Welcome to the Christmas issue of otennews for SEEK students studying with OTEN.In this issue we profile the extensive experience and commitment of our Information Technology teachers. We look at our students’ achievements acknowledged at the OTEN Student Awards and give you a glimpse into NAIDOC Week celebrations held at OTEN, with the fabulous comedian Sean Choolburra as our M.C. for this event.Our new partnership with Swinburne Online opens up a new pathway to university for OTEN graduates across a range of specialist degrees. Plus, take time to read the study tips and time management skills that will help you progress with your studies in 2014. Last, but not least, to help you celebrate the festive season, there is a fantastic recipe for a delicious Rocky Road Christmas Tree. This gives us the perfect opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working together with you in 2014. Happy studying!

Spotlight

It is always a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of our students and this year was no exception.

Our students, together with their families and friends, travelled from all over the state of New South Wales, and even interstate, to be recognised at the 2012 Student Awards held at Club Burwood RSL on Friday evening, 3 May. Students received awards for Most Outstanding Student in each course, Highest Band 6 in the HSC and Special Achievement Awards.

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2012 OTEN STUDENT AWARDS - An Evening of Celebration

A pathway to university in 2014

Western Sydney Careers Expo

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In this issue Featured profile

5 minutes with SEEK student Andrew ScalesWith 18 courses in Information

Technology on offer to SEEK students, it is an opportune time to feature some of the teachers who deliver these courses to you.

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Information Technology Teaching Team

To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2013 the Aboriginal Education and Training Unit at OTEN hosted an event with the aim of bringing students and community organisations together to share information and to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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NAIDOC 2013 – We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963

Spring/Summer 2013

At OTEN, we recognise the importance of offering you the flexibility to fast track your career opportunities with pathways to higher education qualifications at university.With increasing competition for employment, completion of a university qualification will enhance your career prospects and help you to stand out in the job market.

If you visited the Western Sydney Careers Expo at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush from 20 - 23 June you would have certainly seen Western Sydney Institute’s (WSI) Career Central Site.

All information in this material is correct at the time of publishing: November 2013. All rights reserved 2013 ©If you do not wish to receive further issues of this newsletter, please click here to unsubscribe.

Your Experience Counts

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin.

Meet Andrew Scales. Andrew enrolled through SEEK Learning and OTEN in July this year to study the Diploma in Property Services. He decided to study online for the ease of online learning as he was also setting up his own real estate business, Streamlined Real Estate in Perth WA and had little time for the classroom.

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Your SEEK supportPhone:(02) 9715 8684 or (02) 9715 8531

Email:oten.seek@tafensw.edu.au

Jannette, Head Teacher of IT

(Left to right) Sean Choolburra, Francesca Saccaro, Kerry Evans and Aunty Donna Ingram

SEEK Team - Left to right: Mary Anne Bleazard, Lisa Trevillian, Daniel Shaw, Rhonda Eadie, John Merkouris, Cheryl Riley, Gabby Ziomek, Vanessa Roukis, Chanel Burgos

Study Tips

Recipes

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FAQs

Answer... How do I change my personal details?

How do I contact my Teaching Section?Answer...

When does my course expire?Answer...

We understand how challenging it can be to manage your time, incorporating all your various commitments: work, family, study, friends, hobbies and household tasks.

A delicious treat for the whole family.

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Study Tip – Time Management

Rocky Road Christmas Tree

Spring 2013

2012 OTEN STUDENT AWARDS - An Evening of Celebration

It is always a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of our students and this year was no exception. Our students, together with their families and friends, travelled from all over the state of New South Wales, and even interstate, to be recognised at the 2012 Student Awards held at Club Burwood RSL on Friday evening, 3 May. Students received awards for Most Outstanding Student in each course, Highest Band 6 in the HSC and Special Achievement Awards.

Congratulations were extended to OTEN’s two TAFE State Medalists, Richard Sabbagh who achieved the Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Meat Safety) and Illia Saraev, who achieved his Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing. Both students have shown that distance education is no impediment to achieving the highest levels of excellence.

Liane Gleson who graduated with a Diploma of Tourism received the Jim Shaw Award for most Outstanding SEEK Learning Student. This Award is in memory of Jim Shaw, a previous Director Education, OTEN who was instrumental in negotiating the SEEK Learning and OTEN Partnership. Since its inception in 2006, the SEEK partnership and led to over 50,000 student enrolments with OTEN.

In addition, we were pleased to welcome representatives from business and industry, and also members of the community, who shared in this celebration of students’ achievements. The support they provide makes a positive contribution to the outcomes of our students.

We were honoured to have Shane Phillips, CEO, Tribal Warrior deliver the Keynote Address. Having been raised on The Block in Redfern, he truly appreciates the value of education and how it can open the door to opportunities. Shane has had a long association with the Maritime Teaching Section at OTEN through The Tribal Warrior Association which was established in Redfern 14 years ago. It is a non-profit community organisation that provides specialised training programs for Aboriginal people to create employment opportunities in the maritime industry.

Shane’s work with young people in child protection, juvenile justice, and with the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody has made him into a highly regarded voice of the community. He has come to be one of Redfern community’s most respected members. Shane was named Local Australian Hero 2013 at the Australian of the Year Awards in January.

Whilst celebrating the success of our students, this presentation also gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of our teachers, both onsite and offsite, and support staff who provide many hours of assistance to help students achieve their educational goals.

Spotlight

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Students from the 2012 OTEN Student Awards

All information in this material is correct at the time of publishing: November 2013. All rights reserved 2013 ©If you do not wish to receive further issues of this newsletter, please click here to unsubscribe.

Your SEEK supportPhone:(02) 9715 8684 or (02) 9715 8531

Email:oten.seek@tafensw.edu.au

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Your pathway to university in 2014

At OTEN, we recognise the importance of offering you the flexibility to fast track your career opportunities with pathways to higher education qualifications at university. With increasing competition for employment, completion of a university qualification will enhance your career prospects and help you to stand out in the job market.

That’s why we are very pleased to announce our new partnership with Swinburne Online. OTEN’s graduates of specific Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications will have a pathway to Swinburne Online across a range of specialist degrees in Business, Social Science, Communication and Education disciplines. All qualifications are fully accredited by Swinburne University of Technology.

Enrolling in a Swinburne Online degree will ensure that you get the maximum benefit for your studies at OTEN. If you have successfully completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a related field to your preferred degree, you will be eligible to gain credit exemptions and be able to fast track your degree.

With the commitment and discipline you’ve shown by studying online with OTEN, you’ll feel right at home studying with Swinburne Online. Plus, you can continue to fit study in with your work commitments and busy lifestyle.

Why Swinburne Online? • You will learn in a collaborative environment in small groups • You have a range of courses to choose from • You can choose to study up to 3 teaching periods each year • Online tutors are experts in their fields and specially trained in teaching online • Support is available 7 days a week

Swinburne Online has 3 intakes each year in March, July and November.

Enrolments close on 28 February 2014 for the next intake starting on 10 March 2014.

To find out more about your online study options, visit Swinburne Online:1300 069 765 enquiries@swinburneonline.com

swinburneonline.edu.au

Western Sydney Careers ExpoIf you visited the Western Sydney Careers Expo at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush from 20 - 23 June you would have certainly seen Western Sydney Institute’s (WSI) Career Central Site.

Our ‘WSI Career Central’ site included representation from each business line, demonstrations and an App. competition which captured enquiries from prospective students and strongly promoted the WSI brand. WSI’s Expo highlights included hairdressing and beauty demonstrations, automotive demonstrations, interactive games in the IT section and a live band.

A total of 130 staff members and students gave their time to provide course information, customer service, career advice and to present at our seminars. It was clear from the number of our red WSI bags being carried by attendees that WSI’s profile was raised in Western Sydney and beyond. The feedback from staff, attendees and competitors at the Expo has been overwhelmingly positive such as: “WSI has really listened to the market”; “WSI’s presence here shows how strong it is in the region”; “WSI has raised the bar on showcasing what TAFE is all about”.

backWSI Career Central

Featured profile

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Five Minutes with SEEK Student Andrew Scales Your Experience Counts

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin.

Meet Andrew Scales. Andrew enrolled through SEEK Learning and OTEN in July this year to study the Diploma in Property Services. He decided to study online for the ease of online learning as he was also setting up his own real estate business, Streamlined Real Estate in Perth WA and had little time for the classroom.

Now 52 years of age, Andrew has been involved with property and building since the age of 16. Starting his career as a carpenter in the UK, Andrew’s career led him to become a Master Builder in his early 30’s. As a mature age student, he completed a Degree in Construction Design & Management and over the next 10 years achieved Chartered Status as a Builder Developer.

Since arriving in Australia over 15 years ago, Andrew has been a General and Construction Manager for large companies in Perth. More recently he has been involved with developing and building projects through his own company Evolution Homes in Perth and the Pilbara.

Today, Andrew is halfway through a Graduate Certificate in Planning at Edith Cowan University and has just completed his Diploma in Property Services with us at OTEN in record time of less than 2 months. As explained by Andrew, “I wish to become a true property professional. I have had some bad experiences with real estate agents in Perth.” Andrew goes on to say, “I intend making a change for the future and strive to ensure that good Real Estate Agencies have a recognised and justified place in our future markets.”

Well done Andrew. As Winston Churchill once said “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

“Sincere thanks to the teachers and staff at OTEN at TAFE NSW, it was a pleasurable and rewarding experience. Having dealt with numerous organisations in the past, this experience has been so professional and extremely helpful and, in my experience, rarely encountered. I must also mention my SEEK Learning Consultant as he is an outstanding Learning and Advisory Consultant.”

Information Technology Teaching Team With 18 courses in Information Technology on offer to SEEK students, it is an opportune time to feature some of the teachers who deliver these courses to you.

Jannette is the Head Teacher of Information Technology. She has worked in TAFE NSW for 21 years, the last 12 of those being at OTEN. In addition she has over 25 years’ experience in the IT industry, particularly in the areas of systems design & development, database design and project management.“I believe that giving students the opportunity to study by distance gives people the best possible chance of fitting further education into their already busy lives. It is definitely challenging and requires commitment, but all of the staff here are dedicated to supporting our students in successfully completing their course and staring new careers.”

Maryann has worked in many areas of the IT Industry for over 20 years and has been a TAFE teacher for 9 years. “Working at OTEN has given me the opportunity to impart my knowledge and experience to many students keen on an IT career. I have been able to utilise a range of technologies to give my students an interesting and varied learning experience.”

Frank, has worked in the ITC Industry for 30 years in a variety of roles from Mainframe Operator, Operations Centre Manager, Analyst Programmer, System Network and Database Administrator, ITC Consultant and Trainer. In later years he was an ITC Manager for 10 years including Managing and Implementing major Corporate Projects. Concurrently, he has been a teacher in IT for TAFE and Private Colleges for the last 20 years. To underpin his technical skills he completed the Certificate IV in IT Technical Support, Diploma in System Administration IT, Cert IV in Training and Assessment plus a Degree in Teaching studied by distance through Charles Sturt University. Hes been a Member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) since 1994.“Teaching has been a passion for me being able to share my knowledge with students at various skill levels and developing new courses for the National Training Package.”

Bruce has worked at OTEN for 3 years. Prior to that he worked as a Senior Manager and Technical Specialist, for over 35 years, in Information Technology, across the Banking, Retail and Government industries. He was worked in all areas of business management including service, financials, technology, people and projects. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business (Major in Information Technology) and Certificate IV’s in Commerce Accounting Procedures and Workplace Training. He has also undertaken training in Delivering Information Systems at Harvard Business School.

Anthony:I have worked in the Information Technology area for the past 16 years firstly as a helper at State schools and then in 2000 formalised my study and began teaching at TAFE. Since commencing I have taught at both face-to-face colleges and high schools (as part of my Degree) and also at correctional centres. Commenced work at OTEN in July 2008. I very much enjoy dealing with students. “I had a mixed experience as a student with TAFE and believe that having been a student and now a qualified teacher I am able to better understand a student’s perspective on study. I’m happy to be using my experiences from life, as a student and as a professional to feed into my work at OTEN. OTEN has given me the chance to utilise a range of technologies and assessment methods to provide a great learning experience to all our students.”

Eve has been a TAFE teacher for over 20 years, and has particular interests in hardware innovation, software, multimedia and networks. She enjoys working at OTEN because of their innovative approach to learning and enjoys running interactive tutorials in ‘virtual’ classrooms. She is currently studying a Masters in ‘sustainability’ via distance study with Swinburne University because IT technology doesn’t fit easily with sustainability. She loves learning and tries to help our students enjoy their study experience with OTEN.

For over 20 years Babak (Bob) has been in the IT Industry working as an IT Consultant, System Analyst/Programmer, IT Support and Trainer. Bob has a Bachelor’s Degree in IT Systems and Computer Engineering, and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. He has a passion for teaching and has been teaching IT for 10 years in public and private institutions.He joined OTEN in 2012 and since then has enjoyed passing on his experience in supporting students with their learning and making it a positive experience.

Nada has been an Information Technology teacher at OTEN since 1998 and in TAFE since 1992 in a number of different colleges. She has 26 plus years working in Information Technology. “Being an IT Teacher at OTEN has given me the great opportunity to assist hundreds of students from all background groups such as HSC, non-English speaking background, aboriginal, Special Needs, mature age or live in isolated areas, with their study. I have given students the highest standards of service and I have strived to improve their skills and the quality of their work. Also, OTEN has given me the chance to utilise a range of technologies and assessment methods to provide a great learning experience to all our students.”

Jannette, Head Teacher of IT

Maryann

In this issue

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Bruce

Eve

Bob

Nada

Anthony

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Hi my name is Sherrie.I have been involved in the IT industry for over 30 years, 20 years of that has been with TAFE. My teaching areas cover a range of System Development including systems analysis, database, project management, programming and website design. I know that OTEN provides real opportunities for students to gain qualifications and improve their career prospects. There is no other organisation in the world that will give you the chance to enrol when you want and study at your own pace. I would encourage everyone to make learning a life-long habit and take advantage of the real opportunity that OTEN has to offer.

Barry has been a teacher in Information Technology for TAFE NSW since 1991 and became a full-time teacher in 1999. Barry’s expertise ranges from programming, database, web, digital media and small area networks. Having obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Computing Science by distance education through Charles Sturt University Barry understands the challenges that face students learning by distance. He is passionate about distance education which is why he transferred to OTEN in 2006 where he supports students and develops learning materials.“I can be more effective as a teacher with OTEN as I can share my knowledge with more students over a vast geographic area.”

For over 20 years Edwina worked as a Practice Manager in the Medical Industry. She joined OTEN 3 years ago as a Clerical Officer to the IT Section. This is an important role in supporting all the teachers and their needs in all administrative duties.“I enjoy the challenge of helping students to get started in their studies and encourage them as I believe the more they learn the more confident they become not only in their studies but also in themselves.”

Barry

Edwina

NAIDOC 2013 – We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2013 the Aboriginal Education and Training Unit at OTEN hosted an event with the aim of bringing students and community organisations together to share information and to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The event was opened by Aunty Donna Ingram who welcomed guests on to the lands of the Wangal people. Among the invited guests was Danny Lester, CEO of the Aboriginal Employment Strategy who spoke about the importance of communities and government sectors working together. Mr Lester also gave an overview of the NSW Government’s new Aboriginal Affairs Plan OCHRE. This is an important document which highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities.The event also celebrated and showcased the diversity of Aboriginal cultures and talent. This was done through Dreaming stories from Uncle Wes Marne, a local Aboriginal Elder in Western Sydney, along with dancing and didgeridoo performances from Muru Mittigar. Our Master of Ceremonies was Sean Choolburra, well-known Aboriginal comedian from Mt Isa. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by the Bell River Band who played a variety of music that suited all tastes.OTEN staff were also treated to a feast of bush tucker provided by Purple Goanna Catering, a local Aboriginal catering company based in Redfern.

(Left to right) Sean Choolburra, Francesca Saccaro, Kerry Evans and Aunty Donna Ingram.

OTEN staff enjoying the festivities.

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Sherrie

Study Tip – Time Management We understand how challenging it can be to manage your time, incorporating all your various commitments: work, family, study, friends, hobbies and household tasks.

Create a weekly planner with Google Calendar.

Creating a weekly planner in a program like Google Calendar is a great way to have all your commitments listed in one place. You can add a colour for each activity to make it easier to read and you can also choose to get email or SMS notifications when an event is due to begin. These can provide you with that gentle nudge you need to keep you on track in those early days where forming good habits can be crucial.

Students who schedule regular study times are giving themselves the best opportunity to keep on top of their studies and progress through their course.

Below is an example of a weekly plan. By planning the key events of your week in this manner, including designated study times, it can decrease the likelihood of something being forgotten as this added structure removes the stress of managing all your commitments on the run.

Study tips

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Rocky Road Christmas Tree (makes approx 3 trees) What you need:Large sheet cardboard

Baking Paper

2 x 375g Milk Melts, melted

250g Dark Choc Bits

500g marshmallows

250g salted peanuts

100 g Dark Melts, melted

100g White Melts, melted

Method:

Step 1: Cut 3 x 24cm squares from the cardboard. Cover one side of each square with baking paper, securing with glue or staples. Holding 1 corner, roll cardboard to form a cone shape. Staple.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine Milk Melts, Dark Choc Bits, marshmallows and peanuts together until well combined. Spoon mixture into the cone, pressing down well. Stand the cone in a vase or tall glass/jar and allow to set for approx 1-2 hours. Once set, the cone can be stored on its side in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Step 3: Just prior to serving, carefully remove the cardboard and stand the tree on a serving plate. Drizzle with dark and white melts. Press a star or candle into the top and decorate with Christmas decorations.

Step 4: To serve, place the tree on its side on a chopping board to slice and cut into rounds, then roughly chop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does my course expire?Certificate III and Certificate IV courses end 2 years from your original enrolment date.Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses end 3 years from your original enrolment date.If you would like to clarify your exact date, please contact either:Cheryl Riley 02 9715 8684 or John Merkouris 02 9715 8531

How do I change my personal details? You can log onto e-Services Logon page and change your own contact details. Alternatively, you can contact your SEEK/OTEN Project Officer to change them for you. Cheryl Riley 02 9715 8684 John Merkouris 02 9715 2953

How do I contact my Teaching Section?Once you have logged onto the OLS, click on the menu heading Unit Information, then Contact a Teacher. Contact details include a direct phone number, toll free phone number, fax number and an email address.

FAQs

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All information in this material is correct at the time of publishing: November 2013. All rights reserved 2013 ©If you do not wish to receive further issues of this newsletter, please click here to unsubscribe.

Your SEEK supportPhone:(02) 9715 8684 or (02) 9715 8531

Email:oten.seek@tafensw.edu.au

Recipes

Example

Bianca works full time in a busy corporate role, as an account administrator. She likes to keep fit by going to the gym and playing football and of course she likes to catch up with her friends.

The following schedule shows all these commitments as well as 3 study periods (in green) totalling 9 hours of study in the week. As Bianca is studying the Diploma of Accounting she will complete her course in 2 years if she continues at this rate, or even sooner if she adds another study session each week!

You can set events to recur every week (or any other interval) saving you from entering it in manually every week. If you create a calendar on your laptop it will also automatically sync with your mobile/tablet as long as you have the app installed on your device.

If you have a Gmail account, Google+ or YouTube you will already have access to Google Calendar. Otherwise it’s free to sign up with Google.

There is a huge variety of other planning and productivity apps in the App Store and Google Play, so why not have a search and see what works best for you?