Canadian Council on Learning | Conseil Canadien sur l'Apprentissage

Canadian Council on Learning releases report on e-learning

According to State of E-Learning in Canada, e-learning—the application of technologies such as computers and the internet to education and training—is recognized as a fundamental tool for fostering a lifelong learning society. In particular, e-learning provides for a flexible learning approach not readily available through other means. For example, e-learning:

• allows learners to choose content and tools appropriate to their differing interests, needs and skill levels;
• reduces geographical and physical barriers to learning; and
• can be accessed when desired or necessary.

“Whether in times of economic growth or recession, e-learning can increase our access to education, learning and employment opportunities,” says Dr. Paul Cappon, President and CEO of CCL. “Effective use of new learning technologies can help strengthen Canada’s human capital to meet the challenges of an uncertain future.”

Canada has gained international recognition in e-learning over the last decade, particularly with respect to infrastructure development, learning methodologies, tools and practices, accessibility, and research. For example, virtual high schools and post-secondary courses are becoming more widespread, and some workplaces are using e-learning to provide employees with a wide range of skills.

Recognizing the vast potential of e-learning, the Advisory Committee on Online Learning (established by the Canadian Ministers for Education, Canada/CMEC and Industry Canada) provided a succinct set of recommendations in 2001 with the overarching objective of strengthening e-learning in Canada. Yet, response to these recommendations has been muted at best. As the CCL report indicates, levels of adoption of e-learning in Canada continue to be considerably slower than anticipated, especially compared with a number of other countries (such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States) who have already made efforts to integrate e-learning into their strategic plans.

As referenced in State of E-Learning in Canada, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Online Learning should be re-visited to address the challenges currently constraining the growth of e-learning in Canada. The CCL report identifies a number of these challenges including insufficient levels of cohesion and collaboration nationally, inter-regionally and inter-institutionally; and infrastructure, funding and staffing issues at the post-secondary level. Moreover, a shortage of data regarding current Canadian e-learning initiatives limits the country’s ability to effectively monitor and evaluate its own progress and future learning needs.

“Many individuals and organizations can contribute to improving the effectiveness of e-learning—from students who can provide feedback on their experiences, to institutions who provide the technical infrastructure needed to support e-learning, to accreditation bodies that can provide and enforce clear guidelines for its usage,” says Dr. Cappon. “Meanwhile, employers and educators should collaborate to ensure that e-learning initiatives support the development of the skills needed within the job market.”

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The Canadian Council on Learning is an independent, not-for-profit corporation funded through an agreement with Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Its mandate is to promote and support evidence-based decisions about learning throughout all stages of life, from early childhood through to the senior years.

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