Getting started
Congratulations on choosing to study with OTEN!
Here’s how to get started.
Your TAFE NSW number, username, password
What is my TAFE NSW student number?
You will need this number when you contact OTEN.
You can find your this TAFE NSW student number on your Confirmation of enrolment letter.
What is my username and password?
You will need your username and password to access any TAFE NSW and OTEN online services. Keep your username and password safe.
Your can find your username on your Confirmation of enrolment letter. Your password will have been provided to you, either in your Confirmation of enrolment letter or by contact from your teaching section. If you are unsure, contact your teaching section.
- To find a copy of this letter in the OLS go to Communication > My correspondence.
- To contact your teaching section go to Communication > Contact a teacher.
The Online Learning Support (OLS) site
How do I find my way around the Online Learning Support (OLS) site?
Take the OLS tour to find out about the features that can help you complete your studies. You will find the tour on the front page of the OLS.
My enrolment
Where can I access a copy of my Confirmation of enrolment?
To access a copy, login to the OLS and go to Communication > My correspondence
What if I have more questions about my enrolment?
Start by going to the:
You can also contact your teaching section while in the OLS > Communication > Contact a teacher.
What if I want to enrol in another course?
You will find information about different courses at the OTEN website > Courses and careers.
You can also contact your teaching section while in the OLS> Communication > Contact a teacher.
How long do I have to complete my course?
You can study at your own pace and at your own place. We are here to support and encourage you to complete your chosen course where and when it suits you.
Your enrolment is conditional on consistent progress through your coursework at a reasonable pace. If you are unable to attend to your studies and submit assignments regularly, you should withdraw so that this does not hinder enrolling again with us in the future.
How do I withdraw from my course?
If you decide to withdraw from your course you will need to complete a withdrawal form. To find this form and information in the OLS go to Guidelines and information > Enrolment and money.
Refunds will depend on the program and you may need to provide supporting documentation.
Communication
How do I let my teacher know about me?
Your teachers can help you better if they know something of your reasons for doing the course, what you want to achieve and any study problems you may have. You can introduce yourself to your teachers in the OLS > Communication > Introduction to teachers
How do I contact my teacher if I need help?
It is important that you contact your teacher if you are having problems with your studies or need to discuss any enrolment matters. To do this in the OLS go to Communication > Contact a teacher.
How can I contact other students?
Facebook.
- Join other students on OTEN’s Facebook page and become part of the OTEN Facebook community!
- Join an OTEN Facebook Group and get to talk with students and teachers in your specific course.
- To join, click on the Facebook icon in the footer area of any page in the OLS.
- Follow OTEN Twitter to receive useful updates and announcements.
- To join, click on the Twitter icon in the footer area of any page in the OLS.
How do I update my contact details?
It is important that you update your contact details if they change. In the OLS go to > Communication > Update my Details.
My course
How do I find out about my course progress?
In the OLS go to My courses and units > My course progress
Do I need text books or other resources for my course?
In the OLS go to My courses and units > My units > Resources
Which unit should I start with?
To begin, you will be enrolled in an initial set of units.
As you complete each set of units you will need to contact us to request additional units be added to your enrolment.
For information on the recommended study path, the overall assessment requirements and course grading, login to the OLS and go to My courses and units > Course information.
How do I access my learning resources for every unit?
To access your learning resources, login to the OLS and for every unit go to My courses and units > My units > Resources
Your learning resources include online notes and activities, videos, web tutorials, useful websites and other supplementary information and tips from your teacher.
What if I realise I may already have the required knowledge and skills?
If you have:
- completed a TAFE NSW course or unit, or
- gained a qualification from another training organisation, or
- relevant informal training or employment either through paid or voluntary work experience or from your life experiences in Australia or overseas,
you can apply for credit to recognise those skills.
If you believe that you have relevant and current skills in one or more units of competency (units), you may complete the qualification faster.
You will find more information:
- at the OTEN website at Students > Credit pathways
- in the OLS at My Courses and Units > Course Information > Credit pathways.
My studies
Where can I get help with study skills?
You can get help tips and practical advice by going to the OTEN Study Skills website.
How can I plan my studies to best suit me?
Develop a personal study planner or calendar that takes into account your activities and the time you can spend studying each week. You will find a recommended study pathway in the OLS at My courses and units > Course information > Course overview.
You can also check with your teaching section. It is a good idea to submit an assessment within two weeks of commencing a unit of study. For ideas on planning, go to OTEN Study Skills > Plan.
Student support
How can I get help?
OTEN provides specialist staff to help you during your time with us. This includes Aboriginal support, Disability support, Multicultural support, eLearning support ,Counselling and Accessibility support, as well as extra study help through yourtutor, a free, online, on-demand tutorial service.
To find out more:
- go to the OTEN website > Students > Support services
- in the OLS > go to the Student support links which are in the footer area of every OLS page
- in the OLS > Guidelines and information > Student support
- in the OLS > Communication > Contact a teacher.
Administrative and technical support
What is a TAFEcard and do I need one?
A TAFEcard is a TAFE NSW student card and college services card. It is not essential for completing your studies with OTEN but may be useful if you want to visit other TAFE colleges and use their student services.
- To obtain a TAFEcard contact your local college or OTEN.
- You will need to make an appointment to have your TAFEcard photo taken and the TAFEcard processed.
What is the Student portal?
The Student Portal allows you to access the internet, intranets, email and TAFE applications from anywhere.
To access the portal when you are in the OLS > Guidelines and information > Quicklinks > Student portal.
What do I do if I forget my TAFE password?
You won’t be able to login to the OLS or the Student portal without your TAFE username and password.
For help:
- go to the OTEN website > Students > Technical help > Password problems.
- on the OLS home page > Trouble logging in? link
- contact your teaching section.
Once you have your password reset, you should also login to the Student portal to setup a secret answer and question, in case you forget your password again.
What sort of computer do I need?
For PC or MAC computer help:
- go to the OTEN website > Students > Technical help
- in the OLS > Technical help.
My assessments
How will I be assessed?
Assessment guidelines can be accessed in the OLS > Guidelines and information > Assessment guidelines.
You will find the assessments for each of your units in the OLS > My courses and units > My units > Assessments.
Your course learning resources may also include practice activities to assist your understanding and support your learning. These activities are very important for your learning process even though they may not contribute to the results you receive for the unit.
You can attempt the formal assessment(s), once you are confident you have gained the necessary knowledge and skills.
How do I access my assessments?
You can download your assessments from the OLS. In some cases you will be asked to complete an online quiz.
Login to the OLS and go to My courses and units > My units > Assessments.
Click Download for the assessment you wish to complete.
How do I submit my assessments?
You can upload your assessment to the OLS, where your teacher will be able to directly access it.
Login to the OLS and go to My courses and units > My units > Assessments.
Click Submit for the assessment you wish to upload or Online test to attempt an online quiz.
How long will it take for my assessment to be marked?
Once you submit an assignment we will do our best to mark it and return it to you as soon as possible—in most cases within 10 working days.
If you receive an email that your teacher has marked and uploaded feedback to the OLS, login to the OLS and go to My courses and units > My units > Assessments > Teacher feedback.
How do I apply for a test or exam?
If your course has tests or exams, you'll find information in the OLS > Guidelines and information > Assessment guidelines > Test applications.