This analysis of The Open University's precedents, personalities, politics and pedagogies contextualises learners' experiences and illuminates the changing values of our society and our ideas about learning and our use of a variety of media.
In April 1963, Labour Party leader Harold Wilson sketched a proposal for a University of the Air. He launched the idea in the autumn and in April 1969 The Open University, OU was granted a Royal Charter. Aiming to be open to people places, methods and ideas, it has supported the learning of millions and, despite hostility from Ministers of the Crown...

This analysis of The Open University's precedents, personalities, politics and pedagogies contextualises learners' experiences and illuminates the changing values of our society and our ideas about learning and our use of a variety of media.

In April 1963, Labour Party leader Harold Wilson sketched a proposal for a University of the Air. He launched the idea in the autumn and in April 1969 The Open University, OU was granted a Royal Charter. Aiming to be open to people places, methods and ideas, it has supported the learning of millions and, despite hostility from Ministers of the Crown...