WELS news

WELS Research Fellow, Dr Hannah R. Marston, has provided evidence in a recently published report on the need for more life-enhancing technologies for disabled and older people.

A series of images and reflections taken by children and young people from the crisis-hit region of Lake Chad will be displayed at The Open University on 27 May. The exhibition offers critical reflection into how participatory photography can facilitate their participation in decision-making around the issues that directly affect their lives.

The Learning on Screen Awards showcase the best in educational film and television, and this year the Faculty of WELS have six nominations from the seven OU films represented. 

In 2021, the Faculty of WELS introduced the WELS Tutor Awards for the first time, providing students with the opportunity to recognise the dedication and skill of their tutors. Following the awards, analysis was carried out on the nominations to better understand what students valued from their tutors.

An OU study to professionally develop maths teachers in low- and middle-income countries is one of the projects within Edtech Hub’s first research portfolio, and will investigate the impact of technology on teaching in Bangladesh. 

Dr Manik Gopinath has received £280,000 in funding to explore the effect living conditions have on the wellbeing of older Bangladeshi communities in East London.

An OU team carrying out storytelling-led research will simultaneously analyse whether the method reinforces inequality rather than challenges it.

The Faculty of WELS has launched a new research centre, the Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD), which will aim to advance human wellbeing through global development research. The launch event featured a special message from UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J Mohammed.

A delegation from the Ghanaian Ministry of Education recently visited the OU to learn from the OU’s experience and expertise in delivering supported distance learning at scale. They are investigating ways of increasing the number of quality tertiary education places available in Ghana.

Thousands of children and young people are negatively affected by the impact of their caring responsibilities. The OU’s Carers Research Group have taken action by launching a new network called the Young Carers Alliance, alongside a growing coalition of organisations and individuals.