Ontario Supports Virtual Learning at Province provides more access to on-line courses and retraining opportunities

NEWS May 25, 2021

Sarnia-Lambton – The government is supporting two innovative virtual learning projects at Lambton College with $472,234 in funding that will help provide students with more choice and access to high-quality postsecondary education and retraining opportunities.

“These projects will help ensure our postsecondary institutions have the tools they need to create great curriculum online,” said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton. “By increasing virtual course offerings, we’re helping the next generation of workers, innovators, researchers, and leaders develop the skills and training they need to succeed in their careers, when and where they need it most.”

The projects are part of the province’s Virtual Learning Strategy announced last December and support key priority areas that include creating or adapting digital content, equipping faculty and students with skills and resources to teach and learn online and identifying educational technologies to support online courses and programs.

To ensure new postsecondary educators are equipped with an effective teaching practice in the digital teaching and learning environment, Lambton College, in collaboration with , , Niagara College, and St. Clair College, is developing a four-module course that prepares educators with the skills they need to educate learners. This project is positioned to make a significant impact on the learning and practice of new postsecondary educators in Ontario.

“At Lambton College, we recognized early on that the digitization of learning and the adoption of Industry 4.0 concepts was essential for preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce,” said Judith Morris, President & CEO, Lambton College. “Now, more than ever, we see the need for high-quality virtual learning material, and postsecondary educators who can effectively teach in a digital learning environment. I’m grateful to the Ontario government for generously supporting our crucial virtual learning projects.”

The province is investing more than $70 million to implement Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy, including $21.4 million announced in the 2021 Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.

“Ensuring that Ontario’s postsecondary institutions offer responsive and flexible digital courses and programs will help students build the skills and competencies they need to be competitive in today’s economy,” said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Our Virtual Learning Strategy is aimed at creating a platform that will allow all post-secondary institutions to compete in the new and necessary environment of learning from home.”

The Ontario government is transforming virtual learning across the province by supporting nearly 400 innovative projects at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes.

-30- MEDIA CONTACT

Bob Bailey, MPP Sarnia-Lambton 519-337-0051 [email protected]