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Student and tutor module reviews

Introduction to computing and information technology 1

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  • Points: 30
  • Code: TM111
  • Level: 1
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Student reviews

Nice introduction to computing and information, you learn a bit about maths, algorithms scratch programming how binary systems work in computers. Overall enjoyed the module.

Carl Irving

Course starting: October 2022

Review posted: February 2024

Very good introduction to computing, enjoyed the basics of programming using scratch and helped me build my confidence into Python on 'Introduction to computing and information technology 2' (TM112).

Course starting: October 2022

Review posted: August 2023

I really enjoyed TM111. It was what I expected from a OU level 1 module: helping students ease into the world of programming in a fun, easily understandable way. There was also some maths involved, which can be quite challenging for those of us who have always struggled with it. That being said, it was interesting to get a sneak peek into other topics within the world of IT aside from just coding.
Overall, I found this module more than manageable and I was able to complete it on a "full-time" schedule alongside another module.

Nora Bernadett Balogh

Course starting: April 2022

Review posted: July 2023

I enjoyed this module. I found it to be a good first module and I would recommend doing it alongside or after Discovering mathematics (MU123) if you have to do both modules as they cover quite a lot of the same maths skills.

The use of the OU build (similar to Scratch) gives a good introduction to programming and problem-solving skills.

I had done some other IT courses and programming previous to this module, so didn't find it very challenging, but I still learned quite a bit and found it a good module to get used to OU assignments.

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: May 2022

This was my first module with the OU, and it's very much a gentle introduction. If you are planning to do this module I'd recommend doing this one either first or jointly first with others, as it introduces you to the OU teaching style and resources as well as the subject itself.

This module gives you a taster of a lot of different topics within computing and IT. It's not going to make you an expert at any of them, but I found it does help you decide which areas you are/are not interested in perusing further, as well as give you the basics to build on.

I had zero experience prior to studying this module in almost all the topics covered and generally did not find it too difficult. If you have got quite a lot of experience in this area I'd suggest contacting OU to see if you can skip this module, because as noted in earlier reviews you're unlikely to get a lot out of it if that's the case.

Overall I found this a positive start to my studies with the OU, and can recommend it, as long as you fall in the 'target market' for it.

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: May 2022

Although I found this module somewhat easy, I felt it was a good beginner's path to follow into the world of IT.

It's like Candy Crush, you start off with very easy levels that gradually get harder, then, bam, you get hit in the face with an impossible level.

I studied this module alone, but I highly recommend studying one of the maths modules along with it. I'm now studying Discovering mathematics (MU123) and I'm getting those "Ah-ha" moments and I say to myself, "I wish I'd known that back then."

All in all, it was a fun module. I enjoyed it very much, and it challenged me enough given the limited time I have between work, family and study.

Khalid Al-Okaidi

Course starting: April 2021

Review posted: November 2021

Achieving some distinctions at Level 3 Information Technology in college, I found this module a little lacking when progression my education in IT but being a Stage 1 module it's quite adequate for the entry requirements and I didn't expect much more.

I believe if you were to step into this module with little to no IT experience it would be a challenge, yet still be more than achievable for any person who is intellectually capable.

Course starting: April 2019

Review posted: July 2020

I found this module to be very elementary in nature to say the least. Although I do understand that first year modules are meant to level the knowledge across different individuals, TM111 never delved deeper that GCSE or at best AS level. Book 1 is purely general knowledge while book 2 uses an OU platform that is similar to Scrtach in a similar fashion that is thought to 13 year olds.
Book 3 is also very basic.
In my personal opinion this course is not worth the money spent especially when considering the free IT courses provided on other platforms e.g. Coursera, Udemy etc.

Kevin Cassar

Course starting: April 2019

Review posted: June 2020

Faculty response

I am sorry if you are dissatisfied with your experience of studying this module.
As with all Open University modules, the teaching materials on TM111 have been subjected to a rigorous process of critical reading by Open University academics and tutors and have also been reviewed by an external assessor from another university. An important reason for these measures is to ensure that the level of teaching is appropriate for the diverse cohort of students with a wide range of prior educational experience who study with us.

An excellent module and a fantastic gap-filler in my studies.

I really enjoyed the varied tech topics, which were presented in a very user-friendly way.

I especially enjoyed the sound engineering unit, so much so that I am lined up for Music, Sound and Technology (A232) as part of my Combined STEM degree.

Finally, studies that I can talk to my hubby about, as he is an I.T. architect and regularly talks geeky waffle!

Helen Ghosh

Course starting: April 2019

Review posted: June 2020

The module was laid out in a simplistic way which was ideal for a beginner such as myself. A very interesting and enjoyable module!

I had a fantastic tutor and mentor of the highest calibre. Always willing to help and explain in depth with the patience to go over work more than once. He made the effort in all aspects.

Shaun van Tonder

Course starting: October 2018

Review posted: May 2019

Please note

Each of the views expressed above is an individual's very particular response, largely unedited, and should be viewed with that in mind. Since modules are subject to regular updating, some of the issues identified may have already been addressed. In some instances the faculty may have provided a response to a comment. If you have a query about a particular module, please contact your Regional Centre.

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