Astronomy Teaching at the Open University

Abstract

The Open University is a distance-learning institution — students do not come to a central campus but study from where they live or work. Course materials are delivered to the student and consist of specially prepared texts and audio-visual materials. In addition, an increasing number of courses require the student to have a computer with access to electronic communications. For each course a student has a course tutor who offers tutorials, telephone contact, and who marks and comments on student work. Some courses have a residential school or day schools, and students can study full-time or part-time.