Student and tutor module reviews

Overall, this was an excellent module and a great introduction to Open University study. Coming from previous study at other HE establishments I needed to know that I would cope with the distance-learning model and one which hinted quite clearly, at an early stage, that the level of tuition would be minimal. I found that apart from a couple of isolated (early) hiccups with the materials, that on the whole the content was well structured, relevant and stimulating. Weekly activities were designed to enable practical experience of the technology and also to explore the more creative side of digital film production.

The module relied heavily on peer support via an on-line forum and the social-networking styled Open Studio where learners were able to post their work for evaluation and critique. Moderators/course team members maintained an active, light-touch, presence throughout the module and gave enough steerage and signposting to enable anyone to be successful, given a reasonable amount of hard work and commitment. I think I was lucky to be involved in a presentation where there was tremendous (wholly positive) participation in the forums and from this came most of my own personal learning. I found that as my confidence grew and I became eager for other people's input and constructive critique of my work, I put in more and more and easily exceeded the recommended weekly hours for study of this module. I never saw this as chore though and enjoyed every minute.

One piece of practical advice for anyone considering this module would be not to underestimate the steep learning curve that may be required, depending on levels of prior knowledge in using digital video cameras, video editing software and uploading of finished work to a hosting platform (almost exclusively YouTube or Vimeo). If you have time before the module, start playing with this alongside a variety of video editing software titles (trial versions of the most popular ones are great for this) and get organised in plenty time, because the ten weeks will fly by otherwise and you will find that by the time you have mastered the software it will be time for your final assessment.

My only disappointment was that there is not a follow-on module at Level 2.

John Blackett

Course starting: May 2012

Review posted: September 2012

I enrolled in this course to make up the30-credit, free choice component for BSc (Hons) Computing and IT(B62). Although not been a novice on the subject matter, I found the experience overall satisfying. The camaraderie among students was excellent, and generally very enthusiastic.

T156 Digital Film School - October 2011 was a pilot module, and as such, being among the first students to road test the module, there are a few suggestions I would like to make. Before this, let me praise the course team for a well thought-out program of activities. Although it was a ten-week course, it dealt with many aspects of conceptualizing, shooting, editing and distribution of a digital video.

Students also had access to a 'film makers forum' and a 'social forum' where we discussed relevant subjects and answered each other's queries. The 'Open Studio' was a feature of the course website where, week by week, we posted our various assignments, and where fellow students could critique and rate your work. We were also introduced to other external websites of which one will find useful in future projects. There was only one computer-marked assignment and one end-of-module exam.

However, I'd like to suggest though that the course title was a little bit misleading as the module did not lead to an accreditation. Moreover, most students had little or no experience of using professional equipment, nor did the course include any school days or tutorials, so students had to make full use of the forums to ask questions. Many had very little knowledge of video editing software. Secondly, since the module introduced a wide aspects of film making, and did not have concentrations on any one subject, it could not really be a film school. I would suggest 'Digital Home Video' would be more appropriate, as the course does not prepare you for an industry, entry-level into commercial television.

Finally, as I said, overall the course was really encouraging, and you do end up with a body of work that you produced during the course that you can use as your portfolio in your future development as a film maker.

Albert Williams

Course starting: October 2011

Review posted: May 2012