This was the first line I read of the letter that came in the mail yesterday. ‘Welcome to the Open University’ – I felt a wee shudder of excitement, anxiety and an oh-god-what-have-I-let-myself-in-for! That is me now officially registered with the OU to start the Openings course ‘Understanding Society’ in June.
As the ALN development worker here at GWL, I have been trying to encourage a lot of our learners to progress on to one of these courses. However, now I can actually say “Join me in studying” or “Lets work together”. I think this will be a fantastic insight for me into the process of joining and studying an Open University course. Already, I can tell people about my first hand experience of filling in the application form and receiving my first piece of correspondence in the mail.
The pack I received yesterday gave me my OU computer username and password. I can now access information called ‘Getting Started’ which will help me find out how to prepare for my course. Seemingly there is also information on study techniques. I’ve a feeling I might need some help in that area!
I will have 3 TMA’s to complete (see, I’m already speaking in OU language!) The first two Tutor Marked Assessments will be given back to me with lots of notes and advice on how to improve my essay, the last one is the big one- Pass or Fail!!!
I plan to keep you all updated on my Openings journey. I should receive my materials through the post within the next couple of weeks, that’s when the fun will really begin!
I’m off to try and get some more women signed up so that I will have a bit of support from some study buddies!
Kayx
