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Three new members join eCampusOntario to expand virtual learning possibilities

eCampusOntario recently welcomed three new institutes to their consortium, bringing their growing membership to 53. The new members are Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, and Université de Hearst. These institutions join eCampusOntario’s mission to promote inclusion, collaboration, and innovation in digital educational experiences in Ontario. eCampusOntario looks forward to continuing to support its members in collectively developing solutions and resources that enhance digital-by-design learning programs across the province.

“We are very excited to welcome two new Indigenous Institutes and one francophone university as our newest members,” said Robert Luke, Chief Executive Officer of eCampusOntario. “Having diverse perspectives in our consortium helps us develop more comprehensive and inclusive programs and resources to better serve Ontario educators and learners’ online educational experiences. We are committed to collaborating with our members to meet their virtual learning needs and co-design a future of learning that is digital by design.”

The Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre (OSTTC) is a community owned Indigenous training and postsecondary institute that has been educating, training, and certifying The Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and surrounding communities since first opening its doors in 2003. OSTTC is located in the heart of the village of Ohsweken. OSTTC was established to address employer needs for skilled workers and the needs of individuals looking to increase skills and employability.

“We are excited to be a part of eCampusOntario, and looking forward to building our relationship. OSTTC has now adopted online learning platforms for our learners, and we are seeing the positive impacts of alternative learning and all the options available through eLearning platforms. We are moving towards micro-credential programming in our future and meeting the labour market needs and skills development for our community.” – Erin Monture, CEO, Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre

Founded in 1996 by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Oshki-Wenjack is an Indigenous postsecondary Indigenous Institute committed to increasing access to accredited postsecondary education in their 49 First Nation communities, as well as Indigenous learners from across Ontario. Oshki-Wenjack students, instructors, and support staff come from closely knit communities and strive to create an environment that feels like home, whether in the classroom or meeting online. Oshki-Wenjack focuses on creating a learning environment that is designed for Indigenous learners and feels welcoming at every step along the learning journey.

“Joining eCampusOntario is a natural fit for Oshki-Wenjack’s well-established provision of blended delivery programming for learners in northern communities. We have already seen the impact of beneficial supports to Hyflex and eLearning on increased student engagement and a more dynamic classroom experience overall for our remote learners, and we look forward to offering micro-credentials that reflect the evolving needs of our community members.” – Lorrie Deschamps, President, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute

Université de Hearst offers undergraduate programs in French across three campuses in Hearst, Kapuskasing, and Timmins and has been serving northern Ontario’s francophone community since 1953. Université de Hearst stands out for offering block courses, meaning learners take one course at a time over three weeks rather than taking five courses simultaneously. Their innovative formula promotes the concentration of ideas and consolidates learning.

“Université de Hearst is very pleased to join the eCampusOntario consortium. Newly autonomous since last April, our university wants to contribute to the evolution of learning methods to respond to the changing needs of the current student population.” – Luc Bussières, President, Université de Hearst