The pledge has enabled The Open University to create an entire strand of new science-related badged open courses, delivered through the OpenLearn platform, and syndicated to iTunes, Amazon and Google. Dangoor Education supported badged courses offer whole OU courses at no cost to the student, ranging from exploring the Moon to investigations into cancer and autism. Learners don’t need to be formally registered students – anyone can sign up to study a badged course.
Badged courses provide another way of helping learners to progress from informal to formal learning. Digital badges are a way of demonstrating new skills online. Gaining a badge often boosts confidence in the skills and abilities that underpin successful study.
David Dangoor of The Exilarch’s Foundation, said: ‘The Open University offers a high quality education at a scale which is unmatched, not only in the UK, but globally. Dangoor Education, through The Exilarch’s Foundation, is delighted to support the OU’s bold step, making innovative science teaching freely available to anyone with access to the internet. We hope that these pioneering courses will help more people turn an interest in science into a qualification and even a career.’
Ex-Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, Martin Bean, said: ‘This generous donation is so much more than a one-off contribution – it’s an investment in the future that will impact on millions of lives for many years to come. It’s typical of David’s long-term commitment to education and one of the many reasons I admire him personally.’
Professor Hazel Rymer, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) at The Open University, said: ‘With The Exilarch’s Foundation’s generous support, we aim to make The Open University the leading provider of free, online science courses. New technology means we can deliver an innovative, interactive experience of science like never before. Drawing on over 40 years of teaching science at a distance, this donation will enable us to take accessible courses to the next level.’
The first courses supported by Dangoor Education launched on 18 November 2013. To register and for more information on The Open University’s new free online courses, visit OpenLearn, or take a look below, at a sample of what we have to offer, thanks to Dangoor Education support.
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Understanding autism
Learn more to access more details of Understanding autismLearn about autism, one of the most challenging long-term conditions of the century. This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by individuals and families, and why it has become a global concern. The course explains how understanding of the autism spectrum and approaches to diagnosis and care ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Moons of our Solar System
Learn more to access more details of Moons of our Solar SystemIn this free course, Moons of our Solar System, explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?
Level: 1 Introductory
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The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Learn more to access more details of The science of nutrition and healthy eatingThis free course, The science of nutrition and healthy eating, looks at the science behind nutrition, covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics as well as giving some insight into healthier eating. Reading food labels, choosing healthier foods, hydrating appropriately and understanding how we taste food will allow you to be more ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Discovering chemistry
Learn more to access more details of Discovering chemistryChemistry lies at the centre of our modern life, playing a part in areas as diverse as the development of new drugs and materials, analysing our environment through to more mundane activities such as washing your clothes and making your tea. But to truly understand the role chemistry plays you need to have a sound grasp of a number of ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Can renewable energy sources power the world?
Learn more to access more details of Can renewable energy sources power the world?We ask the question ‘Can renewable energy sources power the world?’ as a response to the growing awareness that increased use of renewable energy technologies is making a major contribution to global efforts to limit anthropogenic climate change. The course begins by examining the environmental concerns that have caused a rise in interest in ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding antibiotic resistance
Learn more to access more details of Understanding antibiotic resistanceAntibiotic resistance is a serious threat, compromising our ability to treat infections and increasing the risk of routine surgery. Resistant infections are increasing due to overuse of antibiotics and this has resulted in the emergence of 'superbugs' (bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics). This free course, Understanding antibiotic ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Microgravity: living on the International Space Station
Learn more to access more details of Microgravity: living on the International Space StationThis free badged open course, Microgravity: living on the International Space Station, will help you to consider microgravity environments in more detail than before! You will make direct comparisons of some important physical values between the International Space Station (ISS), the Earth and the Moon.
Level: 1 Introductory
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