Events

FAST TRACK: What happens at tutorials and why are they so important? 19 October 2019

If you’re new to the OU you might not know what a tutorial is all about, and in this workshop we explain what happens and how you can make the most of them. This workshop is held via the same platform as online tutorials, so this is a great way to experience the online tutorial environment in a place where you don’t need to concentrate on the module material. We’ll explain ‘netiquette’ and also how to make the most of these learning opportunities.

Please note that this workshop is scheduled to start at 10am and will last 60 minutes. You you will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event. You can book your free ticket here.

After the event, you can watch the recording from here (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded.

The slides from the event are available here.

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FAST TRACK: Catching up strategically and getting back on track - 18 October 2019

If life has got in the way in the first few weeks of starting your module and things feel overwhelming, this workshop is for you! We’ll discuss how to catch up strategically, which doesn’t involve trying to cram everything in. In addition to giving you tips on how to recognise what is important for your module, we’ll discuss how to access support from your tutor and from other areas at the OU. You will have the chance to share tips and advice with other students and you can discuss how to apply ideas to your own study with others.

Please note that this workshop is scheduled to start at 11am and will last 60 minutes. You you will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event. You can book your free ticket here.

After the event, you can watch the recording from here (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded.

The slides from the event are available here.

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Effective online communication skills – 17 October 2019

Communicating online may be very familiar to many people but effective online communication is something that often needs work. What might be appropriate and understood in social media settings is unlikely to be appropriate in an academic setting. In this workshop we’ll look at some of the key skills involved in using online information for a purpose and how to communicate in a way that fits the need and shows your understanding.

Please note that this workshop is scheduled to start at 19pm and will last 60 minutes. You you will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event. Please book your free ticket here.

After the event, you can watch the recording from here (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded.

The slides from the event are available here.

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FAST TRACK: Managing my time -17 October 2019

Time management is the most common challenge for OU students who are often juggling other responsibilities alongside their studies. In this workshop we’ll provide you with some time management techniques and frameworks that may help you to manage your time more effectively. We’ll also discuss strategies that other students have used, and you’ll have the chance to talk to other students in small groups about how to apply some of these ideas to your own situation.

You can watch the recording from here (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded.

The slides from the event are available here.

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FAST TRACK - The big decision: should I keep studying or rethink my options? 15 October 2019

This workshop is a space for students who may feel they have taken on more than is possible right now, and might be considering whether studying is the best option for them. This workshop will provide a space for you to consider your own issues and work through activities that can help to structure your decision. You’ll also find out what options may be available to you and who you can speak to about your own circumstances. While there will be opportunities to talk to other students in this workshop and we will be joined by members of the Student Support Team, it will not be possible to give individual advice during this session.

You can watch the recording from here (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded.

The slides from the event are available here.

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FAST TRACK: Help is at hand! An introduction to support at the OU - 14 October 2019

Studying at a distance means that you need to be motivated and disciplined, but at the OU, you are never alone. In this workshop you’ll find out about the key relationships that are available to you as an OU student with people such as your tutor, your Student Support Team, the Library, the OU Students Association and Careers and Employability Service, and – of course – other students. We’ll discuss how and when you might need support and how to get it.

You can watch the recording from here available on the next day (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded.

The slides from the event are available here.

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Beginning your MBA with the OU – 21 October 2019

This live online event is part of the MBA induction. Though it is targeted at those who are starting the MBA programme, it is also of interest to existing MBA students who may want to refresh their learning goals as they progress their studies. It will cover three inter-linked areas, each of which is significant for preparing for MBA studies, viewed this through the lens of continuous professional and personal development.

The event is delivered by a panel selected to include diversity of roles and expertise and to ensure that the debate draws on academic, industry and student perspectives.

Staff members from other parts of the University will also attend to contribute through a dedicated online chat room on the day. For example, a librarian will be available to contribute to a referencing and Library discussion, while a member of the Careers and Employability Services staff will answer questions related to career options for students.

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Academic writing skills – 23 October 2019

Writing academically demonstrates successful learning in higher education but it isn’t always thought of as a skill in its own right. In this interactive SHL session we will look at some of the key features of academic writing and explain how you can develop your academic writing skills. We’ll give a tutor’s impression of what constitutes good communication as well as a student’s viewpoint on how to achieve this.

Please note you will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event.

This workshop will be held online twice, please book your free ticket for workshop from 11 am to 12 pm here and for workshop from 7 pm to 8 pm here.

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Critical thinking and writing – 30 October 2019

Critical thinking is a key skill in higher education and involves evaluating and weighing up information as well as considering how well it explains a concept or is fit for purpose – and then writing about this. The benefits of developing your critical thinking and writing skills include being able to show why you have included something and demonstrating a good level of understanding. We’ll explain some of the things that tutors look for which evidence this, as well as some of the indicators that this is not being done.

Please note you will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event.

This workshop will be held online twice. Please book your free ticket for workshop from 11 am to 12 pm here and for workshop from 7 pm to 8 pm here.

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Essay planning – 12 November 2019

This workshop will focus on essay planning. It is aimed at those who may already be planning their writing but who may not be doing themselves justice with that planning. We will look at how to ensure the essay is aligned with what is being asked for and discuss ways to effectively organise essential information.

Please note you will need to book a free ticket to attend one of these Adobe Connect Online Room workshops.

Tickets for the morning session from 11am to 12pm are available here and for the evening session from 7pm to 8pm are available here.

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Essay writing – 20 November 2019

This workshop builds on the essay-planning session (although attendance of that workshop is not a requirement) and will cover the drafting and editing process. Often you might know what you want to say but aren’t able to get everything in within the word count, or are unclear about the most effective ordering of information. We’ll cover some of the key points of good essays and help you to think about what works, and how you can weave your evidence into your own great essay.

Please note that this workshop is scheduled to start at 19pm and will last 60 minutes. You will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event. You can book your free ticket here.

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Learning from your first assessment – 27 November 2019

Whether you’ve completed your first or twenty-first assignment, it’s a good idea to reflect on what you did, and what you might do differently next time. Primarily aimed at Access and Level 1 students, this interactive workshop will look at how you planned and completed your assignment as well as how to take on board and make the most of feedback.

Please note that this workshop is scheduled to start at 19pm and will last 60 minutes. You will need a ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event. You can book your free ticket here.

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