1 Getting started

1.1 Examples

Each activity is followed by a discussion and examples of the responses of two students. Both students are studying Open University courses that will eventually count towards a degree. These are nine month distance learning courses.

Course material is delivered to students by post, email or online. Their assignments are submitted by post or email, marked either by a computer or a tutor, and returned. Open University students are provided with a tutor, regular tutorials and guidance on completing assignments. They are also provided with online conferencing facilities to communicate with their tutor or with other students.

Both students have been provided with assignment booklets, which provide advice on completing their assignments. They also refer to Study Skills series of books, which are published by the Open University. The series includes books providing study skills advice in particular subject disciplines, as well as general study skills advice.

Tim is studying an introductory Humanities course and Sue is a biology student.