Looking for LearningSpace tools?

In 2012, we completed the task of merging the old LearningSpace service into the BBC/OU Open2.net site, creating the modern OpenLearn service. At that time, we removed some of the tools that LearningSpace had offered and were being used rarely, creating this page to help users adjust. Five years on, we're updating this page with the latest advice.

Where can I find...

Learning journal

IN 2012 WE SAID: From August 2012 LearningSpace will no longer support personal Learning journals and content will be removed.

To help you to move your blog to an alternative blogging platform, we have created a set of instructions. This ‘Migrate your Learning Journal’ feature allows you to move your learning journal posts, comments and tags to one of the world’s most popular open source blogging systems, WordPress.

If you do not have a WordPress blog already then please sign up for free at wordpress.com. It only takes a few minutes.

To move the content of your Learning journal, you will first need to access it on LearningSpace and select the 'Migrate your Learning Journal' link. This will then take you to a set of instructions that will enable you to create a backup and move to WordPress.

Once you have completed the process you can continue to enjoy reviewing your imported posts, comments and tags.

If you have created any links between posts, then you will need to manually review and adjust these within the WordPress editing facilities.

Alternatively, if you want to make notes while you study you could try other services such as Blogger.com or even Tumblr.

UPDATE 2017: The opportunity to move your learning journal has passed. However, you can still create a learning journal using any number of other services - the ones mentioned above, or even a notes app on your phone.

LearningSpace forums

IN 2012 WE SAID: Forums have now been replaced by the OpenLearn Comments feature. At the end of each page you will find a section where you can read or add comments of your own. You will need to register for a free account in order to join in the conversation.

2017 UPDATE: The free courses team have decided to remove comments from course pages, and so this option is no longer available.

Learning clubs

IN 2012 WE SAID: Although learning clubs are no longer a feature of OpenLearn, why not try SocialLearn and connect with other learners to discuss a subject of shared interest?

2017 UPDATE: SocialLearn has closed and is no longer available. Why not explore setting up a learning group on Facebook instead?

FlashMeeting

IN 2012 WE SAID: FM is a video conferencing tool. It allows a group of people to meet online from anywhere in the world. Video conferencing means you can:

• foster good problem solving skills
• communicate and discuss with people with common interests
• work together on a challenge posed by material you have encountered online.

To use this tool, you will need to log-in and book a meeting. Or, if you would prefer to simply watch public replays you can do that, too.

UPDATE 2017: FlashMeeting is no longer available, but any widely-used video conference tool like Skype or FaceTime can do the same job.

FlashVlog

IN 2012 WE SAID: You can quickly and easily create instant video blogs with FlashVlog. Record and edit streaming video and make it available to a web audience within seconds. FlashVlogs are recorded and edited in the FlashVlog Editor and the results are watched using a separate FlashVlog Viewer. Both applets simply run in a standard web page using the popular Flash plug-in. For more information, visit the site's help pages.

2017 UPDATE: FlashVlog is still available, but modern video services including, but not limited to, YouTube and Periscope can perform the same function more efficiently.

Compendium

IN 2012 WE SAID: Compendium is a software tool for mapping information, ideas and arguments. It also allows you to manage your personal digital information resources. You can drag and drop in any document, website, email, image and so on, and organise them visually, and then connect ideas, arguments and decisions to these. You can find out more about the tool and download the software from the OU's Compendium website.

2017 UPDATE: This tool is still available

Cohere

IN 2012 WE SAID: Cohere is an experimental knowledge mapping tool that runs on the web, connecting you, and your ideas, to other learners with common interests. Cohere is designed to help you define and forge meaningful connections between ideas.

2017 UPDATE: This tool appears to still be available, and appears to be still experimental