Resources and preparation for your free course
Whether you're a technophobe or you champion all things digital, you can find out more about how technology has shaped the development and experience of the children of today with our free course 'Childhood in the Digital Age'.
Whether you are taking or want to register on this free course on FutureLearn or perhaps you would like to view a variety of related content on OpenLearn, we've got a range of articles, videos, podcasts and more free courses to support your learning and give you a wider perspective on the subject.
Before you start
Haven't studied in a while? Before you start this course you may want to brush up on your Maths, English or Study Skills with our free courses.
Study qualifications and courses with The Open University
The Open University offers a range of modules, degrees and other qualifications in Education, Childhood & Youth as well as an MA in Childhood and Youth. To find out more about our range of short courses, starting from just £160, visit our short courses page.
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Take your learning further with our free resources
The digital impact on children's learning
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Leisure time: Screen time
How can we keep our children safe without depriving them of all computers have to offer? Keri Facer explores how computers can be a valuable tool for learning and social interaction.
Read nowLeisure time: Screen timeLevel: 1 Introductory
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Digital children
Dr Jackie Marsh explores the impact of popular culture, media and new technologies on young children today
Read nowDigital childrenLevel: 1 Introductory
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Exploring children's learning
How does a child's mind and behaviour change as they develop over time? In this free course, Exploring children's learning, four theories of child development are explored. Each theory views child development from a different perspective and all have underpinned psychological research for many years, and continue to do so today. By the end of this course you will have a good understanding of each of the theories and will probably have begun to challenge your own assumptions about how your own children, or children you know, have developed over time.
Learn moreExploring children's learningLevel: 2 Intermediate
Online identities and cyberbullying
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Exploring cyberbullying
Why is cyberbullying so common among young people? How can we end it? Hear different perspectives and test your knowledge about cyberbullying.
Take part nowExploring cyberbullying -
Youth perspectives on cyber-bullying
Monday 14th November marked the start of National Anti Bullying Week. A recent youth-led study supported by the Open University's Children’s Research Centre revealed cyber-bullying is on the increase. Co-author of the report, Professor Mary Kellett, tells us more
Read nowYouth perspectives on cyber-bullyingLevel: 1 Introductory
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Secret or sharing? Play our Privacy Game
What information are you happy to share - and what will you keep to yourself? Our privacy game gives you the chance to gamble with data - safely...
Take part nowSecret or sharing? Play our Privacy GameLevel: 1 Introductory
Child psychology and development
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Introduction to child psychology
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and studying these changes is endlessly stimulating. In this free course, Introduction to child psychology, you will be introduced to the discipline of child psychology and some of the key questions that guide the understanding of childhood. These questions include 'What influences children's development?' and 'How do psychologists study the physical and cognitive changes that occur during childhood?' As you work through this material, you will also gain a deeper understanding concerning how psychologists work with young children across a range of applied settings through activities and audio-visual materials.
Learn moreIntroduction to child psychologyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Participation through play
Lucy Rai explains that play helps all adults gain a better understanding of young children’s thoughts, feelings and ideas - not just the professionals who work with children
Read nowParticipation through playLevel: 1 Introductory
Suceed with study
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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 -
Essay and report writing skills
Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.
Learn moreEssay and report writing skillsLevel: 1 Introductory
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Reading and note taking – preparation for study
Reading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This free course, Reading and note taking preparation for study, will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to apply them to your own notes.
Learn moreReading and note taking – preparation for studyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Badges come to OpenLearn
Using our free courses and want to show others what you've learned? We've got great news for you...
Read nowBadges come to OpenLearn
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