Back to college… as a course designer

Last year I completed the Creative Education short course. It is a course I had been wanting to do for years and I finally decided to put in my application. At the time I applied I was questioning whether it was time to change career paths. I had spent the previous decade working in education administration and was gradually moving towards my goal of being a learning developer; I had secured my dream art library job the year prior and I had hoped to return to a similar role when I had to unexpectedly relocate across half the country.

The first few months following my move I struggled to find library work. So I expanded my search to include jobs in education administration. Sure enough, I was hired the next week. I am grateful for the opportunities I had in my various workplaces, but I became disheartened by my inability to secure a job in my area of interest. After another few months in a role where all I did was fill in spreadsheets everyday I decided I wanted to do something creative in my evenings. I had done previous short courses with the Open College of the Arts and felt like the skills I would develop in the Creative Education course would help me with future job applications.

The first task I was given when I began Creative Education was to create a piece of artwork inspired by a theme. I did not think I would be able to create anything because I was burnt out, but I persevered and by the end of the day I had bound a book. I used the book as a place for my reflections throughout the rest of the course.

Over the next month, Creative Education became a space where I could explore ideas that interested me and just have fun. My tutor and course materials encouraged reflection at every opportunity, which enabled me to identify my strengths and provided insight into my motivations. One of the discoveries I made about myself on the course was that play and experimentation are my favourite ways to facilitate learning. 

Last autumn I saw OCASA put out a call for student volunteers so I signed up immediately. I had such a great time studying that I wanted to get involved behind the scenes at Open College of the Arts. And the following month I saw that Open College of the Arts were recruiting in their Technology Enhanced Learning team! It felt like perfect timing.

So once again I put in another application to Open College of the Arts, and I started my new role in March. I work as a Course Designer so I am part of the team that helps get OCA Learn ready for you. My favourite part of the role is the project work, and I love having the opportunity to speak from my perspective as an alumna. It feels very exciting to have an impact on services I used to access when I studied here and getting to meet all the staff from the support services.

I value the time I spent studying at Open College of the Arts, and particularly the experience I had on the Creative Education course. I can say with confidence that it helped me get where I am today.