Province strengthens its position as a global leader in postsecondary educationTORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $50 million in virtual learning and educational technologies to help expand access to high-quality, market-responsive, and globally competitive “Ontario Made” education. The move will strengthen the province’s position as a global leader in the postsecondary sector. “This is an historic investment that will support lifelong learners in achieving their educational and professional aspirations,” said Ross Romano, Minister of College and Universities. “It’s the first of its kind in our province’s history – providing dedicated funding to support virtual learning at publicly-assisted colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.” Informed by consultations with the postsecondary sector, the Virtual Learning Strategy will emphasize the importance of accessible and sustainable growth in educational technology and virtual learning, and support Ontario’s efforts to grow our digital footprint by:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of high-quality and accessible virtual learning. In the early days of the pandemic, our sector’s immediate and short term response to building upon our virtual needs was an absolu tely necessary step to guaranteeing the academic continuity of our students and ensuring that no one lost a year of study,” said Minister Romano. “It became abundantly clear during that time that Ontario could once again demonstrate our world renowned leadership in postsecondary education by developing our own “Ontario Made” virtual strategy with education that is flexible and responsive to the needs of the labour market.” The Virtual Learning Strategy for postsecondary education is one of more than 30 projects in Ontario Onwards: Ontario’s COVID-19 Action Plan for a People-Focused Government that will change the way people and businesses interact with government. “Through our government’s Virtual Learning Strategy, we are harnessing the power of technology and leveraging innovation to provide world-class post-secondary opportunities to Ontario’s students,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for Digital and Data Transformation. “As part of our Ontario Onwards Action Plan for a People-Focused Government, this strategy will help fulfill our vision to make Ontario the global leader in providing digital and data-driven services. We know that fostering the ingenuity and innovation of our young people is one way we can build the workforce of tomorrow – today.” The Virtual Learning Strategy will build on and leverage Ontario’s existing digital learning organizations – Contact North and eCampusOntario – that improve access and drive innovation in virtual teaching and learning. |
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