The Open College Reviews 125

Can highly recommend the Train The Trainer Course. The course itself was thorough and very user friendly. The tutor Lorraine was very approachable and patient and provided continuous support and guidance. The drop in sessions were a fantastic aid and added a human touch to an online course.

I came onto this course a little apprehensive about going back into adult learning and as it was for work my motivation was not all that high. However after my first lesson with Lorraine (tutor) I could see her capabilities in directing and encouraging other students in their study. From that point on I found the way she helped and directed my own study very encouraging. If you are thinking about doing this course I would absolutely reccomend engaing with Lorraine, she is most enthusiastic. She clearly wanted to help me learn and succeed. I would love to work with her again. Eoin.

When I first thought about going back to my studies as a mature student, to study my Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education, and doing it by myself online, I didn't know what to expect. However, once I started my communications module and saw the layout of the work and moodle page was so organised and easy to read and follow, it made me feel a bit more comfortable. Whilst scrolling through the moodle page I noticed the dates for the drop-in sessions were a Tuesday evening, I knew I definitely should use these to my full advantage especially when it comes to the assessments. The first night I attended the drop-in session I was a bit nervous as I had not met my tutor Lorraine Walsh before so didn't know how the session was going to go, from the second that Lorraine said hello and started the drop-in session I knew I was in a safe place. She was so welcoming, friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to, not just on that first night but throughout every drop-in session that I attended. If there was one I couldn't attend, Lorraine was very responsive via email and any issues, questions, or concerns I had she got back to me very quickly. If I was to give advice to anyone on doing the Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education, I would strongly advise them to attend their drop-in sessions, the information you get at them is unreal, and with others attending them too you all can communicate and help each other out with different parts of the course if required. I would highly recommend the course and Lorraine as a tutor, I am very happy with my experience with the Open College so far, and I know that I will be very happy with the course, tutors and assessments going forward if they are all as helpful as Lorraine in the Communications Module.

In February 2022 I ordered my QQI level 5 Health Care module. I planned to complete the major award, but I thought that it would be good to start from just one module and see how it works for me. First impression, not so good. There was not much content. Just the PDF files to read. The video presentations for each chapter were very short and basic. The learning material was kind of random. The quality of the videos, especially the audio was really low. I couldn't believe this was actually a paid course. More surprises came when I started doing my tests. To get 100% correct answers, several times I had to give the wrong answers, which were "correct" answers (to complete the test and get the highest score). But there was more. I submitted my tests and I started working on the written part of my assignment. I also needed to complete my work experience. I worked in a nursing home, my manager agreed to fill and sign all the necessary forms for me. Unfortunately, I got really badly sick. I couldn't go to work anymore. The deadline for submitting my writing was very close. I realized I won't make it on time. So the first thing I did was messaging my tutor and asking for extra two weeks. No response, time was running. So I tried to call The Open College, for a couple of days in a row. Finally, somebody mercifully picked up the phone. They asked me for my student's number, I explained the situation, and I heard that somebody will contact me shortly. Nobody called. Two weeks later I tried to log in to my student account to see if there's any progress, any information about the possible new deadline or any reply from my tutor. And surprise, surprise. All the course content disappeared and there was no trace of the messages I sent. My tests, my studying materials were gone. Like I never attended any course. So I don't know what happened. Even tho it was after the deadline, I should still have an access to my data and course materials. I paid for them! I can't even express how disappointed I was. I felt that I lost so much time and money. The worst thing is, that they didn't even try to contact me and help me to solve a difficult situation, which wasn't my fault. They basically took the money and left me with nothing. Eventually I got my certificate, from a different company, I paid less for it. They were very professional and helpful and it took me only 3 weeks to complete the module and submit my essays. The Open College was a huge disappointment. I wish my review was more constructive. I want to believe that their other courses are better and there are some honest and professional people working there but at this point I simply can't say anything positive about my experience with this company.

I'm happy to have completed my studies, and even happier for all the support provided by the staff. Thank you to The Open team. I highly recommend this institution.

I have just finished my Training delivery and evaluation course with the open college. I want to thank you for having me it was a pleasure. I would also like to say Lorraine Walsh was outstanding in helping all of us through the course. The drop in sessions were invaluable and she was very friendly and easy to approach with any issue.

I just completed my second course with the Open College. Yet again I found the the support of an online course outstanding, this time from the tutor Lorraine Walsh. There is a lot of course content as it is a Level 6. At the start, I found it to be overwhelming but to go back to the drop in session that are recorded were so helpful. Once Lorraine explained how to structure your course material it all came together. I couldn’t fault her of any stage, she went over and beyond for all student that have participated. Thanks again to Lorraine and the open college.

Recently completed the Train the Trainer course with Lorraine Walsh as tutor. I found the course very thorough and easy to follow. Lorraine was fantastic. She was very approachable and supportive and I found her online drop-in sessions (also recorded) very useful. Her feedback was extremely helpful. She is a wonderful asset to The Open College.

I recently completed The Training Delivery and Evaluation course with the Open College.My tutor was Lorraine who went above and beyond for her students on the course.The course content and structure was so well put together and the amount of work that went into the course for the students is second to none.Very informative and everything detailed for the learners.Anything I was unsure about Lorraine was always just an email away for any query and her response was always so quick,supportive and helpful.I thoroughly enjoyed the support sessions every week where we could ask questions and go over the course content,and as always Lorraine was super at explaining everything and breaking down the course.She is an amazing tutor and despite having so many students she always had time to help everyone.The open college were always great to help with any queries and I received a quick response each time to emails etc.I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it anyone!If you are thinking of doing it just go for it!Lorraine will go above and beyond to get you through the course and offer you support and you'll be delighted to have completed it.Thank you Lorraine and the Open College.

I have recently completed a SNA course and now have all my provisional results. Found the tutors really helpful and always happy to provide feedback. Content is really interesting. Despite the covid restrictions I have managed to secure a total of 65 hours of work experience in two schools during the course. I have also applied for subbing in schools locally to me. I have registered to do a one year PLC course in my local ETB centre for September which is quiet similar to the above course. I would highly recommend studying at The Open College and the combined SNA course to anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career as a special needs assistant . Staff are very accommodating and always happy to answer any questions or concerns.
Andrew

I completed my online course with the Open College and found them to be very helpful with any queries or questions I had. Everything was done professionally.

I found the Tutor Lorraine to be very patient and understanding, she always made time to answer my emails immediately which made me feel very supported. Lorraine is easy to get along with and quite funny at times. I would definitely use the Open College for any further courses that I may need

I have just completed the Training delivery and evaluation course with The Open College. I found the experience from start to finish to be excellent.
The welcome email with all the information needed was very informative, and all of my emails where replied to within hours.
The most enjoyable part of the course for me was the interaction with the amazing tutor Lorraine. The layout of the material in each of the units was explained very clearly, and if there was anything I was unsure of, Lorraine was available to help me understand everything fully.
I sent drafts of my assessment material and Lorraine gave detailed feedback on what I did well and what I needed to improve on.
The Weekly video links have been amazing because Lorraine answers any questions we may have, whilst going through the material in step by step detail.
I would recommend the College 100% especially any course Lorraine is involved in, because she is an outstanding tutor, with patience of a saint, who makes learning fun, easy to understand in a friendly, approachable manner, she genuinely cares and it shows!!! Whatever you are being paid it should be trebled!! Thank you for making this experience so enjoyable 👍🏼

Hello
I, Angelo Galatolo, after participating in the course Train the trainer by Distance Learning-QQ1 Level 6 (6N3326), I feel I have to say a few things about the College and trainer.
The College provides the students with amazing documentation and clear to understand. The support is also great, they answer every question promptly.
Classes with Lorraine Walsh have been so worthwhile! Lorraine Walsh has an amazing way of breaking things down so that they are understandable for everybody, keeping in mind diversity, and always keeping it light and fun, no matter the topic she is teaching.
Lorraine Walsh is a great tutor and I would recommend her to not only students who are taking the trainer in The Open College, but also for people like me who are mature students who are learning on their own. She is very patient with any sort of question and it is very comfortable to practice conversations, which is a huge plus. I recommend her highly. I have been learning from her a lot, it has been a great experience to carry with me in the future. Lorraine Walsh makes her lessons very engaging, useful. Her manner of teaching is so wonderful and refreshing!
Thank you for everything.
Best regards
Angelo Galatolo

I completed a Finance Course as of Oct 2020. I received no certificate that I paid for in advance. I have left multiple emails and phone calls only to be told "We'll let you know when we are processing certificates" each time.
IT HAS BEEN 7 MONTHS.
Distinct lack of professionalism when it comes to customer service and overall, very disappointed in their ability to work efficiently.

Edit: Clearly from the reply below, my review wasn't read correctly. Choose to respond without reading shows the little effort put in by the college.
I never said I didn't get a reply. I implied that the replies I did get were disappointing. I have proof of multiple emails to the certification sector and results sector so it is insulting to try and say that is not factual.
Although I am grateful for a confirmation letter on my studies, with all due respect, most employers, by standard, need at least a digital copy of results or certificate - neither were offered to me.
Also, not once in any email was I told certification was in June. The replies I got were vague and unhelpful. If I had been told what timeline I had been on, to begin with, maybe this stress could have been avoided. Informed customers are happy customers.

I recently completed the Train the Trainers Course with The Open College. I was initially overwhelmed with the extent of the course content and couldn't believe the course was as comprehensive as it was considering what I had paid. However, I was so fortunate to have the continued support and guidance throughout this online course from my tutor Lorraine Walsh. It was a challenging yet rewarding course and from my own personal experience I would highly recommend studying with The Open College.

I recently started a course in law and procedures. Although I have many qualifications in different sectors I have never done a degree, so writing essays or using Microsoft word did not come easy to me at all. I am just not a tech person. My first few weeks were hard for me as I was studying around the clock with no real clue if what I was studying was correct material for my exam. My tutor ciaran mccarthy was so helpful and understanding sending advice back and forth on each effort made by me. He even gave his personal contact number to help me be more clearer and straight away I felt supported and clearer in my work. The course he provides is very well done and the information is enjoyable to learn. Its not often people go beyond their call of duty to help people so I just want to say thank you to this man as I am very grateful. I recommend this course for anyone wanting to study law as it is very comprehensive and it will help me when I begin university level in September. The open college are great at helping you study online and make all concerns go away. This law course is impressive and covers the fundamentals of law easy to read and structured well. My course ends in four days and I have enjoyed learning here. Thank you again to both a lovely tutor and indeed the staff at the open college for helping me along the way.

Kind regards
Kiera, Ireland

I am a full time working mother and decided to undertake the above course with the knowledge that it was online and would be different to the set up on a 'normal' college course that I have been used to in the past. It suited me to be able to do it on my own time without the commitment of having to be in class.
What I was not prepared for though was the lack of support. I did 8 modules with 6/7 different tutors only one of them took the time to introduce themselves to me. You are literally given PDFs of 100s of pages and off you go with briefs on assignments that sometimes I found very vague or confusing. My mistake as I should have researched further but I assumed (based on friends/colleagues experiences with online courses in other colleges) that it would be somewhat blended learning, for example, video tutorials from the tutor and that they would check in with you weekly/fortnightly, help you set targets etc. You can email them but you'll be waiting for a response. I don't know how many times I set time aside time to do course work but was waiting on clarification or feedback to proceed which would come late even in instances where I had booked time off work to get through assignments. The responses themselves sometimes left me even more confused than when I had originally started.
When COVID hit this got even worse which you wouldn't mind for a period of time but 3 months later when lockdown is over and no one in the office is answering the phone, returning phone calls or emails when you have paid in full at the beginning is more than disappointing.

One time I did a video presentation and accidentally uploaded the wrong file which I wasn't made aware of until weeks later. You are just told 'the onus is on the student to ensure the correct documentation is submitted' and while yes I understand that I have done a lot of courses and if anything like this was to happen then the tutor would let you know straight away and allow for human error. Through appeals and literally begging and pointing out to them an error made to me by one of their staff, it was eventually accepted and graded (just to point out I wasn't late submitting either). It just feels like they are working against you rather than with you.

If you are someone who has loads of time on your hands and is happy to pay money for self-directed learning then The Open College is for you, if not though I would advise researching other colleges. I am just so glad it is behind me and I have my cert but I will always look back on it as an incredibly stressful period of my life.

I did the Supervisory Management course. Enjoyed the course and found the staff at the college very good. Great to have a recognized qualification which has really helped me in my current job. However very disappointed that I had absolutely no contact from the course tutor at all throughout the course. Not even an initial welcome & introduction or periodic check ins!!!

I would give it less than one star if I could.
I was unhappy with a nutrition course I signed up for. The 8 week course cost over 300 euro and when I received the material I have found it's not an online college course at all. It's just a bunch of PDFs and the little videos are just this guy explaining what you'll have to read in 2 minutes. So as it wasn't what I expected I asked them to cancel the course and give me a refund (within two weeks of having started).

Not only they refused to refund me but they charged me for the second half of the course after I have asked to cancel. And you know what if that wasn't enough it was incredibly difficult to get in touch with them and I got sent from phone call to email to chat services and it took them over a week to respond. This is not a college it's an outlet for them to take you your money for PDFs you can read yourself on the internet. Do not recommend it.

I am currently doing the finance QQI L6 and it’s excellent.
Since starting the course I have informed my managers and now work with our budget team a day a week.
My final exam is this Friday! I’ll definitely be recommending it to my directs.
Ken Lalor.