AGY-2226 | Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) - Distance Education

Full description

Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) was established in January, 1992. The purpose of the agency was to make vocational education and training available to students whose educational objectives could not otherwise be met because of distance, disability, isolation or other life circumstances. OTEN enables the flexible delivery of courses to suit the needs of its clients, it provides a centre for the development and production of appropriate learning resources and for the evaluation of educational technology including satellite education services. It also supports the on-line library system for TAFE libraries in NSW. (1) OTEN functioned outside the network of TAFE institutes. In its first year there was an enrolment of 19, 507 students or 4.6% of the total Tafe enrolments. (2)

On 1 July, 1993 OTEN combined its existing functions with the distance education activities of the Department of School Education thus providing distance and open learning education in secondary and vocational. In 1993 a Board was established to oversee the activities of OTEN. The Board consisted on an independent Chair, the chief executives or the TAFE Commission and the Department of School Education and their deputies.

The delivery methods of OTEN were determined by the needs of the students and the syllabus. Many of its courses were taught by mixed modes including various combinations of satellite broadcasting, video conferencing, interactive television, audio graphics, self-paced learning, class attendance, tutorials, practical sessions, local groupings to provide network support, mobile instructional units and workshops. In 1994 OTEN offered 120 Tafe Courses at certificate, associate diploma and diploma level. Many of the courses were of particular significance to rural students however many courses of more general application were also available. In that year there was a total enrolment of 23,000 students. (3)

In September 1995 OTEN moved into new purpose designed premises at Strathfield in metropolitan Sydney appropriate for the deliver of technology dependent services.

In addition to providing courses for people unable to attend Institutes OTEN also contracted to provide 'In House' Training for corporate clients.

Endnotes
1. Report of the Technical and further education Commission for the year ended 30 June, 1992. P. 16
2. Report of the Technical and Further Education Commission for the year ended 30 June, 1993 p. 58.
3. Report of the New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission for the year ended 30 June, 1994 p. 11, and 27