Enrolling in Distance Education Courses
Distance Education (DE) is a way of facilitating learning away from the classroom, without the teacher and student having to be in the same place at the same time. DE employs various means to support communications between teacher and student. Historically, regular mail has been used to send written material, videos or audiotapes to the student. Other media that have become more commonly used in DE include television, radio, e-mail, the Internet and video conferencing.
On October 20, 2006, the Ministry of Education launched the first phase of The National Open School of Trinidad and Tobago (NOSTT). This Open School is an educational system which uses a blend of classroom and DE methods and allows learners to choose how to learn, when to learn, where to learn and what to learn using a wide range of educational media. It is complementary to the formal education system; however, it emphasizes entry-level skills knowledge, abilities and competencies rather than qualifications. By offering more diversified curricula, the Open School will facilitate those who may have missed out at an earlier stage or those who may simply wish to further their career goals or personal development.
The major distinctive features of the NOSTT will be:
- Taking education to disadvantaged populations.
- Providing a choice to learners for what they want to learn.
- Providing education to second chance learners.
- Providing a safety net for school drop-outs.
- Providing education to those who cannot attend conventional schools for a variety of social and economic reasons.
Can I enroll?
Learners of all ages seeking primary and secondary education certification or adults seeking learning opportunities can access DE. Anyone throughout the nation or abroad will be soon able to enhance his or her educational opportunities from any location and at any time.
What courses and services are available?
Basic Education and Professional Development courses will be available through DE and each course will meet quality standards and is in line with the national curriculum. You can view a list of DE courses below.
Other services to be provided to DE students include:
- Help desk support
- Access to a digital library
- Access to an online portal
- Access to computer labs and multimedia resources
- Student counseling and advising
- Registration services
- Student tutoring
How do I enroll?
You can obtain information on the enrollment process for a specific course by visiting the Ministry’s Distance Education Unit You may also contact any of the Education District Offices identified below.
Educational Districts
Department/Section/Unit |
SupervisorIII |
Telephone No |
Caroni |
Mr Manchoon Sooknanan |
636-4800 or 636-4876
636-4839 (Fax) |
North Eastern |
Mr Bernard Tappin |
668-6256
668-2240 (Fax) |
Port Of Spain & Environs |
Ms Judith Pereira |
623-2315
623-1275 (Fax) |
South Eastern |
Mr Seelochan Roopnarine |
655-2759 |
St George East |
Mr Anthony Dalrymple |
645-7516
645-7520 (Fax)
668-2240 (Fax)
645-7520 (Fax) |
St Patrick |
Mr Nedd Mc Cree |
657-9286
653-3445 (Fax) |
Tobago |
Ms Allard |
639-5680 |
Victoria |
Ms Joyce Barnett |
653-7118 |
Where can I obtain more information?
More information can be obtained from the Distance Education Unit of the Ministry of Education. You may contact the Unit’s office Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, except public holidays.
Distance Education Unit
Ministry of Education
18 Abercromby Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 625-2615 |
