‘OpenLearn has enriched my life,’ Daisy explained. ‘The vast
array of free resources means that there truly is something for everyone. My favourite
part is that each time I log in, there’s always new content that catches my
eye! Each course has made a difference in my life.’
She explained how she vividly remembers sitting at home, and in the hospital, watching the world go by, no A-levels to her name and having graduated GCSEs during COVID-19, feeling as if there was no academic future for her. ‘I felt hopeless, but now I’m about to begin my second year with The Open University, studying an open degree that focuses on Chinese, linguistics, and English literature,’ she enthused.
It was starting that degree in 2024 that prompted Daisy to visit OpenLearn, and as she explains, ‘It has been invaluable to me. My favourite courses - ‘Language in the real world’ and ‘Getting started with Chinese business culture essentials’ - actually prepared me for my degree’s content!’
She even completed an introductory nature and environment course: ‘A family member suggested I try something completely out of my realm of interest, so I chose ‘Introducing mammals’, and I ended up loving it! Will I use it in the future? Probably not, but at least I know about thermoregulation in mammalian fur!’ she joked!
Interested in languages, she was on the lookout for free materials: ‘I was so happy to see how many Chinese courses and articles there were - I used them to prepare for studying The Open University’s L108 Beginners Chinese,’ she explained, and her studies even inspired her to set up a social media account where she documents her learning journey, details of which you can find below.
‘For many students, the summer holidays can be a chance to relax, but they can sometimes put us in an academic limbo,’ Daisy explained, ‘But OpenLearn is the perfect way to stay motivated. It provides a low-pressure environment to learn when you aren’t in term time.’
Confidence and self-belief have been huge things I’ve struggled with. I feel OpenLearn courses can really help students to learn how to learn. It keeps us motivated.OpenLearn has also supported Daisy in other ways, as she explained: ‘Confidence and self-belief have been huge things I’ve struggled with. I feel OpenLearn courses can really help students to learn how to learn. It keeps us motivated. I recently finished my first year of BA with distinctions in all 3 modules, a milestone I never thought I’d achieve’.
Her best advice for others using OpenLearn? ‘I love using a dedicated notebook to jot down content. It’s covered in stickers and highlighted to the ends of the earth, but it’s really rewarding to look back on all the things I’ve done!’
With high hopes for the future, Daisy continues to use OpenLearn to supplement her studies and documents her journey with languages and university studies on her Instagram @hanziharmony… feel free to join her there!
Try one of Daisy's favourite free courses
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Getting started with Chinese business culture essentials
Learn more to access more details of Getting started with Chinese business culture essentialsBusiness dealings with China are on the increase. As a result, more and more organisations and business people are realising the need of doing more than just adhering to the rules of Chinese etiquette (such as presenting business cards with both hands) or the ‘dos and don'ts’ (such not opening gifts in front of your hosts) to have successful ...
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Introducing mammals
Learn more to access more details of Introducing mammalsMammals come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes, and yet all species have some characteristics in common. These similarities justify the inclusion of all such diverse types within the single taxonomic group (or class) called the Mammalia. This free course, Introducing mammals, offers a starting point for the study of mammals. It will ...
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Language in the real world
Learn more to access more details of Language in the real worldThis free course, Language in the real world, explains and illustrates why a knowledge about how language works (i.e. ‘linguistics’) is helpful – some might say essential – for different aspects of our everyday lives. It provides an introduction to ideas around what language is and to the field of Applied Linguistics, which is dedicated to ...
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Learner Stories
Read now to access more details of Learner StoriesWith more than 800 free courses, OpenLearn has something for everyone. These learners shared with us how they benefited, how it changed lives, inspired further study, sparked an interest or just learned something new. It can become addictive!
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