Danielle Martin

Danielle is studying for a BSc in Psychology at The OU, starting her third module in October 2022, but it all started almost 20 years ago very differently, as she explained to us: ‘I attended a brick university to study for a BA in History and Politics. Unfortunately, the environment didn’t suit me at all. I was a very shy teenager so the “traditional” university experience with its many social obligations was something I found too overwhelming.’

She’s a busy mum (and soon to be even busier with another child due) and therefore enjoys ‘the independent and flexible learning’ on offer as ‘I need to be able to study around my family commitments.’

But it wasn’t simply a case of finding The Open University and embarking on a degree once more, which is where OpenLearn comes in…

‘I first heard about OpenLearn when I was recovering from a knee operation a few years ago. Bored and considering whether it was all too late to get back into education, I googled The Open University, but had doubts about whether I would be able to dive straight back into degree level academics.’

Danielle did, however, see a link to OpenLearn: ‘…that took me to a huge list of introductory level courses – pretty much any subject you could think of!’, she said, ‘and it seemed like a perfect way to not only test my brain, but as a way to keep me occupied while recovering – no obligation to complete anything, and no fees to pay made it ideal.’

‘With new courses being added all the time, I know I will keep using OpenLearn during my degree and beyond. The sense of achievement when you complete a course is fantastic and has definitely encouraged me to see myself as a lifelong learner.’ 

With no initial plan to study formally, Danielle said she wasn’t too selective about the courses she took, just choosing what seemed interesting: ‘I took anything from language courses to Forensic science, Child development to Perspectives on death and dying. In those first few clicks I gained the confidence to see myself as someone who was capable of studying again. And I love the way the courses are set out in a similar way to the OU site, so when I went on to study the first module of my degree it didn't feel alien, and I already had the skills to navigate through the material.’

‘The variety meant I could discover which subjects really excited me, and this helped me to eventually come to the decision to register for a psychology degree’ Danielle added… but that doesn’t mean she’s swapped OpenLearn for the OU. In fact, far from it: ‘There are some courses I have used to supplement my formal learning, like the 8-hour Challenging ideas in mental health course, with its thought-provoking content on how language used by practitioners can promote inclusivity or create barriers.’ 

‘At other times I use OpenLearn to take a “break” from the content of my degree, while keeping myself in “student mode”’, Danielle added, and she’s currently refreshing her Spanish language skills and exploring other languages and cultures with us! In fact, we ‘discovered’ Danielle as she was posting on an Instagram account that she has dedicated to her studies (both about her degree and OpenLearn) where she says she has found ‘a vibrant student community where I can tap into the support and camaraderie… it’s really helped to enrich my study experience. It’s always lovely to be able to pop an Instagram post up and chat to someone who is going through the same struggles of juggling life and study!’

So, what would Danielle say to those who have yet to give OpenLearn a try? ‘Log on, enrol on something that catches your attention. You may just discover a whole new path for yourself, just as I did. And best of all… it’s completely free – you’ve got nothing to lose!’

‘With new courses being added all the time, I know I will keep using OpenLearn during my degree and beyond. The sense of achievement when you complete a course is fantastic and has definitely encouraged me to see myself as a lifelong learner.’

So, if you’re in the place Danielle was, then maybe OpenLearn can help you on your way back into study. And if you’re in the same place Danielle is now, then as well as following us on Instagram (@openlearn) then why not follow her – @ellestudiesenglish – too?