Lessons Learned
Autonomy vs. Collaboration

elearnnetwork.ca: Rural Access (2007)
COLLABORATION
BEATS AUTONOMY?
• 19 Colleges
• 16 Universities
• 17 Community Hosts
Community Agencies
• 1 Administrator
agency (Contact North)
• 1 Funder (Ontario)

Courses - Lessons Learned
• From an early estimate of approximately 1,500 distance education courses in
Ontario, our course research uncovered 7,500!
SILOS STUNT GROWTH

LMS platforms - Lessons Learned
• Obstacle: Institutions use different learning platforms and store and update
their program and course information in a variety of ways; elearnnetwork.ca
expanded staff training and developed innovative solutions to collect and
update information for its online database and to provide front-line support.
DON’T FORCE COLLABORATION

Front-Line Support - Lessons Learned
• Providing personal support for learners is critical to dispel perceived fears
and possible misconceptions of eLearning.
HIGH TOUCH BEATS HIGH TECH TO EXTEND REACH INTO RURAL AREAS

Data Management - Lessons Learned
• There is great potential for increased collaboration regarding data
management and promotion of online course & program offerings.
START SMALL & SIMPLE (DO THE WORK FOR THEM) THEN BUILD

Cross-Promotion - Lessons Learned
• There is great potential for cross-promotion of online course & program
offerings.
RESPECT INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY RE HOW THEY SELL

Market Data - Lessons Learned
• There is great potential for providing market data regarding requests for
courses & programs not currently offered.
BE TRANSPARENT IN INFORMING ALL AT THE SAME TIME

Curriculum - Lessons Learned
• Our access network’s suggestion to help facilitate curriculum development.
WHEN MEETING A SACRED COW IT’S BEST TO TREAD CAREFULLY

Contact Us / Questions?
Luc Comeau
Executive Director
elearnnetwork.ca
(613) 678 5845
luc@elearnnetwork.ca
www.elearnnetwork.ca