Currently, learners enrolled on any of the 800 short courses on OpenLearn can download an Activity Record to print or to share online what they have read. Digital badges issued with each badged open course and accompanying Statement of Participation certificate are a different marker of achievement: learners will have not only read full online courses but will have to pass online quizzes to earn their digital badge and Open University (OU) Statement of Participation.
Pilot research has shown that this will help informal learners build confidence and motivation for learning, providing a record of achievement which they can share with friends, learner communities, employers and educational institutions. Learners will be able to display their completed badges publicly or privately in their My OpenLearn profile and link to other platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Each course is 24 hours in length, spread over 8 weeks, although courses are permanently open to study and learners can progress at their own pace.
By enrolling on any of the courses below you’ll have the opportunity to earn an OU digital badge. Badges are not accredited by The OU and are not credit rated but they’re a great way to demonstrate your interest in the subject and commitment to your career, and to provide evidence of continuing professional development.
Our First Badged Open Courses
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Taking your first steps into higher education
What is university study like? Is it for me? If you are asking yourself these questions, this badged course is for you.
Read moreTaking your first steps into higher education -
Succeed with learning
What do I want to do with my life? How can I reach my goal? Would I cope with studying at college or university? Can I get better at learning? How can I manage the challenges that life keeps throwing my way? If you are thinking about questions like these, Succeed with learning is just what you are looking for.
Read moreSucceed with learning -
Succeed with maths - Part 1
If you feel that maths is a mystery that you want to unravel then this short course is for you.
Read moreSucceed with maths - Part 1 -
Succeed with maths - Part 2
Part 2 of this course will continue to develop your mathematical knowledge and skills using everyday examples.
Read moreSucceed with maths - Part 2 -
English: skills for learning
Thinking of studying for a university degree and would like to develop your English reading and writing skills?
Read moreEnglish: skills for learning
This is part of a collection to accompany The Open University in Scotland's Open Pathways to Higher Education.
For more up to date information on our current and future Badged Open Courses, please visit the following page: Badges come to OpenLearn.
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