The Open University is building on years of knowledge, experience and research into Open Educational Resources (OER) with badged open courses (BOCs). These have been developed in response to the needs of informal learners who are seeking access to study skills and to have their learning recognised.
'We have listened to the changing needs and requirements of our informal learners using our open platforms' says The OU’s Open Media Unit Director, Andrew Law. 'Badged open courses complement The OU’s extensive and growing portfolio of OER on OpenLearn and provide learners recognition for their achievements through assessment – for free.'
The team at The OU who produced the courses were finalists in The Learning Awards 2015 for ‘Innovation in Learning’ and finalists in The Times Higher Education Awards 2015 for ‘Outreach project of the year’.
Currently, learners enrolled on any of the almost 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 BOC and accompanying Statement of Participation are a different marker of achievement: learners will have not only read full online courses but will have had to have passed online quizzes to earn their digital badge and OU Statement of Participation. Research has shown that this helps 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 are 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.
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 course is for you.
Read moreTaking your first steps into higher education -
Succeed with learning
Help to answer questions such as What do I want to do with my life? Would I cope with studying at university?
Read moreSucceed with learning -
Succeed in the workplace
Do you want to change jobs, are you just starting in the job market or may be returning after a break? If so, then this free course, Succeed in the workplace, is for you. It will help you explore career opportunities. You will also gain the skills to write strong CVs and application forms, and to handle different types of interviews. By the end of the course you will have made a start on your own realistic and strong action plan to enable you to find a job that will fulfil your aspirations and suit your lifestyle.
Learn moreSucceed in the workplaceLevel: 1 Introductory
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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 -
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?
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Facilitating learning in practice
Are you interested in mentorship or looking to develop your mentorship skills? In particular, are you involved in nurse mentorship? If so, then this free course, Facilitating learning in practice, is for you. This badged OpenLearn course explores the principles and best practices underpinning mentorship. The authors draw on their experience in nursing to help you develop your knowledge, understanding and skills of mentorship practice that can be applied to many workplace environments.
Learn moreFacilitating learning in practiceLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Introducing the voluntary sector
This free course, Introducing the voluntary sector, will guide you through some of the distinctive features and values of the voluntary sector, how organisations are funded and involve volunteers and other ‘stakeholders’ in their work. It will also provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering as well as your everyday life.
Learn moreIntroducing the voluntary sectorLevel: 1 Introductory
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Digital literacy: succeeding in a digital world
This free course, Digital literacy: succeeding in a digital world, will develop your confidence and skills for life online, whether study, work or everyday life. It explores a range of digital skills and practices, including digital identity, digital well-being, staying safe and legal, finding and using information and online tools, and dealing with information overload. The importance is emphasised throughout of developing a critical approach to life online, whether consuming or creating information. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own situation and to apply what you learn to real-life scenarios, using a digital skills plan to keep a record of progress.
Learn moreDigital literacy: succeeding in a digital worldLevel: 1 Introductory
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Returning to STEM
This free badged course, Returning to STEM, offers useful skills and solutions to help you get back into a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
Learn moreReturning to STEMLevel: 3 Advanced
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The digital scholar
Digital scholarship is a shorthand for the intersection of three technology related developments: digital content, networked distribution and open practices. It is when digital, networked and open intersect that transformational practice occurs. In this free course, The digital scholar, you will explore the impact of digital technologies on scholarly practice.
Learn moreThe digital scholarLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
This free course, Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online, will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognise the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you.
Learn moreIntroduction to cyber security: stay safe onlineLevel: 1 Introductory
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Understanding your sector
This free course, Understanding your sector, will help you to understand the difference between sectors, industries and professions. It will also help you to gain the inside knowledge to impress in applications and at interviews and to put together an action plan that is tailored to you.
Learn moreUnderstanding your sectorLevel: 1 Introductory
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