The OSL was announced winner in the Outstanding ICT Initiative of the Year category, beating off stiff competition from five other universities across the UK.
The OSL is a platform for online practical science which enables remote observations and manipulation or control of experiments via the internet. Students can access interactive data for coursework through realistic online multimedia.
OU Science students are also able to do practical work in OSL's virtual laboratory space. The virtual lab also equips students with 21st century professional skills, such as the operation of equipment “at a distance” and being able to remotely control measurement systems like earth-monitoring satellites.
Martin Bean, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said: "This is an outstanding achievement for all those involved and the University as a whole. Ever since the OU was founded over four decades ago, we have been striving to deliver an exceptional student experience while harnessing the very latest technological developments. This award is testament to the hard work and vision of all those who work in this amazing institution."
The awards – now in their 10th year - were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel and attract a very high calibre of nominations across 18 categories. The Open University was also short-listed in the following categories: Business School of the Year; Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year and Outstanding Support for Students.
Find out more about the Open Science Laboratory: www.open.ac.uk/researchprojects/open-science
Find out more about the Times Higher Awards: www.the-awards.co.uk/the2014/awardswinners/2014-winners
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