This document provides instructions for TMA 01, which has two parts. Part 1 is an 1500 word essay exploring one of the themes of inclusion, innovation, or implementation in open education. Part 2 is a 1000 word project plan that identifies a topic within one of the themes, outlines the scope and format, and describes the resources and skills needed. The document provides grading criteria for each part, emphasizing a clear and well-argued discussion in Part 1 supported by evidence, and a concise and realistic plan in Part 2. Students are encouraged to be bold but ensure their project is deliverable within the module.

1. TMA 01
Cut-off date: 19 November 2014
1500 words (Part 1), 1000 words (Part 2)
In Part 1 of TMA 01, you are required to write about one of the three themes of inclusion,
innovation and implementation (please refer to units 1–3, the Module guide and the
Initial conference call for more information about these themes). This essay may be
used as an opportunity to explore the same topic as you intend to work on in your
project during H818. However, the essay can be more broadly addressed, at the theme
level, if this is something that you prefer to do. In that case you may use the work on this
assessment as a more general scoping activity.
In TMA 01 Part 2 you are asked to draft a project plan. The plan will identify the theme
you wish to explore, either inclusion, innovation or implementation, and outline a topic
with a provisional title and the format you expect to adopt. This section of your TMA will
give your tutor an opportunity to comment on the scope of the work you propose, your
topic, your selected format, your reasons for your choice and your schedule.
As the principal purpose of TMA 01 Part 2 is to provide feedback on how complete and
realistic your plan is, there are many criteria listed in the marking scheme for this part,
but none of these is allocated more than 10% of the marks. Students are encouraged to
be bold and innovative in setting forth a project proposal. This is an initial plan, so will
not be applied as a checklist from which you cannot deviate once your project is
underway.
Part 1: 1500 words (50%)
Write an essay presenting your view of the significance of either: inclusion, innovation or
implementation as a lens through which to understand open education. You can choose
to do this by exploring a specific topic within one of these themes. You should illustrate
your answer with examples and also cite appropriate evidence (reported practice and/or
research).
Part 2: 1000 words (50%)
Present a plan for your project. This should include:
 a plan for preparation and initial research stage of the project (Units 1–6)
(10%)
 the topic and scope of investigation, e.g. UK-only, since 2010, with
explanation for this choice (10%)
 a description of at least four main sources of information you expect to draw
on (10%)
 a rationale for your selection of format (5%)
 a description of any new skills that you expect to require (5%)
 an outline of any existing skills that you expect to draw on (5%)
 any areas of uncertainty or risk (5%).
You may choose to present this part of the TMA in table or chart form or as a narrative,
or as a mix of these. Please make sure you clearly address each of the elements set out
above. If using charts or tables check that these are provided in a format which can be
opened in the eTMA system (the H818 FAQs forum provides advice on what these are).

2. Please submit Part 1 and Part 2 of this assignment as two separate documents in a
zipped folder, as required by the eTMA system. Remember to give a word count at the
end of each part. Note the information above about what parts of the assignment (e.g.
references) are not included in the word count.
Assessment criteria
Marks will be allocated on the following basis:
Part 1: 1500 words (50%)
Critical discussion of the significance of the selected theme, clearly stating why you have
chosen this and why any theme topic identified is significant. Maximum marks will be
awarded for clear and informed discussion, well-argued statements and an informed
awareness of other perspectives than you own. (25%)
Appropriate reference to evidence or research which supports or informs your choice of
theme/topic. Maximum marks will be awarded for drawing on a diverse range of relevant
sources appropriately in your essay. (15%)
Academic style and presentation. Maximum marks will be awarded for well-structured,
grammatically correct work using appropriate citation and referencing. (10%)
Part 2: 1000 words (50%)
Each element will be allocated marks as outlined above. You should aim to offer a
concise, factual overview of each element within the word limit specified.
Your plan should recognise that within the time limits of this module you will need to be
realistic about what you can achieve. You may hope to execute a project that provides
fresh insight, analysis or presentation, or that addresses a particularly novel topic. Do
not try to do all of these in a single project, this would be too ambitious within a module
of this size. To achieve maximum marks your plan should be original and interesting, but
the project must also be deliverable.