#3: TM111 Module Website
Updated: Oct 9
Yesterday the module website for TM111 was unlocked, so we could all have a little nose around and familiarise ourselves with the environment. The WhatsApp group had already been quite busy with people who checked it out. Me being at work all day meant I had to patiently wait until the evening.
Upon arrival I was given a little tour explaining where to find things on the website and key features of the module website. My eyes fell onto two upcoming tasks. The first assignment TMA00 and a quiz “Are you ready”. The assignment functions as a test or mock, so students would know how to submit them, since it is a vital part of each module. It’s also the first contact I would have with my designated tutor, starting a conversation. The quiz would find out, whether I made the right choice in starting this course. Bit late, I thought, since I had paid for this module some time ago. Were they going to give me a refund? Fair enough though, I guess. The OU needs happy customers with their product.
Importantly, I was guided towards the Assessment guide. It explained Do’s and Don’ts, for example which type of file was expected (.docx) and how to name the document, so the tutor would be able to identify each document correctly without hassle. Also what standards are expected, i.e. academic English (no chat talk, slang words etc.), any quotes with references, potential screenshots added, word count. All seemed very common sense to me.
Perhaps it shows my age, but it always saddens me, when really basic things and common sense need to be explained. I won’t go deeper into this, it’ll be pages of ranting that serves nobody here :)
On the module website is also a forum. This one is different from the general IT forum we have been given access to. It is one only for this very module TM111 starting in October 2026. An early bird cafe serves here as a mock forum for people to introduce themselves or chat, until the actual cluster forum related to lessons and tutorials opens on the 3rd October. Unlike WhatsApp groups, Discord and the likes, this forum is of course monitored and moderated by OU tutors. All other chatter is best done via independent channels. However, the OU has very clearly stated that no assignments are ever to be discussed. To avoid any cheating, I am guessing.
The word plagiarism is a big one too. The OU explained in many places what it is (copying other peoples work and claim as your own) and that it will absolutely not be tolerated obviously. Each assignment is being scanned by software (AI?) which detects any potential plagiarism and flags this to the tutor. Again, common sense in my world.
All in all, I am ready for my first (mock) assignment and quiz to show that I am indeed ready and eager to start the module TM111 properly soon. Yay!
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