So some of you may know that I’ve been undertaking a degree via distance learning since 2018. Specifically I’ve been working towards a BSc (Honours) degree in computing and IT with the Open University.
For those who don’t know, the “OU” is a UK university based in Milton Keynes which allows students to learn remotely using a variety of synchronous and asynchronous communications methods. Historically they used to take advantage of free or cheap airtime on FM radio to broadcast seminars, tutorials and other lecture type programs which students could either listen to live or record onto tape and playback at a time to suit them.
These days they’ve taken full advantage of the Internet to deliver almost all of their training via their website (with some printed materials and 3rd party resources as needed). In this way students can proceed with a self-paced syllabus (within certain boundaries) so that they can fit study around work and family commitments.
Study for this degree was split into 3 stages, each comprising of 4 modules. I’ve had the privelege of being able to select modules which have benefited me personally and professionally and have learned a variety of disciplines in the fields of communications and networking.
Honestly, ask me how an Ethernet cable actually works and I can regurgitate (at least for now) how the electrical signals travelling through the copper cables enable the transmission of data between devices.
I feel very proud to be able to say that as of last week I submitted my final project/thesis which will be marked by my tutor, cross checked by another tutor, and then may go off for moderation by the examining body before results are eventually announced on the 10th of December.
I’m fairly confident that I’ve done enough to pass with a reasonably high grade, though the chances of me acheiving a “first” (the highest grade in UK undergraduate degrees) are fairly low due to a combination of my previous module scores and my latest assessments as marked by my tutor. Still, I’m all but guaranteed a 2:1 grade (the next best thing) which will be good enough for me.
It has been a rewarding and, at times, incredibly challenging process to undertake this degree, but I can’t help thinking that if I hadn’t undertaken it I probably wouldn’t have developed the skills and experience I needed to get promoted twice since I started it in 2018! It’s also somewhat ironic that I won’t use much of the technical knowledge I’ve obtained because I’m now in a leadership position (and loving it) and don’t have much need to get my own hands dirty these days.
Still, that doesn’t take away from the incredible feelings of pride, and as soon as my final grade has been released you can bet that I’ll be sharing my full thesis here on Tech Made Easy.
