There’s something nostalgic about receiving printed textbooks in the mail, especially in an era when most module materials are online. That’s exactly how I felt when my printed copies of the three updated textbooks for TM353 IT Systems Planning for Success arrived, each covering a block of the module for 2024. These books are designed to be used alongside the online resources available on the module website, including videos and interactive content.
First Impressions of TM353
From the get-go, it’s clear that diagrams are a key feature of TM353. Although I’m not entirely sure what purpose they serve yet, I have a feeling that if you enjoy visual learning, this module will be a great fit.
In an interesting change from the usual module format, all three TMAs are available almost as soon as the module website opened in mid-September. This is great news for students who like to work ahead—some might even have all the TMAs completed by Christmas. However, this could mean a long wait for the EMA, which typically won’t be released much earlier than the TMA03 submission date in early May.
A Proactive Tutor and No Exam in Sight
My TM353 tutor seems highly engaged, having already reached out via email, and the module hasn’t officially started yet. I’m looking forward to seeing how the tutorials are structured. In my experience, tutorials work best when they focus on specific areas and follow the module timeline closely, allowing students to prepare effectively.
One notable change for TM353 is the absence of an exam. Instead, the module consists of three TMAs and an EMA. If you’re interested, you can check out the Open University Students Association Shop, which offers free downloads of past exam papers. Although TM353 no longer has an exam, these papers can still provide valuable insights into the module’s topics and question styles.
Wrapping Up TM359 Systems Penetration Testing
On the TM359 front, I submitted my EMA shortly after the TM353 module site opened. It was a hefty piece of work, and while I wasn’t right up against the deadline, it did feel like a drawn-out process, particularly with the waiting time for responses on the forum. Thankfully, there was a workaround if you didn’t receive feedback from other students, so there’s no need to stress too much about that part. However, keep in mind that the module format could change in future presentations, so stay updated on any adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Starting TM353 feels like the beginning of the end of my degree, but it’s also a refreshing change with its less practical content. With no exam to worry about, it’s an opportunity to focus on the coursework and engage more deeply with the theoretical content. As I continue on this final stretch, I’m excited to see how TM353 unfolds and to make the most of the resources and support available.