A new report on the Canadian online education shows the sector is flourishing, according to Contact North, Ontario’s distane education and training network.
The report, entitled Online Learning in Canada 2012: At a Tipping Point, describes how public colleges and universities are providing extensive online learning options for students. The report said Canada is positioned to become a global online learning hub.
“The release of Online Learning in Canada marks the first time in many years that an organization has published such a cross country check-up on online learning,” said Maxim Jean-Louis, President – Chief Executive Officer, Contact North | Contact Nord, in a press release. “We invite colleagues across Canada to contribute to this ‘work-in-progress’ which we hope will stimulate collaboration and sharing in the field of online learning amongst provinces and territories across Canada, with the ultimate goal of providing a higher quality learning experience for all students.”
The report estimated that there are between 875K-950K students registered in Canadian online courses and that number continues to grow.
Key findings from the report indicate Canada’s strengths in online learning are due to:
- A de-centralized education and training system which provides a unique opportunity for diversity and the ability to respond to unique, local priorities such as Francophone and Aboriginal learners
- Increasing examples of the integration of web 2.0 technologies into both classroom and online learning
- Governments and the private sector in Canada making extensive use of online learning Examples include the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Hudson’s Bay Company
- The many opportunities for provinces and territories to learn from one another and collaborate
The full report may be accessed here.
– Staff Report
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