Open Universiteit

Background

The Open University of the Netherlands (Open Universiteit Nederland) is a Dutch institution for distance learning at an university level. It is an independent government-funded university and uses a variety of methods, including written materials, the Internet, and occasional evening seminars or day sessions.

It was founded in 1984 and opened to students that September. The administration is based in Heerlen in the province of Limburg, in the very south of the Netherlands. The university has study and support centres dispersed throughout the continental Netherlands, as well as study centres in Dutch-speaking Belgium (Flanders) and partnerships with institutions in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Suriname.

Logo (1984-mid/late 1980s?)

Visuals: On an indigo background, a multitude of white vertical-slanted rectangles abruptly appear and slide in throughout all directions. The shapes slowly form the word "Ou" as in the initials of the university with jagged edges, with the upper-right corner halve of the "O" missing, as three vertical-slanted rectangles slide between said letter. The words "Open universiteit" then appears underneath it. Shortly after, the rest of the logo - sans the three said shapes - fade out. Info or the title about the current program in light blue appears below.

Technique: Computer animation.

Audio: A multitude of 'scratching-like' sounds, followed by a reversed, echoed piano note and a ding. It is followed by another residue of the 'scratching' sounds, then finishes with a ding. Before the program, there may be one or two dings in order.

Availability: Seen on programs aired at the time on Feduco.^[Examples?]