eCampusAlberta is a consortium of 15 post-secondary institutions in Alberta that provides online and distance education courses and programs to students across the province. It aims to increase access to education through collaboration between member institutions to share courses and programs while avoiding duplication of efforts. Since 2002 it has offered over 60 fully online credentials and more than 600 courses annually through partnerships between its member universities, polytechnics, and colleges. It serves a diverse population of over 26,000 students each year who appreciate the increased flexibility and choice in their education that eCampusAlberta provides.

1. eCampusAlbertaA Story of Partnership and Collaborationin Distance EducationDr. Tricia Donovan, Executive Director, eCampusAlbertaDr. Janet Paterson-Weir, Senior Provost,Grant MacEwan University

2. eCampusAlbertaTHE PROVINCEPopulation: 3.6 millionTwo-thirds live in two cities: Edmonton CalgaryTHE CONSORTIUMUniversities: 2Polytechnics: 2Colleges: 11

3. Leveraging Leadership

4. Consortium ProfileACCESS391 communities to date 16,900 registration projection (2010-11) 7,300 unique learners (2009-10)PARTNERSHIP15 institutions since 2002 5 collaborative full credentialsCHOICEOver 60 credentials fully online > 600 courses availableLEARNERS26 median age taking 1 course > 65% taking 2 or more > 35%

5. Learner Response6 years of over 26% growth 2010/11 projection:16,900Increased Access40%learners from outside of region of institutionLead/partner student support completion93% pursuing credential 24/7 technical supportMonthly PD SessionsQuality Standards

6. Making it workRulesSystem governance

7. “Room” for all

8. Non-duplicationChallengesMembership management

9. Business model revision

10. Changing leadershipThe MacEwan University ExperienceRegaining Organizational Incentive2003/04 – 06/07 Registrations: 24% of the consortium2008/09 – 09/10 Registrations: 15% of the consortiumNeeded expertise andtransparencyCentralized all faculty online committeesMoved from ‘representative’ to ‘informed’ structure Reported to Governance CouncilProvided new instructional technology leadership2010 Registrations – 31% growth

11. System-wide impact

12. Consortium Challenges Sustaining the founding principles: minimize duplication, allow space for all members to develop and deliver online content Institutional costs: membership, content development/delivery, collective agreements, IP Consortium technology platforms: diversity, upgrades and continuing support Tending the engagement agenda when leaders change

13. Constant care and feeding and celebrating our successes

14. 10eCampusAlbertaTricia Donovan Janet Paterson-Weirtricia.donovan@ecampusalberta.capatersonweirj@macewan.ca