OCA – North: Study Visit, 2 June 2018

This was the first meeting of this group and my first physical contact with others from the OCA. I have only just started my studies with the OCA so was unsure what to expect.

There were three elements to the day.

• Introductions to other students and tutor, Andrew Corby
• Presentation of the results of a survey of OCA students about what they wanted from a study group and discussion as to how to progress with future meetings
• Presentation and critique of work brought by some of the students

What I learned and gained from the day:

The majority of students were studying photography. Many of the students are taking more advanced courses than me, but it was helpful to hear about their experiences when they were at the same stage as me.

I saw other students’ work in the development stage and began to see how that process is working for them.

Hazel Bingham showed some of her work for her Level 3 project “Neoliberalism in the City” . I was able to discuss this with her and Andrew Corby.

Relevance to my work and study:

I am at an early stage of my study with the OCA and more pre-occupied with the process and techniques of studying rather than the subject matter itself.

I learned that my confusion over communication systems is common among students as there are several systems in place. The “hangouts” groups are used by students for informal discussions and I have since located how to access these and checked that hangouts works on my computer!

I have also a better understanding of the process through which students develop their work. Having seen the work brought to the day, I have a better understanding of the physical presentation of the work as well as the intellectual process for the development of it.

Hazel Bingham gave me a link to her blog and I have been able to look at that and other examples to see what is needed in a learning log.

Andrew Corby interpreted Hazel’s work in the context of neolibralism and the appropriation of old buildings. My plans for my “Square Mile” project are to examine the the re-use of old buildings and sites and this may be of relevance. I will re-examine this as my thoughts are more developed about my project.