OT : Paging those with distance learning experience (OU)

Last year I contemplated doing an OU degree course, but decided against
it.

Contemplating it again this year with a bit more intent and also
because what I want to do doesn't seem to require me to attend sessions
with other people unless I want to (yay).

My question is though, how realistic/possible is to do the courses
whilst still maintaining (hopefully) a full time day job and a
semblance of a social life?

The course I'm looking at is a 360point one, theoretically over 4 years
as they don't recommend doing 120pts a year as this is equivalent to
full time study (apparently) - however I'd like to do it 3 if possible.
So it looks like it's going to be rather hard work - for quite a long
time - is this the case?

I'm not going to say what I'm looking to study but it would be fairly
involved (ie not a BA(Open)) so any comments from those who've
undertaken 60pt (or even better 2x 60pt) courses in a year would be
appreciated

Ta.

 

I did some OU stuff a few years back, but I found the post-grad stuff
much more suited to my taste and experience. I was doing ( and
completed 3/8 of) the post-grad diploma "Computing in Commerce and
Industry" which had some really interesting courses available.

Advantages to this included:
It converts, with a suitable project, to an MSc, with no need for a
bachelors degree (which I don't have) first.
It's aimed at people who've been in the business for some years, so
doesn't treat you like an idiot.
It needed eight credits; some of the courses (like the first one I did
"Software Engineering") are double credits, so you can do the whole
thing in a couple of years if you'e up for it. either by doing that or
just taking two at a time.
Each if the courses comes with its own certificate, entitled
"Post-graduate..." so I now have some post-grad qualifications despite
no first degree.
Credits last for ten years, so I could still go back to it if I
wanted.

As for the workload, well the double-credit one is probably equivalent
to a BA 60 pointer, and I found with a lot of train travelling I
wasn't spending _too_ much of my life doing it. YMMV

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what sort of course, and why?

 

I'd tell you but I'm feeling sensitive today and wouldn't like the rude
remarks.

Why? Because I never intended to do IT as a career - it was a stop gap
until I decided what I wanted to do - unfortunately I got comfortable
but would like to now sort that out before I become too old to get a
job after (assuming) I complete the various bits of it.

 

<Quote>

I'm not going to say what I'm looking to study but it would be fairly
involved (ie not a BA(Open)) so any comments from those who've
undertaken 60pt (or even better 2x 60pt) courses in a year would be
appreciated

</Quote>

 

So either hairdressing or proctology then?

 

It's not actually

That said, hair dressing, if you're any good at it, is one of those
things that pays absolute shed loads and is transportable anywhere
round the world - it's listed on Australia's "key job list" for
instance!

I can't stand cutting hair though so it's not something I'd really
consider doing.

 

120pts a year is the standard at a full time Uni course. I don't know how
the OU works in relation to deadlines for modules though, so it might be
less of a slog if you can do work over the summer break. I wouldn't
recommend it in addition to a full time job if you want *any* semblance of a
social life (unless you are happy with a 2:2 equivalent grade).

Is there any chance of getting APEL'ed (Accreditation for Prior Experiential
Learning)? Basically, if you can demonstrate knowledge and/or working
experience in any of the modules you intend to take, you can apply to get
prior accredition for them. In other words, you get the points without doing
the module! However, without knowing what you currently do, and what you're
intending to do, it's difficult to speculate.

 

Fair enough - I wasn't looking for specifics (hence the "what sort" in
my post, rather than "which"). I was just wondering if you were
looking for something related to your current career or not. Because,
if it was related, I was going to advise you not to waste your time.

this answers my question.

 

I have utmost respect for anyone undertaking and completing an OU
course ... it's hard work.

Don't knock interaction with tutors/other students. I found that a
real downside to the OU course I did in 1998 (60 point level one
course - S103 Discovering Science). I often felt very isolated and
found it frustrating trying to get feedback, assitance or support with
problems or queries. Of course that may have changed now with greater
access to IM, web-boards etc.

I've just finished my second year of a full-time BSc and have found
that the support from both lecturers and fellow stoooods has been
invaluable. Just being able to stick your head round your lecturer's
door when you have a query makes such a difference.

It's possible, but as the course progresses expect to have less and
less of a life. Like it or not it *will* become all-consuming,
especially if you are aiming to get a good degree at the end of it.
Pip, Loz and the kids will breathe a huge sigh of relief when I
graduate next year as I frequently put them through hell whilst I'm
working on assignments.

A full-time job and 120 points do not mix easily. My full-time course
demands 120 points a year and I struggle to fit it in with a couple of
part-time jobs, childcare and looking after a house. With the OU you
have to remember that whilst you don't have to attend lectures, you do
have to find the time watch the programmes, read around your subject,
carry out practical exercises if the course requires them and complete
your assignments. It's a lot of work.

When I did my 60 point course I found it really difficult to find the
time even though I wasn't working (I was looking after my then 2 year
old son). Looking back I feel that this was a failing on my part as
my motivation and time management could have been better. That aside,
I did pass with a reasonable grade.

Basically, if you feel that you can make the commitment then go for
it. It won't be easy and at times you'll wonder why you're bothering
but believe me it's worth it.

Go for it and good luck.

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elly at garagepixies dot co dot uk

 

Oh sure - doing an IT related degree wouldn't help me at all - if I
were to do anything IT related at the moment I'd do some more
certifications or the like. Doing a degree would just be 4 years of
pissing time and money away IMO as not only would everything have
changed in the mean time it probably still wouldn't change/help getting
a better job.

 

have you been fucking your way through all the gullible young freshers
Wessie-style?

 

I couldn't possibly comment

--
Elly - a confuzzled Pixie
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Spike - FZ400 - It's dead Jim!
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DFV#15
http://www.garagepixies.co.uk
elly at garagepixies dot co dot uk

 

Yeah, I was being slightly tongue-in-cheek.

Yes, this is one thing I'm slightly concerned about.

Okay - thanks for that.

Ta.

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, dwb

It's the feelings of nostalgia that put you off, isn't it?

--
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Suzuki TS250 "The Africa Single" Yamaha GTS1000 Honda ST1100 wiv trailer

 

I never wanted to be a hairdresser anyway!
I want to be a lumberjack !
Leaping from.... never mind.

 

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Not serious mind.


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Yup. Back in the days when I had my bouffant.

 

Whaaaaa?

So, are you saying I've wasted my money?

 

I did these courses a few years ago:

Software Design and Implementation in Turbo Pascal (M860) Computer
Architecture and Operating Systems (M861) Relational Database Systems
(M866)
User Interface Design and Development (M867)
Software Development for Networked Applications Using Java (M874)

You can do 2 a year no problem, but I can't remember if those courses
were 30 or 60 point. I did it via the usual lazy initial burst of
enthusiasm followed by apathy and panic before coursework deadlines or
exams. I didn't find it particularly time consuming, probably each
course took me around 10-15 hours in total including coursework and
exams.