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
Learn more to access more details of Taking your first steps into higher educationWhat is university study like? Is it for me? If you are asking yourself these questions, this course is for you.
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Succeed with learning
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with learningHelp to answer questions such as What do I want to do with my life? Would I cope with studying at university?
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Succeed in the workplace
Learn more to access more details of Succeed in the workplaceDo 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 ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Succeed with maths – Part 1
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with maths – Part 1If you feel that maths is a mystery that you want to unravel then this short course is for you.
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Succeed with maths – Part 2
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with maths – Part 2Part 2 of this course will continue to develop your mathematical knowledge and skills using everyday examples.
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English: Skills for learning
Learn more to access more details of English: Skills for learningThinking of studying for a university degree and would like to develop your English reading and writing skills?
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Introducing the voluntary sector
Learn more to access more details of Introducing the voluntary sectorThis 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 ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Returning to STEM
Learn more to access more details of Returning to STEMThis 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).
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Learn more to access more details of Introduction to cyber security: stay safe onlineProtect your digital life with this free course introducing the essentials of cyber security. Learn how to spot online threats, keep your information safe and understand key topics like malware, network security and identity theft — helping you stay secure at home, at work, and beyond.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding your sector
Learn more to access more details of Understanding your sectorThis 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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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