Visual DNA

As Echomouse and Dakota are showing their visual DNA, I will display mine

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Too funny :-)

Besides the lake; beneath the trees

They're planting plastic daffodils in Cumbria! I kid you not.

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This should be a crime. :-)


Nutters!

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Open University and Tesco

Why the Open University has tested my loyalty - Paul Rowlinson

Getting into bed with Tesco has cheapened the OU's academic status, writes Paul Rowlinson

Guardian Report

Education and Me

I don't want to collect Tesco vouchers. I prefer to support my local shop, whenever possible.

I understand that if I spend £100,000 at Tesco, I will be able to get a 'free' degree with the Open University. I haven't got £100, 000. If I had, I wouldn't need a 'free degree'. Yes, I know that I could spend what little I have at Tesco and put this towards the cost of my courses, but I don't understand why Tesco customers (especially those with the most money and spending power) should have such an advantage within 'Higher Education'. I could continue to pay full price but isn't this somewhat unfair?

I am a very disgruntled and confused OU student who sometimes shops at Tesco but would like to protect the education, equality and freedom of those who don't! ( student = learner, rather than shopper)

If I change my mind, perhaps the OU tutors will be able to advise me on the best way to collect Tesco bonus points or recommend the best products? I can see the possibility of young, naive students asking this question at some point in the future - shudder! Will the OU have a special 'Tesco' phone line or forum?

As an Open University student, I wonder if it is still okay for me to discuss certain things. For instance, is it okay for me to talk about 'unhealthy' or 'unnatural' affiliations!

I am aware that many students disagree with me and are more than happy with this affiliation. Their response - 'I am a loyal Tesco customer and 'I', 'I', 'I'. Well, how jolly 'nice' for you and how sweet - but what about the free market, ethics, morals and other people! Do you really believe that education and big business are the same thing and that they belong in each other's pockets? Shouldn't we be free to look at both sides of any situation, without an obligation to our sponsors? Free to shop wherever we choose - based on our own ethics and loyalties. Should any educational establishment be encouraging people to spend, spend, spend, in one particular store? What about the world's resources? This is somewhat unfair because I know that many of you are concerned about fees, and think this is a case of 'Every little helps'. In response, I think you have been brainwashed. Think about it - 'Every little helps' is a Tesco slogan. Please try to look at it from a wider viewpoint.

The voucher system isn't aimed at existing OU students. It aims to attract new students, but my guess is that many of the existing students will rush to cash in their vouchers. Let's hope they don't bankrupt their university in the process. There is no such thing as a free lunch.


I have nothing more to say on this subject. I haven't got an answer to the 'fees' problem but I am not being paid to provide it. Those who are being paid could take off their accountancy hat for a few minutes and think about the welfare and 'fair education' of the students.

Sell your souls, but you won't get mine!



Link to The Times Higher Education Supplement

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My Child's Education and Me

My son came home from school, on Friday, with a letter from the headteacher. He is essentially asking me to shop at Sainsbury's.

Quote:

Together we can get results.

Your support and commitment will be crucial..........

For every £10 I spend at Sainsbury's, I will get a voucher which can be used towards school equipment. I am asked to spread the word to family, friends and colleagues.

I am now faced with a dilema. Do I support Sainsbury's and my child or Tesco and the Open University?


I do admire the Irish. http://www.commercialfreeeducation.com

The Campaign for Commercial-Free Education will promote student-centred education, media awareness and the democratic mission of schools where students are considered citizens and not consumers.


The distortion of education by a corporate agenda undermines teachers’ status, demeans their privileged position and wastes their time.

Also see

http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/schools.htm

http://www.anarkismo.net/newswire.php?story_id=4780

and feed your mind

http://www.thesaintonline.com/news/839355.php

Those seeking a free education, however, will have to do a lot of shopping. A typical degree costs £4,000, meaning £100,000 of shopping - the equivalent of 588,235 tins of Tesco Value Baked Beans. But at least that's the catering sorted.

Virtual Keyboard

Thanks to Dot for this. Virtual keyboard.

I can't play the piano, but it's good fun.