University’s challenge
13 September 2012
From one BA to web-based learning, the Open University has come a long way in 30 years. But, as Peter Varley reports, it has had to customise its buying practices to match some unique requirements
As Britain’s largest university, the Open University is arguably also the most innovative in its teaching methods, something reflected in the unusual nature of its purchases. Founded in 1969, the OU’s aim was to expand access to higher education, particularly for those in employment. Although television was then at the core of its teaching, the OU made use of radio...