Case Study: The Open University achieves scalable, interactive distance learning with OpenText FirstClass

The Open University Distance learning through cutting-edge technology

The Open University (U.K.) delivers distance learning to around 200,000 part‑time students, and its Learning and Teaching Services (LTS) supports staff and student computing needs. Faced with geographically dispersed learners on independent schedules, the university needed a scalable, easy‑to‑use system to enable asynchronous discussion, integrated tutorials and a sense of community across courses.

LTS implemented FirstClass (in use since 1994) to provide customizable conferencing, mail and web access. At peak use it supported 150+ courses, more than 16,000 conferences and ~500 moderators, averaging over 16,000 daily connections from 8,000 users, 20,000 mails and 150,000 conference reads per day; upgrades to FirstClass Gold and added servers projected capacity above 125,000 users. The solution delivered low marginal cost per user, cross‑platform access, richer messaging and improved collaboration and student support.

The Open University

Geoff Aldridge

FirstClass System Administrator