Nigel Curson

Employment/ Place of Work:

Open University/City College Norwich

Country of Residence:

United Kingdom

How I fit the course work into my life

Sheer tenacity! Our first child was born shortly before the start of H801 in 1997. Half way through the course we relocated from London to Norwich. My partner worked full-time and I worked part-time, studied the course and looked after Tillie. Every daytime nap had to be seized as an opportunity to work!

My most cherished interaction on the programme:

Hmm - pass. So many interactions it's started to blur.

Which of the different course models suited me best?

I found H801 very stimulating because I was new to the ODE field and the content was fascinating to me. But after initial traumas, I would have to say that the online model of H802 suited me best, although I don't think I always did it justice.



Answers to the Vice Chancellor's questions:

In what ways am I putting into practice the ideas and understandings I developed on the programme:

I am now teaching two OU courses - T171 and H801, both of which have online components. The process of relating theory to practice is challenging, exhausting and terrifying in no particular order. I have also applied much of the learning theory to face-to-face teaching situations in my 'other' teaching job.

What did I find the most stimulating part of the programme:

The contents of H801 - opened up a whole new world to me - and the online world of H802.

What value was the global nature of the programme to me:

I think it's very valuable to have one's notions of education challenged from other perspectives, particularly as UK education can get parochial, perhaps because of the need to respond to constant Governmental 'stimulus'.

Did I find it isolating or impersonal to study this programme?

Not at all - of my three experiences of HE, it was far and away the least isolating and impersonal. I think I'm a better ODE student than I ever was a face-to-face student.

Did I find this relevant to my work:

It is now, as I am working in the ODE field (I wasn't when I started)

Has it changed my life in any way:

It has started to open up new career opportunities, but also has stimulated me and broadened my thinking in many different ways. It's also taught me how difficult ODE can be - either as a learner or teacher - which hopefully helps me empathise with those I teach.