Course Code: DD303 (Residential School)
Description: Cognitive Psychology
Presentation: 2008
Subject: Information about the Alternative Learning
Experience (ALE)
Relevance of the ALE to your course
In order to obtain credit for DD303 you must achieve satisfactory participation in either the residential school
or the ALE. Without this credit for participation, you cannot pass DD303. We realise that some students may
find it impossible, for reasons beyond their control, to attend the residential school. The ALE is available for
these students and will deliver the same core learning outcomes. The ALE cannot, however, provide the
breadth of cross-learning opportunities available at the residential school and for this reason attendance at
the residential school is the preferred route for all students.
Structure of the ALE
The ALE consists of a series of interactive, online activities using the FirstClass conferencing system, which
culminate in a piece of independent project work. You will therefore need regular access to a computer and
an account with an internet service provider. Details of the tasks which make up the ALE and information
about how to begin the ALE will be available in the Residential School/ALE Handbook (which will also be
posted on the DD303 eDesktop in March/April 2008). You will be supervised and guided through the
experience by dedicated ALE tutors, chosen for their enthusiasm for online teaching and learning.
You will need access to a computer and the services of an internet services provider. The minimum computer
specification for OU study October 2006 – September 2008 is given below.
Processor
Pentium 700 MHz processor
Memory (RAM)
64MB
Operating system
Windows 98SE
Hard disk capacity
20GB minimum
Monitor screen size
15 inch
Screen resolution
800x 600, High Colour
Common items
Keyboard, mouse, floppy disk drive 1.44MB (optional),
inkjet printer, 56kbps (V90 or V92) or broadband modem
and access to the Internet, sound card, microphone and
speakers/headphones
When you will need to study
The ALE consists of a series of project related tasks, which require a considerable amount of effort to
complete, so you should not underestimate the time and level of commitment involved. The ALE starts on 02
August 2008, and requires approximately 36 hours study time over a period of three weeks. There are no
requirements to be online at precise times, but you will need to participate regularly. Importantly, the
scheduling of ALE activities means that key activities, for which you must receive participation credit, occur
during each of the three weeks of the ALE. For this reason, we strongly advise you not to plan an absence
of more than three days if you find that you must do the ALE rather than Residential School.
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Queries
Contact the Residential Schools Team: tel +44 (0)1908 653235; fax +44 (0)1908 652457; email residentialschools@open.ac.uk
February 2008