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Science, Maths & Technology
Understanding dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurodivergent condition affecting over 10% of the population. It is often linked to reading and writing challenges, but also gives rise to strengths like creativity and problem-solving. Each individual experiences dyslexia differently. Despite its prevalence, it remains under-recognised globally. With proper understanding and ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Introduction to Planetary Protection
As we explore the Solar System, it is important that we do not accidentally contaminate untouched and unspoilt extraterrestrial environments in any way. In this free course you will learn about ‘Planetary Protection’ and why it is critical for our future exploration and use of space. This course has been developed with support from the ...
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Education & Development
Making social media work in Higher Education
This free course explores the potential of social media as a space that can be used in higher education/University to enhance educational experiences. It examines how students can take advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp to engage and connect with other fellow students and their lecturers. While, also examining the ...
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Education & Development
Building confidence in using online forums
Learn about the benefits of online learning forums, with strategies for participating more fully.
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Languages
Advanced German: Fragen der Identität
Identity – your own and that of others – is the focus of this free course, Advanced German: Fragen der Identität. You will hear German speakers from different backgrounds talk about their regional and national identities, and you will consider what it is that makes us who we are. You will evaluate and summarise information from a variety of ...
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Money & Business
Human Resource Management and EDI
Based on adapted material from B810, this course will highlight why equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are key for the practice of Human Resource Management (HRM) today. This includes the promotion of the following dimensions in the workplace: fairness and equity, diversity and innovation, talent management, and legal compliance. ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Supporting university students with a mental health condition
There is an increasing prevalence of university students who need mental health support and university staff benefit from training on this topic. This course explores this phenomenon, drawing on an Open University study on how staff (tutors) can support students with a mental health condition, and considers both what staff and institutions can ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Understanding systems thinking in practice (STiP)
With media and political attention given to systemic failure, systems thinking is increasingly advocated as an alternative way of managing human interventions associated with socio-economic and environmental development. So what is systems thinking? Why might systems approaches provide better support for strategic planning? Moreover, how might ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Algorithmic Design
This course explores the creative potential of designing with algorithms. This is part of the new BDes Design qualification at The Open University. Learn to think algorithmically and tweak code to create your own wallpaper patterns and be part of contemporary design practices. Through hands-on graphical experimentation using p5.js JavaScript, ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Cyflwyniad i efelychu digidol ym maes gofal iechyd
Mae efelychu yn darparu lle diogel ar gyfer dysgu a gwella, gan arwain at weithwyr gofal iechyd proffesiynol sydd wedi'u paratoi'n well ac amgylcheddau gofal cleifion mwy diogel. Bydd y cwrs OpenLearn am ddim hwn yn eich helpu i ddatblygu dealltwriaeth o efelychu digidol a sut y gall wella dysgu ac ymarfer clinigol, nid yn unig trwy efelychu ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
An introduction to digital simulation in healthcare
Simulation provides a safe space for learning and improvement, leading to better-prepared healthcare professionals and safer patient care environments. This free course will help you develop an understanding of digital simulation and how it can enhance learning and clinical practice, not only through simulation but also through debriefing. ...
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Education & Development
Becoming an ethical researcher
This free course, Becoming an ethical researcher, explores the ethics of planning, carrying out and reporting research which involves human participants. It will sensitise you to issues that a researcher should consider to support ethical and well-justified decision-making. A wide variety of research scenarios will be used to stimulate ...
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Education & Development
Supporting babies and toddlers
The first two years of a child’s life are a time of incredible change and development. This free course helps practitioners to understand these changes and explore how they can support babies and toddlers in early childhood settings. This course draws on research and expertise from early childhood academics at The Open University and ...
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Society, Politics & Law
Introducing International Relations
In this free course you will be introduced to the subject of International Relations (IR). You will learn how IR seeks to analyse vital global problems and the key actors and issues involved. In the course you will explore two contemporary case studies: the competition between great powers like the USA and China for access to Africa’s resources;...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Psychology around the world
Psychology around the world looks at some of the ways people think in similar and different ways depending on where they live and their culture. The course starts with some general questions of how similar and different people’s psychology might be in different times and places. This is then followed with some key examples: how people perceive ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Introduction to quantum computing
Quantum computing is a developing field with enormous potential societal and economic impact. In the future, quantum computers will enable us to solve a range of complex problems that are currently intractable, potentially revolutionising key sectors including medicine, finance and the pharmaceutical industry. In this free course you will learn ...
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History & The Arts
Women transforming classical music
Women transforming classical music is a free course aimed at helping individual performers, ensembles and organisations within the classical music industry to diversify their repertoire by including more works by women composers. The 6-week course considers the male-dominated nature of the contemporary classical music industry and how to ...
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Education & Development
Supporting children’s learning in primary education today
This free course explores different aspects of learning and teaching in primary education. It gives opportunities to engage with different types of activities that are designed to develop an understanding of learning and teaching in primary education.