Maxim Jean-Louis sent me this document, a now-public draft of a policy framework for online learning in Ontario. Several major needs are addressed: providing access, increasing flexibility, and fostering 21st century skills and knowledge. It also addresses what might be called the "innovation imperative" and the need for cost-effectiveness. The proposal builds on Ontario's already strong education system, one which includes 787 online programs and 20,843 online courses (the most in Canada) as well as a network of literacy and skills providers, quality-assurance mechanisms, and numerous technology platform, service and infrastructure providers. The document describes "a one-stop online information service enabling course or program choice... online student services – career guidance, course choice, study skills support, library support... over 1,000 programs and 30,000 courses from publicly-assisted education and training providers..." and much more.
The report proposes establishing an Ontario Online Institute (OOI) to "increase the range and flexibility of online education and training opportunities available to students," to "support the use of online, workshop, face-to-face and any other methods to enrich the professional development of all publicly-assisted education," and again, more. The foci would be on degrees and degree completion, flexible trades and apprenticeships, use of technology to support students with disabilities, technology access, aboriginal students, and literacy skills. Finally, the program would "go global," seeking to establish an international market for Ontario learning.
The report proposes establishing an Ontario Online Institute (OOI) to "increase the range and flexibility of online education and training opportunities available to students," to "support the use of online, workshop, face-to-face and any other methods to enrich the professional development of all publicly-assisted education," and again, more. The foci would be on degrees and degree completion, flexible trades and apprenticeships, use of technology to support students with disabilities, technology access, aboriginal students, and literacy skills. Finally, the program would "go global," seeking to establish an international market for Ontario learning.
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