The Open University visited the 140 Characters conference to interview people about why they use social media.

The 140conference was the largest gathering of its kind ever hosted. 'Characters' came from all walks of life to discuss the impact that twitter and social media has had on their professions.

Interviews by Matt Rawlinson (@barnstormed) and Christian Payne (@documentally)

http://www.140conf.com

---

Bang Goes the Theory is a 10 part series of half hour, magazine-style, programmes that aim to discover and explain the scientific principles that shape our world. Studio filming will take place at an ex-MOD facility near Bedford and you can follow the transformation of this space from a derelict supersonic wind tunnel facility to a fully dressed 'set' and studio over the next few weeks.

The series will be supported by a programme website hosted on Open2.net, which is The Open Universitys public facing website. The planned elements of the web support are an interactive science challenge, a downloadable activity pack with easy science activities to do at home or in school and a number of interactive elements including a virtual planisphere (to look at the planets and stars) and geology toolkit to identify rocks. There will also be a series of videos documenting a behind the scenes look at the making of the series, plus extended video clips with academics explaining the science behind the show in more detail, all of which will be available on The Open University YouTube channel. Further learning, relating to topics in the programmes can be found on The Open University on iTunesU

David Cameron MP visits The Open University to deliver a speech.

The Open University visits Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to attend the live launch of the Herschel and Planck satellites, to begin their mission to collect the most detailed information yet about the birth and evolution of the Universe, its stars and its galaxies.

Open University Academics are playing an important part in the success of the mission.

Videos from The Open University's OULearn Channel. OULearn showcases learning materials from Open University courses and television broadcasts.

For more see: http://www.youtube.com/oulearn

Videos from The Open University's OULife Channel. OULife showcases video blogs from staff and students at The Open University.

For more see:
http://www.youtube.com/oulife

Videos from The Open University's OUResearch Channel. OUResearch gives an insight into the work of five Centres of Research Excellence.

For more see:
http://www.youtube.com/ouresearch