Lessons at home,old Open University model?

[s2art]

If a lot of kids have no laptop or internet access, why cant the BBC resurrect the old Open University model? I'll bet those kids will have access to BBC2 and a recording mechanism.

[robbieduncan]

Have they not already done this? BBC Bitesize massive expansion with loads on iPlayer/red button. If they can record they can probably access iPlayer via smart TV/Sky box/Virgin box etc

[eharding]

The lockdown-induced lack of haircut availability also means that 1970's OU lecturer hairstyles are back as well....

[anonymous-user]

eharding said:

The lockdown-induced lack of haircut availability also means that 1970's OU lecturer hairstyles are back as well....

You’ve always had your own style eharding!

[Murph7355]

s2art said:

If a lot of kids have no laptop or internet access, why cant the BBC resurrect the old Open University model? I'll bet those kids will have access to BBC2 and a recording mechanism.

Lack of a laptop/internet connectivity is only one part of the challenge (and one that as long as it was directed to those genuinely in need, I would support being addressed - Chromebooks aren't horrendous money and government procurement should be able to get very nice deals with competent procurement both with Chromebook suppliers and internet providers alike).

The bigger challenge, IME, is that unaided education at home only really starts to work as kids get to 8 or above (and the longer after 8 the better). Below that, you can't sit them in front of a TV OR laptop and expect them to learn anything. The parents need to spend significant effort encouraging and educating.

Sadly I think the lack of a laptop/internet will be held high as the cause of the biggest division between the "haves" and the "have nots" as these kids progress should we see a disparity in standards/outcomes. And out of it will fall all manner of ill conceived policy and expenditure.

[InfoRetrieval]

Murph7355 said:

The bigger challenge, IME, is that unaided education at home only really starts to work as kids get to 8 or above (and the longer after 8 the better). Below that, you can't sit them in front of a TV OR laptop and expect them to learn anything. The parents need to spend significant effort encouraging and educating.

This is absolutely true. My 9 year old son needs more supervision than my 12 year old. Luckily my wife is able to provide that.

Even with the older ones for some young people it's only being present in the classroom that gets them engaged with lessons:

School closures 'He's not getting up until one o'clock'

The bright and motivated pupils will be ok, but keeping schools closed fails those most in need.

[GadgeS3C]

Having spent too many years of my life getting an OU degree (which I rate very highly), the issue is the self-directed learning. You need to be motivated and focused to do the work. Few school kids will have the focus whether it's delivered by TV or internet. I wouldn't have had!

[s2art]

I was thinking more of secondary school pupils. Get Starkey to do some interesting history lessons, Mark Blythe to do economics etc

[GadgeS3C]

I meant I wouldn't have had the focus as a secondary school kid

[Ayahuasca]

s2art said:

I was thinking more of secondary school pupils. Get Starkey to do some interesting history lessons, Mark Blythe to do economics etc

Nigella to do home economics.

And anything else she wants.

[Murph7355]

InfoRetrieval said:

...
The bright and motivated pupils will be ok, but keeping schools closed fails those most in need.

Parents fail those most in need. That is where the buck stops 100%.