Open Educational Resources and Web 2.0 for Formal Learning in Information and Computer Sciences: A Case Study

Background

This chapter draws upon a small-scale investigation in the area of teaching and learning in ICS. The context for this investigation has been provided by the Open University (OU) course M450 The Computing Project (http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/m450.htm). This is a level 3, 60 CATs points course (600 study hours) taught at a distance over a period of 9 months. M450 provides opportunities for students to put into practice the knowledge gained in previous courses as well as their professional experience, which equates the course to a final year project in a face-to-face setting.

M450 is centred on a piece of project work in which students are expected to gain “practical experience of independent learning and reflective practice (…) [and] apply advanced principles and techniques to solve problems” (Open University, 2009). The course materials are all presented online on a dedicated, password-protected Web site built within the university’s Moodle-based VLE. Tutorial support is also provided online to groups of 6-8 students, each working in their own chosen topic or area. In addition to prompting and moderating discussions as well as providing individual, tailor-made support to students whilst they work on their projects, tutors also mark and provide feedback on the 3 pieces of summative assessment completed throughout the course (Tutor-Marked Assignments or TMAs). Tutors are also responsible for marking and providing feedback on the final, examinable component of the course, the project report (End-of-Course Assignment or ECA).