Today’s Necessity is Tomorrow’s Potential: Ontario’s leadership in virtual learning

By: Robert Luke, CEO

The importance of advancing virtual learning in our post-secondary institutions is not a new topic; that it would ever prove so critical so immediately due to a global pandemic was somewhat unexpected.

As with the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on Ontario’s post-secondary education sector. Almost overnight, institutions needed to rapidly transition to remote delivery. This pandemic pivot required more adaptation and strategy than first realized. Recognizing the urgency of this need, the Ontario Government announced a large-scale commitment to enhancing Ontario’s virtual education sector in December. As we continued to adjust to the stark reality of remote learning and working, we are seizing on the importance of online learning and the benefits it can bring to many in the coming months and years. Where the pandemic forced us into emergency remote teaching, we are now building the future of virtual learning, helping Ontario to realize global leadership in online postsecondary education.

Since the launch of the Virtual Learning Strategy, we have received 860 applications for funding to support and further develop the remote learning and teaching capacity and capabilities of Ontario’s Indigenous institutes, colleges, and universities. This is a turning point for post-secondary education in Ontario as we continue to develop digital and online environments, ensuring that we help make the virtual experience better with each semester.

This Virtual Learning Strategy is a historic $50 million investment by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. The funds allocated for the Virtual Learning Strategy will help drive solutions to help make Ontario a global leader in virtual education, supporting long-term change with funding for digital content, digital capacity, digital fluency, and digital delivery.

The applications we have received represent exciting and creative ideas for how Ontario’s virtual post-secondary education can be further developed in support of improved learner experiences and outcomes. We have seen the power of such opportunities in the past, with similar initiatives such as Ontario Extend and the Micro-credential Pilots. In the coming weeks, we will be announcing the recipients of the highly competitive funds. I am certain that we will all enjoy seeing exciting new ideas come to life, as the importance of virtual education continues to grow.

This is a game-changing investment that will reshape the future of post-secondary education in Ontario for years to come, as the many institutions that receive funding strive to create meaningful, digital by design learning experiences that support lifelong learners. Together, Ontario post-secondary institutions are becoming global leaders in online post-secondary education.

Stay tuned for updates on the Virtual Learning Strategy website and eCampusOntario Twitter feed.