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
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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.
Article
Level: 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
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Youth perspectives on cyber-bullying
Monday 14th November 2011 marked the start of National Anti Bullying Week, a week of awareness-raising that continues to this day. 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, told us more.
Article
Level: 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...
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 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
Article
Level: 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.
External link
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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.
Free course
15 hours
Level: 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.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 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...
Article
Rate and Review
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Article reviews
yes i have just started this course and agree that paying £35 pluss postage is missleading for a free course. i may wait and compleat when available on open learn.
I completed this course with Future Learn and was wondering if there was any way to add it to my OU page as unfortunatly I can't afford a participation certificate right now.
Hi, unfortunately we cannot link your FutureLearn and OpenLearn accounts, however this course will be made available on OpenLearn in the future once it has finished the presentations on FutureLearn. Once it appears on our site you will be able to download/print participation reports from your OpenLearn account.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
OpenLearn Moderator