OU blog

Personal Blogs

Ras Albert Williams

MY OPEN UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE THUS FAR

Visible to anyone in the world
Edited by Albert Williams, Sunday, 21 Aug 2011, 14:14

I began my Open University journey in  October 2010. Excited as  I was to learn of the opportunities that OU had to offer. OU was brought to my attention when  I completed a five-part home study course with USDAW--the Union of Shop, Distributive and allied workers of which  I am a member and a shop steward.

It was surprising to me that the union had so much to offer. Being a Tesco employee, and a member of the union since 2006, it was only when  I completed the home study course on aspects of unionism, that I realised the enormous potential there is for one to advance their learning. The union actively encouraged you to sign up with OU via a leaflet, and my curiosity led me to the site. I was amazed by the amount of free resources there was to be had and the variety of topics that cold be studied at undergraduate and post graduate level.

Initially, I was looking for a subject that matched my interests in broadcasting, as my wife and  I had started a television production company borne out from our interest in video-sharing sites like youtube. But I had to settle for a degree in Computing and IT which to my mind would invariable prepare me for having a hands-on approach to dealing with technology as my company grows.

Consequently, after some research, I settled for the level one courses of M150  Data, computing and  information that began in October of 2010 and T175 Networked Living- Exploring information and Communication Technologies. I soon found out that the information that I was about to assimilate was deep, new and fulfilling. At first  I had to really make an effort to get into gear to absorb the new information that  I was being exposed to. My studies had led me to a new world: one that was fascinating and relevant to the world that I am living in.

Now, 6 months later, I am coming down to th end of my first module, M150, and looking back,  I can say that I have no regrets in rediscovering my student days. Having to put in at least 16 hours a week on my own time as a an individual in full time employment. I studied mainly on my breaks. As a night worker, thios suited me. I would make as best use of my daylight hours, particularly on a sunday when  I would do my TMAs or tutor marked Assignments.

Throughout M150, the areas that gave me most difficulty were those that  with javascript. i am resolving to re read units 7-10 during the summer along side my studies of T175. Speaking of T175, if you think that M150 exposed you to new information and terminology, then you are in for a shock with  T175. I love it. It's challenging, but oh so useful if you really want to get a grip technology used in the modern world, and if you like me want to go on to earn a bachelors degree in computing and Information technology.

Looking forward, I am confident that  I will pass my M150 and T175. I hope to start two new courses: TM128 Microsoft Servers in October, and T216 Cisco Networking (CCNA) in February. I aim to put into practice a lto of what  I have learnt, especially in T175 about the value of note taking and journal writing. not only because I feel I will need it, but as a means to keep my self motivated and focused.

Completing my degree by 2016 seems a long way off. But I think it will be work every day of study. I feel blessed that  I have found  Open University and that  I have this chance to open my mind to an area of life that I find so fascinating.

I would not hesitate to recommend  study with the  Open University to any one.

Albert Williams

 

Permalink Add your comment
Share post

This blog might contain posts that are only visible to logged-in users, or where only logged-in users can comment. If you have an account on the system, please log in for full access.

Total visits to this blog: 56606