OU funding

So I've finally got all my equipment ready to start next Sat. For this course I received a book and a DVD as my study materials from the OU, and have bought a bright yellow ( lovely color!) box file, three highlighter pens, a copy of 'The Good Study guide' and a book on lichen. I've been informed that they place a lot of emphasis on lichen in this course

I can't get any financial support for this course as you need to be studying 30 credits a year before you can apply. You get 10 credits for a Level 1 course so you'd need to be studying three a year or higher level courses to pass. I think there was some other catch but I can't remember what

The course involves five activities, mostly pratical which is good. Also you have to submit 10 Identifications to iSpot. At the end you have a assessment (EMA) which consists of a quiz and a 300 word essay on your field study

I'm already a member of iSpot, see link   http://www.ispot.org.uk/

Beggining studies with the OU

Ok, not the most imaginative title I know, but it does what it says on the tin as you might say. Its the first formal education I've attempted in 11 years unless you count the casual maths and English lessons my Mum has given me most week days since I was well enough. I've also been on some adult learning workshops run by Suffolk Wildlife Trusts. It was mostly due to these that prompted me to decide to try a OU course and which one.

The course I've chosen to start with is a short science one called 'Neighbourhood nature'. It is all about learning to identify and record the wildlife in your local area. I mainly chose it because it won't be all computer work. Also I enjoy watching nature such as the birds and butterflies in our back garden and visiting nature reserves but have never tried recording what I see before so thought it'd be useful to learn how to. Its run in partnership with OPAL and iSpot. I'm already a member of iSpot but have only submitted one record before so hopefully this course will force me to be a bit more dedicated.

Its meant to be very disabled friendly university as it is nearly all done from home so no travelling, having to negotiate awkward buildings and you can fit your learning around your own time. It asks on the registration form if you have a disability and if you ring 'yes' they automoatically send you a copy of their 'Meeting your needs' brochure detailing all their services for disabled people

Unfortunately even though I definitely said yes, some error occurred whilst it was being processed and they managed not to register this important detail. This meant my Mum had to phone up our local branch to correct them and ask for a copy of the brochure. Still it was very interesting when it did come. I'm now awaiting a comb-backed copy of my study book which hopefully will be easier to use lying down