We commit to understanding digital exclusion and how it impacts the people we work with.
As a distance learning provider of higher education, the Open University recognises digital exclusion is a barrier to study and to accessing essential services.
We apply ourselves to learning from organisations tackling digital exclusion and from published work on its impact and sector policy initiatives. For example – Digital Poverty Alliance Report 2023
We carry out research such as the annual Current Students Brand Tracker Survey which includes questions on digital inclusion and skills.
We invite student feedback and participation through Student Voice events and activities, providing opportunities for them to share challenges they are facing.
We commit to delivering on digital inclusion across our organisation, based on our understanding of need.
The Open University is embedding Digital Inclusion Principles into the design, development and production of curriculum and services. Our approach to online delivery will be informed by students’ lived experiences of digital exclusion, alongside robust research, to enable the OU to meet the needs of prospective/ current students.
We endeavour to ensure that digital exclusion is not a barrier to key services for students.
We commit to identifying and utilising appropriate resources for digital inclusion.
The Open University will proactively assess students’ digital inclusion needs (hardware, software, broadband, study spaces and skills development) during online/telephone registration to ensure that support can be proactively targeted, where appropriate.
We commit to working in genuine partnership where we can, to promote and advance digital inclusion.
This includes accessible information on a range of funding for financially disadvantaged students to get the essential hardware, software and data they need for their studies; and signposting to both internal and external resources which support students’ development of digital capabilities.
We endeavour to provide alternative mechanisms for supporting students with intermittent internet access, for example ensuring they can download and access learning materials offline, providing simulations if equipment is unavailable.
We will raise students’ awareness of access to study spaces and internet access available to them, via schemes such as SCONUL Access and in the community via organisations such as the National Digital Inclusion Network.
We commit to contributing towards a wider conversation, developing a sense of community and being part of something bigger - because digital inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
The Open University recognises that we need to work with other organisations to tackle digital poverty and exclusion as experienced by our students.
We signpost prospective students lacking basic digital skills to the ‘Learn My Way’ resources provided by the Good Things Foundation and have joined their National Digital Inclusion Network.
We are working with the Digital Poverty Alliance and other universities towards a digital inclusion strategy for higher education.
