Student and tutor module reviews
The computing and IT project
- Points: 30
- Code: TM470
- Level: 3
- On this page
Student reviews
I was able to research a topic I was not familiar with, and my tutor helped navigate the initial research on the topic.
Having a broad idea of what you want to do before starting the module is a definite advantage. The module forum opens several months early allowing you to fine tune your project plan adequately.
Course starting: February 2019
Review posted: December 2019
The module materials are confusing at best. In the beginning you are left to your own devices, you have to come up with an idea before the official start of the module, not even knowing what they want from you, so they can assign a tutor to you.
I had a tutor who kept encouraging me and who said that I should get a good mark, who never gave me any indication that my work was inadequate... well I failed, so failing the module isn't what I would call a good mark, and now I have to redo the subject, and oh yeah, I have to pay again... AH money...
I hope that my tutor this time gives me honest feedback, in time for me to actually do something about it, not 3 days before the final assignment is due.
If this wasn't a mandatory subject for my degree, I wouldn't take it.
I wish there was some other way of getting my degree other than this module.
Liam Rafferty
Course starting: February 2018
Review posted: February 2019
Faculty response
We’re sorry to hear of your experience of studying TM470. The Computing and IT project module differs from other OU level 3 modules. As clearly stated in the website, TM470 is the module where you carry out, independently, a project in a topic of your choice that allows you to apply and extend your learning in Computing and IT.
The emphasis is on the student to be a reflective practitioner, developing not only the technical aspects of a project but also justifying their approach and reviewing and thinking about what they have learnt.
The role of the tutor is also different from that in other modules; a
TM470 tutor advises and guides students, but does not necessarily get involved in the technical details of the project.
Students are advised to start thinking about their project before the official start of the module. To help students in this process, the
TM470 module website does open approximately 2 months before the official start date; there is also an online forum to help students prepare for the project and where they can discuss possible project topic ideas with an experienced tutor. Also, students studying OU level 3 modules are offered presentations, specific to each of those modules, to help them relate their interests in those modules with possible ideas for TM470 projects.
It is worth noting that the project is marked by your tutor but also by another tutor who has no knowledge of what you did in your TMAs and can only assess the project by what is reported in the End of Module Assessment.
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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