may short. What is the OU’s position professional and flexible matters further, this will require OU since 2003 and hope to Faculty of Education and
have a ‘university scholarship’ Charles Handy feature in the regrettably be too hierarchical on history? Is it no longer administration system. sitting a series of written complete my BAHons in Language Studies asking me if
scheme. I asked if I could apply last edition of sesamebecause at times but they have a social considered to be an important As a member of HM Forces, I examinations. Clearly here, I Childhood and Youth Studies I would like to take part in a
for assistance with my MBA they want a career rather than function. They are our locality. subject? have had to move several am at something of a by December. The experience television programme being
studies. The answer I received something different or better. They mean stability and Fiona Stow times during my studies, have disadvantage. Yes, I can has kept me sane while my life made about the education of
shocked me somewhat: no I My guess is that most students societal cohesion. It is my view London exams deferred, often at late produce crudely printed words has been in chaos all around handicapped children. They
couldn’t apply. My MBAstudy are just struggling to get that it is this that ‘glues’ notice, due to overseas which are for the most part me. I am the sole, full-time wanted the views of someone
at the OU had absolutely through, pay their mortgage/ communities together and in BERNARD WAITES, HEAD OF deployments, register with unintelligible. I am also left carer to my disabled husband who was once a pupil of a
nothing to do with them and rent, eat in a restaurant rather our multi-cultural society this is HISTORY, REPLIES: different regions and postpone handed, and dyslexic, neither and we have three children. I residential school, and I was
they would prefer it if I would than a takeaway, afford a pair more vital than ever. courses. All of these of which help! also work part-time in special happy to agree. Being filmed
I AMso glad that Fiona has
cease studying and work longer of children’s shoes and save for What will our working world occurrences were dealt with Accordingly, it would seem educational needs. Over the was both an exciting and
found her six years majoring
hours! It transpired that there their pensions. look like? Well I hope that it in history a ‘marvellous’ efficiently and courteously by that my tertiary education is to years my husband has been emotional experience for me.
were no employees on the So I am interested to know looks like a networked ‘world’of experience. Like her, I believe it OU staff in various regions and be terminated by the system. seriously ill; however, I have The resultingprogramme was
university scholarship scheme why Mr Handy thinks that little shopkeepers serving is one of the core subjects in the departments. Now if the OU were to have a managed to steer our ship used in the course E241
at all. people ‘don’t feel the local needs – rather than world of learning. So, to all the staff in all the few suitably modified laptops through some very turbulent Special needs in education
Charles Handy is spot on; the tremendous pressure… to multi-national ‘hubs’serving the The Arts Faculty reluctantly departments that have ever had for those that qualify, wouldn't waters and I put most of it which was first taught in 1981.
essential task for leadership is stay in a job’. They are! Very needs of a small number of decided to phase out the current to deal with me, thank you all that be nice. Realistically, It's down to OU study. It was quite a shock to hear
to combine the aspirations and few people reading the article profiteers. MAin History because it is a very much. not going to happen. I know The courses I have taken myself talk!
needs of the individual with the will have the luxury of starting Anita Kuhl three-year programme of study Ian Watkins that others would be bleating over the years, apart from My relationship with the OU
purpose of the larger work at 9am and many will Leipzig, Germany and we have compelling Northampton about an unfair advantage. In being well written and extremely has therefore been in both
community to which they have been juggling jobs for evidence that the great majority other fields there is ‘positive interesting, have always been directions. I wonder whether
of part-time students would
discrimination’, why not here? there, consistent and steady, other people who were the
prefer a two-year programme.
Handwritten exams Am I being discriminated waiting for me to return to them subject of its television
There were severe practical
STARLETTER
obstacles – in terms of teaching against? What do others when each crisis or drama has programmes have also become
MR Farrugia (Why handwritten
and examining students – to think? played itself out. I liken my its students.
exams?letters in the last
Plagiarism Feature my best, I can feel the mental muscles running a three-year and two- Name and address study to a rather nice pet who Shirley M Addy
developing, and logical thought becoming year programme concurrently edition of sesame) seems to withheld sits patiently Blackburn
have the idea that retired
and we decided to allow for a
I READwith interest and sadness your article second nature. clear ‘gap’between the two to people have the luxury of being Please send your letters to:
on plagiarism. Interest because being careful Future employers will not be buying just allow for re-sits and able to sit around practising Letters to the Editor, sesame, The Open University,
not to plagiarise is a guiding principle in demonstrated expertise in a particular subject, re-submissions on the ‘old’MA their handwriting. I am sure Rob Sibthorpe Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA. Fax: [phone]
but someone who can apply themselves Email: [email protected] Include your address and
assignment writing, and sadness, because before presenting the ‘new’. there are many others like me
I HAVEto confess that just
tthhoesmes ewlhveos d hoa slfo t hdee lvibaeluraet eolfy haigreh edre endyiuncgation. tPol aag itaarsiks,ts c hoamvpel enteo t itd, eamndo nwshtroa tceadn t hthisin akb.ility. suWstea ihna avne uennddeeragvroaudrueadt et oh istory wwheoe ksdpaeynsd c maroinsgt ofof rt heir syeoeuirn sgu Rmombe Sr iibstshuoer poef ’ss efasacme ein Pldeaaysotein malilens oete nilnoe tptehh eot hnsaeets n aluemmttebe aerrsrc. whWiivelle rb eaest p ewerwvremw ta.ohnpeee nrnitg.layhc ta. utvkoa/ iesladebistla elme tteot erersa.d
Now I must get on with my assignment! programme which reflects the
grandchildren and also manage
These courses are not easy for me but Gillian C. Gold popularity of the subject, within (page 22 of issue 234) brought The writer of the Star Letter receives a
as I move through the years, always doing Swansea the resource constraints to fit in some paid work to a smile to my face. Rob was £20 book token.
supplement their state pension.
imposed on all arts disciplines. my first tutor at the OU and boy
8 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 9
fifth column focus
Every ‘second’
“I’m having a lot of fun doing this – you get to
meet new people and become a new person.
I’ve learned so much that I didn’t know before,
it’s amazing what a really close community can
do,” reported one SParker, as the students call
counts
themselves.
The results of the first phase of this
scheme have been discussed at international
conferences and in government departments.
The website forum received fewer than 5,000
hits in September 2006. In June 2007 traffic
SNEAK A PEEK The Open University is currently taking part in some exciting soared to 230,000 hits.
projects related to the 3-D virtual reality world, Second Life. You can find out more about the Schome
BEINGan English expatriate, when I sesamefinds out more Park Project, and download a copy of the
schome-NAGTYTeen Second Life Pilot Final
read English material in a public
Report from the schome community website:
place, I often find a few people
YOU may have already read or heard the hype surrounding Second Life. But if not, www.schome.ac.uk
sneaking a peek at whatever I have
here it is in a nutshell – launched in 2003, Second Life is an internet-based world
in my hands.
which allows people to become virtual residents through creating their own ‘avatar’. Second Life tutorials
That was fine when I did S103
Through this avatar, they can purchase land, homes and businesses with real money. Arange of pilot activities are also under way
Discovering science, as the
Avatars have also been known to fall in love, to broker important real world business which include trials in which associate
well-illustrated pages gleamed with
deals and even build their own virtual Las Vegas! lecturers are using Second Life as an
alluring revelations on subjects as
It is now one of the most talked-about and popular presences on the net, attracting over alternative to traditional face to face tutorials or
interesting as geology and as
eight million inhabitants. The media hype that has surrounded Second Life over the past text based discussion forums. OU tutor
enthralling as quantum physics.
few months has also led to companies such as IBM and Coca-Cola buying virtual offices Jacquie Bennett has been running Second Life
However, now that I’m doing DSE212
on the site. tutorials for T175 and M364 this year with
Exploring psychology, things have
But there’s more to having a presence on Second Life than falling in love and clever plans to offer even more Second Life tutorials
taken quite a turn.
branding – there is also a real belief that it could play a key role in revolutionising on some other courses next year.
They look up from their initial
mainstream education and engaging isolated youngsters. She said: “I’d been blown away by
glance at the book title, a note of
educational possibilities in Second Life for
disdain hovering over their features
Schome Park ages and a keen member of the educational
and I wonder why there should be
One of the ways in which The Open University is doing this is through the creation of an community. So once COLMSCT(the OU’s
this uncomfortable moment between
island – Schome Park – in the teen version of Second Life (adults wanting to enter Teen Centre for Open Learning of Mathematics,
us. At one point, I was reading about
Second Life are subject to a police check and can access the island only if they are Science, Computing and Technology) agreed
Freud’s theory of female envy for the
working on the OU project). to give a fellowship I had the chance to work
male nether regions and I couldn’t
The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, which funded the pilot project on this and start to introduce Second Life
help but shift a little in my comfort
alongside The Innovation Unit, provided 149 students aged 13 to 17. The first pilot of this activities to courses.”
zone. Call me old fashioned, but
project ran between January and April this year with the second phase starting in June. Jacquie has noticed lots of advantages to
there is a limit to what I wish to share
On the island, students can create their own buildings, meeting spaces and even presenting tutorials in Second Life. Learners
with my fellow over-the-shoulder-
government departments. They can take part in learning activities related to archaeology, are much more proactive and open thanks to
reading expatriates. Was that a
physics, ethics and philosophy; make films; and organise their own events including a the security offered by avatar communications. Students are also
choked chuckle I heard, stifled from
regatta, a wedding, governance meetings, a murder mystery evening and chess matches. much more vocal if they don’t understand something. OU presence, Cetlment Island. Here students can enjoy a virtual
beyond the glazed standing zone
Researchers have discovered that many of the students who were on the island Jacquie has also noticed an increase in peer support where central plaza which offers social space, a resources library and an
behind me?
appeared to pick up a range of skills and developed greater confidence in dealing with students volunteer to help each other and, as she says, “scaffold orientation station so that new users can go straight to Cetlment to
Next time, I think I’ll take sesame
social situations. each other's learning activity”. She adds: “We can be much more be taught about the environment there rather than having to create
with me. It might ignite in them a
OU head of education Dr Peter Twining said: “When students come in, the only thing varied while still operating within the student’s zone of proximal an account and complete orientation on their own.
spark of interest for the OU, a stirring
anyone else knows about them is their avatar name and what they’ve chosen to present development – for example we want to be able to build a Greek Jacquie adds: “We are going to see an explosion in the use of
of the obsession with learning that
themselves as. There’s no baggage about age, gender, physical appearance or social amphitheatre or a model of a heart for students to physically these worlds for teaching and learning – the issue is to do with
springs from it and you never know
status. You can radically change the way you present yourself. explore to enable them to learn about the chambers and valves. ‘which’world. Currently Second Life is the market leader and is
where that might lead...
“We started playing with the idea of Second Life because it encourages you to break We can build experiments to explore gravity, create a solar system also the most sophisticated and flexible so the educational
Tina-Marie Greenman has free of constraints and do things you can’t do in the real world. It allows us to bring and use a range of activities and tasks to explore mathematical community is there. The creators of Second Life, Linden Labs, are
completed the Certificate in Natural teenagers to the island and work with them on alternative models of how you might concepts.” now suggesting that they will be releasing the source code so that
Sciences and is currently working learn. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are already a range institutions can host SLon their own servers and that will be the
toward the BSc Psychology (Hons). “We’re very encouraged by data from the pilot project. Students have told us that things of other educational places which demonstrate fascinating final killer app to ensure the longevity of SLfor teaching and
they’d never dreamed of doing in the real world, such as leading meetings, they now feel possibilities such as a replica of 1900 Paris where avatars not only learning in my opinion.”
Do you have a gripe or something
confident enough to do in the real world.” converse in French (ideal for those studying modern languages) The OU is considering even greater involvement in Second
interesting to share? Send us an
Its educational benefits are also impressive. For example, when the group studied but they can also explore the architecture of the city at the time Life and would be really interested to hear from students
article of no more than 200 words to
Hadrian’s Wall, instead of looking at an illustration of how it may have looked in a (useful for those studying history and architecture). The list goes who either are using Second Life or would like to tell the
[email protected] or to the address at
the front of sesame including your textbook, they could make their research come alive by creating a model which their on. University what sort of thing they’d like the OU to provide on
contact details. avatars could walk across and experience as if it existed. Jacquie was also involved in the creation of another Second Life there. Email [email protected] with your thoughts.
10 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 11
report report
Transport refer Debbie to the TfLwebsite for further information), whereas at
East Finchley, they did refer her to the TfLwebsite.
sesame
We got in touch with Transport for London to highlight this. A
spokesperson told us: “It depends really on what the student asked
investigates
the staff. She may have been given the correct advice but without
knowing her circumstances and what she asked it is difficult to
ascertain. The best number for students to call is the Oyster helpline
on 0845 3309876 if they are unsure as to their eligibility.”
sesameplaces the spotlight on UK public transport providers
According to the National Union of Students (NUS), the cost of
in this issue to find out what discounts are available to OU bus travel is also an area of concern for all students, not just OU
students – or not in some cases students. The majority of local authorities around the country simply
do not offer concessionary travel to students in higher education.
This is particularly concerning as the cost of bus and coach fares
rose by 168 per cent between 1987 and 2006.
TRAVELis often an essential part of an OU student’s studies. regardless of whether you’re on a full- or part-time course, you will
Getting to and from tutorials, libraries, exam locations and not be eligible for the Young Persons Railcard as an OU student Parliament
residential schools can often be a hard slog, especially if over the age of 26. This is despite the Young Persons Railcard As a result of its findings, the NUS launched its ‘Busted’campaign
you don’t drive. But rocketing travel prices mean that getting website stating: ‘You can get a Young Persons Railcard if you’re this year, which calls for a commitment to ensure concessionary bus
around by public transport is becoming a very costly experience. aged between 16-25 or a mature student, over the age of 26 and travel for all young people and students. One of the main activities
Therefore, student discount schemes can really ease the burden in full-time education.’Does this mean The Open University isn’t of the NUS campaign was to amend the Concessionary Bus Travel
of these costs. However, following the launch of our new ‘recognised’by the Association of Train Operating Companies Bill, which was presented to Parliament in June, to include student
investigative series two issues ago, we received a number of (ATOC), which operates the Young Persons Railcard? It does discounts. At the moment, the Bill calls for free off-peak bus travel
emails and phone calls from OU students complaining that they appear some OU students have been able to get cards but others anywhere in the country for disabled bus passengers and those
don’t get treated the same as other students in terms of discounts can’t. aged over 60. This is naturally welcome news but what about
on travel, even if they are studying full-time. One particular culprit sesamegot in touch with ATOC, showing them a copy of the students? Despite ardent campaigning on the part of the NUS, the
was the Young Persons Railcard. leaflet and asking them to clarify. Our query was directed to the bill was not amended to allow for its demands for students. The
In the light of recent hikes in rail fares from some train lines (eg. upper tiers of the institution with the National Railcards marketing Union is now waiting on the Road Transport Bill to have its first
Arriva Trains Wales and South West Trains manager, Andrew Robertson, getting straight reading in the autumn.
have recently been criticised in the press for “We are now reviewing our position on the phone to sesame. He explained that However, don’t be too despondent. Though a lot of local
hiking up their fares, in some cases by 34 with regards to OU students and he understood our concerns and that this authorities do not offer discounts, you might find that yours does,
per cent), any discounts on rail fares are a will be looking to change our rules” was a long-standing area that ATOC is now especially if buses are run by a large bus operator such as
welcome relief for OU students. So in steps looking to review, prompted by sesame’s Stagecoach or Arriva. For example, Stagecoach offers a discounted
the Young Persons Railcard, which offers what it describes as ‘epic investigations. He said: “The eligibility rules for applying for the Unirider ticket for students in many areas around the country which
savings’on rail travel as well as a range of offers to people aged Young Persons Railcard are based on an old way of thinking about you can buy online at www.buymyunirider.comArriva offers its
between 16 and 25 and – great news for most OU students – OU study. We are now reviewing our position with regards to OU Student Tickets in selected areas too, which you can purchase at
mature students. students and will be looking to change our rules for full-time OU www.arrivabus.co.uk/students. In both cases, a valid NUS card must
students based on our findings.” be presented whenever you use the discount ticket. If you do not
Disgruntled When asked whether the leaflet in question will be withdrawn have an NUS card already,
But that’s where the good news ends. After reading that the Young due to the way it seems to suggest OU students as a whole are you can apply for one by “Despite ardent campaigning
Persons Railcard was available to mature students, OU student less worthy of a railcard than those students attending brick calling 0870 4235001. on the part of the NUS, the
Paul Atkinson visited his local station to get one. But, unfortunately, universities, Andrew replied that “once the rules are changed, the When it comes to overseas bill was not amended”
he was told that he was not eligible as a part-time student – it was leaflet will be changed”. We will keep on ATOC’s case and report travel, OU students can get
available only to those who are in full-time education or are under back once a decision on the rules has been made. many discounts too with the recent news that OU students can now
25 years of age. He was despondent but part-time students often Another area of concern which was highlighted by students get access to the NUS Extra card. This card incorporates the ISIC
don’t get discounts, so he accepted it and took away a Young getting in touch with sesamewas Transport for London (TfL). This card (see page 4 of this issue) which offers a range of discounts on
Persons Railcard leaflet. But, after flicking through this leaflet, he was not in terms of the discounts it offers – following overseas travel and tours. Coach travel is also an area that gets
was surprised to read that ‘Open University, distance learning, and representations from the OU a few years ago, TfL’s 18+ Student good marks, with discounts available on coach travel in the form of
part-time courses do not qualify’for the card. Oyster Discount card (which gives students 30 per cent discounts the National Express NX2 Card. As a spokesperson for National
“I was rather taken aback by this comment,” says Paul. on London travel) is available to OU research students and those Express told sesame: “This offer is available to Open University
“Needless to say I was disappointed at not being able to get a card of you who have London as your regional office (see the Transport students and, like all other students, they must provide official
as a part-time student if those are the rules. But what really for London website at www.tfl.gov.ukfor further details on whether confirmation of their full-time student status. We would also like to
irritated me was, upon reading the leaflet I had been given, I found or not you are eligible). start discussions with The Open University to determine if we can
that not only had we actually been named in the leaflet as not No, according to some students who got in touch with us, the provide discounts to all Open University students regardless of their
being eligible to start with, it was also saying that we still weren’t problem is that TfLfrontline staff simply aren’t aware of this. One studying hours”.
eligible even if we fulfilled the ‘full-time’rule. The notion of the OU of the sesameteam, OU student and London resident Debbie In the next issue of sesame, our investigative feature will focus s
e
g
being specifically named, and then the card still being denied to Dixon, decided to visit her local tube stations to see what she on council tax discounts and Government benefits. Email a
m
full-time OU students, left me rather frustrated and disgruntled.” would be told and got two different stories from the frontline desks. [email protected] or contact us using the usual details with y I
ett
Paul has every right to be disgruntled. By stating that ‘Open Camden said that they don’t do discounts for OU students (no your experieces. If you want us to investigate any other issues, G
e:
University courses’do not qualify, the leaflet suggests that, mention of OU in London or the Research School nor did they also let us know. ur
ct
Pi
12 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007
focus
SUPERSIZE
Degrees of deceit
Fake OU certificates are being sold online. sesamefinds out more
YOUR iPOD FOR ONLY £19.99
THEinternet provides some wonderful psychiatry and a doctor of philosophy. The Education Reform Act 1988 provides
opportunities for students and More recently, Gene Morrison of Hyde some protection but only if a business
graduates. But alongside the good, was jailed for using fake certificates he’d claims to be offering a genuine
you sometimes get the bad. purchased off the internet to get paid work qualification. However, there was a
sesamerecently discovered that as a forensic psychologist. He told police successful case – Universities UK won
‘authentic-looking’fake degree certificates he started an Open University degree but it proceedings against Peter Leon Quinn,
are being sold online – including fake OU was revealed in court that ‘started’ who had been producing and selling fake
certificates. consisted of phoning for a brochure and degree certificates via Fakedegrees.co.uk.
Several examples of this can be found recording OU programmes! He worked on AHigh Court Injunction was taken against 4x more music
on ebay.co.uk where one seller says of the around 700 cases over 26 years, being him producing and supplying fake degree
certificates they sell: ‘we cannot condone paid at least £250,000 in taxpayers’money certificates. But he ignored this, carried on
them being used for any illegal purposes, for giving ‘expert’advice. selling the certificates and was found to be
but one guy claims to have got a job at in Contempt of Court, leading him to be
NASA!!!!!!’ “There are companies out sentenced to 12 months imprisonment,
sesamearranged for one of these there who get fooled by these conditionally suspended for two years.
certificates to be ordered (see picture fake certificates”
below right) and it certainly has an Tightening up
authentic feel to it. The likelihood that there And recently in India, up to 50 students The Open University is currently looking
are people out there with fake OU are facing prosecution after using fake into the selling of fake certificates. sesame
certificates like this one is quite high – or certificates to get places at the University itself is also tightening up it’s advertising
any distance learning university for that of Mumbai. The certificates were sold by a guidelines to ensure no such companies
matter – as it is more plausible that gang which had been selling fake slip through the net. But in the meantime,
someone who has not taken three years certificates since 1998. The Indian keep your eyes and ears open. We want
out to study suddenly has a degree. Government take this issue very seriously, to hear of any other cases you have
seeing scams like this as robbing the seen or heard of – do you know anywhere
Court cases nation of its intellectual reputation and else that is selling fake OU certificates?
But Tony Barker, head of awards and heritage. If so, let sesame know by emailing
ceremonies, wishes to reassure OU So in the UK, how do these Ebay sellers [email protected]
students and graduates. He said: “We use get away with this, surely it’s illegal?
a specially produced, watermarked paper; Wording, that’s how. These sellers never
we have the crest litho printed onto this in claim to be selling ‘real’certificates and
four colours; we have four data items carry disclaimers saying buyers must only
appearing on it that together provide a use these certificates for novelty and not
unique combination that can be checked fraudulent purposes. And Ebay allows
on the corporate database – the title of the people to sell fake certificates via their site
award, the name of the student, the date of as long as they do not reproduce nor sell
Get 4x more music on your MP3 player
qualification and a certificate number. any Government IDs and Licences such as
Finally, we have the seal which is birth certificates, drivers licences or
www.shrinkmytunes.com
hand-embossed on the certificate.” These passports. sesamedid approach Ebay for a
are all markers which make OU certificates statement on this but as we go to press we
unique, and employers are always have not received a response.
welcome to liaise with the OU’s Awards The Minister for Higher Education, Bill
and Ceremonies office to confirm the Rammell told sesame: “For those behind
authenticity of any certificates. the sale of ‘fake degrees’to be
However, there are companies out successfully prosecuted in court, hard
there who get fooled by these fake evidence is required to prove that they
certificates with a number of court cases were deliberately complicit with their
highlighting this. For example, in 2005, customers who, in turn, also have to be
Barian Baluchi was sentenced for fraud proven to have purchased fake degrees
after using fake qualifications to set up for financial advantage. As this
the Kimia Clinic in Hammersmith, constitutes fraud, it falls to the Police to
London, claiming he was a professor of take action”.
14 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 15
people people
My Orphean underworld
Sophie Wardis former model, actress… and OU graduate. Between treading the boards in a variety of
critically acclaimed plays and starring in TVdramas such as Heartbeat, Sophie studied for a BA in
Literature and Philosophy. She writes about her experiences here
MYearly education had been haphazard at best. Adesire were new to me, but it was the position of being a student again,
for a completely different type of schooling than my of caring about grades and feeling the possibility of failure that
parents had experienced led them to send me to a was the most difficult. When my first results came back I found
Montessori school until I was 11. It was an ambitious environment myself worrying that I would never improve my marks as the work
with a high percentage of children with different abilities and an became harder. I reasoned that if I wasn’t getting fantastic grades
age range of 14 years all learning in one main classroom. The at the beginning then I would never be able to. But of course,
result was chaotic but stimulating and by the time I went to writing essays is a learned skill and with all the feedback from the
secondary school I had little formal education but a wealth of tutors, my marks did gradually improve.
stories and ideas. I struggled to find my place in a more Some subjects were easier for me than others. The language
conventional system but just got through to A-levels before used in analysing books and plays was familiar from my work and
jumping into the world of work full-time. through the evening classes I had taken. But after the foundation
year, I found I was drawn to philosophy, a completely new
Tortuous step discipline for me. I desperately wanted to continue studying it but
I had been working as an actor since I was 10 and was feared getting a poor degree, so I made myself a pact; if I could
fortunate enough to be given parts in films and television plays get good passes in the literature modules then I would reward
when I left school. Given the challenging logistics of working and myself with philosophy the following year. It worked well as an
going to school through my teen years, my enthusiasm for incentive. Friends tease me that I am continually training myself in
university was muted. new ways not to earn a living, so perhaps in the back of my mind I
At first, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to concentrate on work was aware of the possibility that I might one day have to use the Ca3ll now for your For a 20% discount on all
without fitting it in between terms. Then I had degree to get a ‘proper’job. But most of all, I FOR Pearson Education books...
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concentrate on their own studies that I contemplated going back to second year I was in Hungary filming a television series about
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I had taken a couple of smaller courses at my local college Budapest. I worked in Glasgow, Chichester, Leeds and Los time you shop.
and with a grand total of 20 points, I was bold enough to sign up Angeles and got very used to having a memory stick wrapped
for the A103 An introduction to humanities. Little did I know that around my neck and a case of books attached to my shoulder. My
it would be five years before I surfaced from the Orphean family got used to being patient. The only time I had to ask for an
underworld, otherwise known as The Open University, and dared extension on my essay was from the North Yorkshire moors.
to look my Eurydice in the face: a BAin Literature and Philosophy Without a car, in the depths of winter and filming an episode of
and worth every tortuous step. Heartbeat, the ink ran out on my portable printer. There was no
Readers of sesamewill understand the challenges that face mobile phone reception let alone an internet connection and I To buy online take 3 simple steps
every student. I found a lot of comfort in its pages when I was finally gave up and rang my tutor to try and explain. The
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degrees with ease. I owe a huge debt to the OU and two years later I sing its
The foundation year itself was a very steep learning curve. The praises to anyone who is interested in going back to study Call: 0845 113 1234
formality of writing essays on time and understanding all the themselves. It has given me the confidence to go on to the
various criteria involved was a shock to the system. The work was University of Central England in Birmingham, and work on a Email enquiries at:[email protected]
Visit: www.businesslinkwm.co.uk
challenging because it was wide ranging and most of the subjects graduate diploma. I can’t thank the OU enough.
16 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 17
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18 SESAME 235 Autumn 2007 Autumn 2007 SESAME 235 19