eCampusOntario Releases $50M Virtual Learning Strategy call for Expressions of Interest (EOI)

January 6, 2021

eCampusOntario released its call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) today in support of the Government of Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS).

Announced on December 11, 2020, the VLS is an historic $50 million investment by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) intended to drive growth and advancement in virtual learning across the province’s post-secondary institutions. The VLS will expand the possibilities of traditional and life-long learning through the accelerated use of both online and hybrid learning.

Members of the eCampusOntario Consortium, which includes the province’s 45 colleges and universities and one Indigenous institute, can now apply for funding to support Ontario-made virtual learning capacity and content creation.

“The Virtual Learning Strategy was designed after close consultation with the sector conducted by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. During these consultations it was clear the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on Ontario’s postsecondary education, with institutions rapidly transitioning to remote delivery this past year,” said Dr. Robert Luke, CEO, eCampusOntario, “The VLS was informed directly by this experience and will address the critical need for the supports required for high-quality virtual learning, both current and post-pandemic.”

Applicants can propose a range of virtual learning content that not only includes the online conversion of existing courses, but also new virtual course content, simulations, educational games, and extended reality (XR) experiences. In addition, funding will be provided for projects that support innovation in the ways we can collectively address the challenges students and faculty experience when living, learning and working virtually. Funding will also provide for provincial technology licenses, and support Ontario educational technology companies to work with our PSE institutions to help gain market traction and reach international markets.

“This considerable investment in digital-by-design learning will establish Ontario as a global leader in online PSE and educational technology”, said Dr. Luke, “It will create an internationally competitive “Ontario Made” education that attracts learners domestically and around the world to our province’s virtual classrooms.”

eCampusOntario will be holding information sessions on the call throughout January. Submissions are due on February 3, 2021.

For more information about the Virtual Learning Strategy visit https://vls.ecampusontario.ca Expressions of Interest Eligible Institutions are invited to review the Expressions of Interest here.

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