Description
Book SynopsisThis historical perspective on The Open University, founded in 1969, frames its ethos (to be open to people, places, methods and ideas) within the traditions of correspondence courses, commercial television, adult education, the post-war social democratic settlement and the Cold War. A critical assessment of its engagement with teaching, assessment
Trade ReviewThe principal strength of this account lies in the intimate way in which we are presented with not only the institution but the people to whom it meant so much. Stories and anecdotes from staff, students, media personal and government combine to give a sense of how the institution later became known as something of a national treasure. The fact that it is in essence an insider account offers a unique perspective of the ways in which this ‘machine’-like structure with its mechanistic forms of production and delivery developed the capacity to offer students a uniquely personal learning experience. -- .
Table of ContentsPart I: Creating a university of the air
1. The challenge of The Open University
2. Opening a castle of the air
Part II:The first two decades
3. Growth and acceptance: c. 1969–89
4. Sensemaking and sociability: The first two decades of learning
Part III: The Open University since the 1990s
5. Convergence and divergence
6. Pedagogies promoting participation
Part IV: Half a century of learning
7. Open to people
Select bibliography
Index
