"OpenLearn" will allow anyone across the globe to access the educational resources freely available on the Internet, making it possible for hard-to-reach groups and educationally disadvantaged people in both the developed and developing countries to benefit greatly from this effort.


The material for the online courses is taken from all 170 fields of study within the OU and will cover subjects from arts through natural sciences and technology. The new website comes with state-of-the-art learning support and collaboration tools to connect learners and educators, such as videoconferencing, mind maps, and instant messaging.


The 5.65 million GBP project (aprox. 9 million Euros) is supported by a grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and is available at all study levels from access to postgraduate. However, "OpenLearn" does not offer any e-degrees or require users to become an OU student.


Students should calculate between three and fifteen hours to complete one online-module. The actual time needed depends on the student's individual knowledge and the academic level of the respective unit.


Online students will reach the learning goal by completing various multiple-choice questions as well as tests with questions and answers. The knowledge exchange through instant messaging fora with teachers and other students is an essential part of "OpenLearn".