OU students - do you actually like it? [disclaimer, quite negative post]

kloana

I'm in a hugely anti-OU mood today. I'm nearing the end of my studies in June (when I'll get my degree), but I really dislike the OU

For background, I did a BA at a 'traditional' uni back between 2003-2006. I loved it - but didn't really gain much from the 'learning' experience. I did well enough, but I can barely remember much of it (I suppose that's quite common).

In 2007, I enrolled on an MA course (non-OU) and completed it successfully - but it really burnt me out. Both in terms of the level of study (good God!), and the fact I was doing it alongside a full-time job.

Nevertheless, I missed studying, and enrolled with the OU in 2011, for one last go (Bachelors again - not another Masters). Not for career change purposes, just for enjoyment and what I thought would be fulfilment.

And I dislike it to the point of tears. Only 'pride' and the fact that I only started hating it after I got halfway through my degree has kept me here. After all, I could drop out any time, but see no worth in 2/3 of a degree, not to mention the few grand in fees I've paid thus far.

So I'm plugging away at 2 x Level 3 modules at the same time (120 credits), and just finding it a massive chore. But I couldn't bear another year of it, hence why I opted to overload and get it out of the way as quick as I can.

From day one, I've found the teaching and assessment bizarre (even back when I was enjoying it) - learning from CDs and DVDs, really? Every time my study materials arrive for a new module and there's a CD/DVD enclosed, I just despair. I'm also studying one module which has a CD-Rom as a study resource - like it's 1999! This doesn't suit me any my learning style at all (I'm a textbooks and journals kind of gal).

I can't be the only one for whom the OU journey has turned out disappointing and tedious?? I'm sure I'll feel differently about it all in June when I get my degree and put my rose-tinted glasses on

GwylimT

I went through the OU as I had to work fulltime, I was really messed about, materials would arrive weeks late so I would sometimes only have a week to complete an assignment.

I took a science based degree and so of course I regularly attended labs etc, these were sometimes incorrectly booked.

The thing is no matter the university you will have those who love it and those who hate it.

Voyager2002

I studied with the OU, but back in the days when course material was printed as books and came along with video-cassettes and so on. The material I used was excellent.

Armorica

You don't say which subjects. Not all subjects will require use of journals. And in others, the content on CDs etc. is far easier to keep up to date than books.

New_Beginings_2013

It depends on your subject I suppose, I am studying business and all my materials are textbooks. I did a sociology course which had the DVD for interviews etc that we needed but the rest was text book. I have read that a large amount of it is now being transferred to online materials rather than hard copies so that will take some getting used to, but its the way distance learning is going.
I have struggled with my most recent level 2 module but that is due to workload vs health issues more than the course itself, otherwise I have really enjoyed it all. Just wish I could get to the day schools rather than relying on emails and phone calls to the tutor to get the additional info covered in the face to faces.

Penny-Pincher!!

OP, I feel you!

The OU's methods of teaching are out dated, and TBH, you're probably more qualified/experienced than the tutors you're tutored up with to teach you.

2 x level 3 60 point modules......ouch :-)......are you insane?

Hope it goes quickly for you. Chin up, you can and will do it.

PP
xx

Mrs_Ryan

I'm really struggling with DD102. I'm not alone- a lot of my fellow students feel the same. I've had to ask for an extension for the first time as ive been really poorly and haven't been able to do any work on it. I managed 200 very half-hearted words tonight and when I submit Im actually going to apologise to my tutor and say I'm sorry, my heart hasn't been in it and even with an extension I struggled. If I can just pass this module ive got a few months to regroup before I begin second year and start really getting into 'my' subject- I'm going to be doing 120 credits at level 2 at the same time :eek: I don't work and I have no caring responsibilities so I have the time to dedicate but I'm aiming for a first so I know it's going to be very very hard work..

MistletoeGrower

kloana wrote: »

So I'm plugging away at 2 x Level 3 modules at the same time (120 credits), and just finding it a massive chore. But I couldn't bear another year of it, hence why I opted to overload and get it out of the way as quick as I can.

120 points is the equivalent of full-time study over 12 months. Level 3 is final year level. So if you're really doing that level of work, as two 60 pointers at the same time, I'm not surprised you feel bad.

OU study is intended (though there is obviously no obligation) to be part-time study. And their systems are geared up to that pace. Not extra-intensive-equivalent-to-full-time-study.

I'm sorry if you're feeling down about it and negative about the OU - but you have taken on a huge amount of work and more than the OU would recommend you do at the same time. Perhaps a slower approach would have been more sensible.

The OU study materials can be rather hard to get used to especially if you're "textbooks and journals kind of gal" - but surely that's the way it is with distance learning.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not unsympathetic, I've done lots of OU courses over the last 14 years and I know fitting them in can be hard, and the materials can be tough to get used to sometimes.

I dropped out of a couple of short (10 pointer Level 1) courses because I didn't get into them, and lost all my effort on a key 30 point Level 2 course because pressure at work meant I couldn't do any of the final assessment(4 perfect TMAs wasted!). So I know about the pressure and angst with the OU!

But if you're having trouble with it perhaps you should pace it better (a key advisory in all OU guidance) rather than take on far too much at once.