Here is a picture of how a certain Welsh politician might look if he was not so opposed to devolution.
Showing posts with label Open University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Open University. Show all posts
16/01/2011
Devolving a Devo-Sceptic
The Open University has a new definition of the word Devolve. Rather than using it to describe the passing down of responsibilities to a subordinate legislature, the University has decided that Devolution is the reversal of Evolution. In order to promote their biology courses they have come up with a fun application called Devolve me – where you can upload a photograph of yourself and "devolve" back to what you might have looked like a couple of million years ago, had you not evolved into the highly developed creature that you are today.
Here is a picture of how a certain Welsh politician might look if he was not so opposed to devolution.
Here is a picture of how a certain Welsh politician might look if he was not so opposed to devolution.
24/09/2009
Royal Mail Rip Off
I need to send a letter to the Open University in Milton Keynes that must arrive by September 29th. If it doesn't arrive on time I might fail a course that I have put a tremendous amount of effort into over the past twelve months.
If I send the work by first class mail with a 39p stamp it should arrive at the university's offices tomorrow morning. By buying a first class stamp which should enable delivery within 36 hours one would have thought that I am entering into a contract with the Royal Mail to provide the service that I am paying for.
Oh no!
To guarantee that the work does arrive on time to be marked and accredited I have to pay a whopping £5.40 Special Delivery fee. If any other business charged more than 13 times the basic price of a service in order to guarantee that a job that they have promised to do is done, they would be bankrupt within days.
So how does the Royal Mail get away with such a rip-off?
The Royal mail claims that about 95% of its first class mail does arrive on time. Which makes one wonder if the 5% deficiency is caused by systems failures, or if it is part of a cynical attempt to raise doubts in order to force people to pay an extra £5+ for a service that should be guaranteed for 39p!
If I send the work by first class mail with a 39p stamp it should arrive at the university's offices tomorrow morning. By buying a first class stamp which should enable delivery within 36 hours one would have thought that I am entering into a contract with the Royal Mail to provide the service that I am paying for.
Oh no!
To guarantee that the work does arrive on time to be marked and accredited I have to pay a whopping £5.40 Special Delivery fee. If any other business charged more than 13 times the basic price of a service in order to guarantee that a job that they have promised to do is done, they would be bankrupt within days.
So how does the Royal Mail get away with such a rip-off?
The Royal mail claims that about 95% of its first class mail does arrive on time. Which makes one wonder if the 5% deficiency is caused by systems failures, or if it is part of a cynical attempt to raise doubts in order to force people to pay an extra £5+ for a service that should be guaranteed for 39p!
01/09/2008
OU does Welsh
Those with an interest in things Welsh wishing to further their education might be interested in two new foundation courses being offered by the Open University
Croeso: beginners' Welsh
Points: 30 Code: L196 Level: 1
Croeso will give you the skills you need to speak and understand simple Welsh in everyday situations. No previous knowledge of Welsh is required. We’ll send you printed and audio materials, and you’ll have a dedicated website, all of which support your language learning. And while you’re learning Welsh, you’ll gain a real feel for Welsh culture too.
Small country, big history: themes in the history of Wales
Points: 15 Code: A182 Level: 1
How does a country without political independence gain an identity? What is the role of history and historians in shaping national memory and identity? How have the historians of Wales done their work – what are their sources, and how should we scrutinise them? Using case studies ranging from the impact of Tom Jones and the Welsh rugby team in the twentieth century, to the building of Welsh castles under Edward I, this course will develop your understanding of Welsh history, the craft of the historian, and some of the ways in which national identities are formed.
Taking these courses will not only give you points towards a degree, but will also enable you to have learned conversations about Tom Jones and rugby in Welsh - wow the benefits of a good education ;-)
Croeso: beginners' Welsh
Points: 30 Code: L196 Level: 1
Croeso will give you the skills you need to speak and understand simple Welsh in everyday situations. No previous knowledge of Welsh is required. We’ll send you printed and audio materials, and you’ll have a dedicated website, all of which support your language learning. And while you’re learning Welsh, you’ll gain a real feel for Welsh culture too.
Small country, big history: themes in the history of Wales
Points: 15 Code: A182 Level: 1
How does a country without political independence gain an identity? What is the role of history and historians in shaping national memory and identity? How have the historians of Wales done their work – what are their sources, and how should we scrutinise them? Using case studies ranging from the impact of Tom Jones and the Welsh rugby team in the twentieth century, to the building of Welsh castles under Edward I, this course will develop your understanding of Welsh history, the craft of the historian, and some of the ways in which national identities are formed.
Taking these courses will not only give you points towards a degree, but will also enable you to have learned conversations about Tom Jones and rugby in Welsh - wow the benefits of a good education ;-)
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