Jack Foks

Tutor: German: Level 6 Advanced Conversation

Jack Foks was born in a refugee camp in Switzerland in 1943. In 1947 he and his mother arrived in Australia, becoming Australian citizens in 1953.

Jack's major qualifications are a BA (Melbourne, 1965) and a TSTC (Hawthorn, 1970). From 1966 to 1972 he taught English and Social Studies in secondary schools in the UK and Australia, before moving into technical and vocational education (TAFE) in 1973, teaching communications, social studies and English to technicians and para-professionals at RMIT.

In 1978 Jack took up the position of Head of TAFE Distance Education in Victoria. In this capacity he led and coordinated a highly successful learner-centred statewide network providing flexible and innovative education and training options and support for TAFE learners. During this time he established a national and international reputation and undertook a range of consultancies in distance education, open learning and technology-enhanced learning - for international organisations, government agencies and providers of education and training.

Jack left TAFE in June 1994. He then worked as a national and international consultant in distance education, open learning and technology-enhanced learning. Much of his work was in South Africa, where he concentrated on the transformation of the distance education provision of further and vocational education in South Africa.

Throughout his career Jack presented papers in various forums around the world and contributed articles to a range of publications on the areas of education with which he was concerned.

Jack retired during 2002 and is now a devoted grandfather, bridge player and film-goer.