Barbour, M. K. (2019, April). Overview of e-learning in Canada. An invited presentation to the Education Research & Evaluation Strategy Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Education, Toronto ON.

1. Overview of e-Learning in Canada
Michael K. Barbour
Associate Professor of Instructional Design
Touro University California

2. https://k12sotn.ca

4. Methodology

5. Methodology

6. National Overview
Single provincial program
Primarily district-based programs
Combination of provincial and district-based programs
Use online learning programs from other provinces

7. Regulation

8. Activity: Distance & Online Learning

9. Activity: Distance & Online Learning

10. Activity: Distance & Online Learning

11. Activity: Blended Learning

12. Activity: Blended Learning

13. • consistency in structural model
o those that have changed, have decentralized
• leveling off of participation numbers
o distance and online learners: 5%-6%
• data is getting better
o several MoEs still lag behind
Trends Over Past Decade

14. https://sociallitigator.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/bigstock-elephant-in-the-room-81765164-e1435635291612.jpg

15. 1. Starting in 2020-21, the government will centralize the delivery
of all e-learning courses to allow students greater access to
programming and educational opportunities, no matter where
they live in Ontario.
2. Secondary students will take a minimum of four e-learning
credits out of the 30 credits needed to fulfill the requirements
for achieving an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

16. Trend Towards Decentralization
• Quebec
o decentralized in early to mid-1990s
o just introduced pilot virtual learning opportunity
• Manitoba
o piloting district-based programs to have provincial reach
• Saskatchewan
o ceased operation of provincial programs
o provided bridge funding to districts to create or purchase
capacity
• British Columbia
o decentralized MoE regional schools in 1990s

17. • began as district-based program
• centralized content
• later centralized software services
• eventually centralized support
• ad hoc creation of cooperative consortiums
Centralization in Ontario

19. • five states (AL, AR, FL, MI, & VA)
o MI (2006): successfully completed at least one
course or learning experience that is presented
online
o AL (2008): complete one online/technology
enhanced course or experience, with an opt-out for
students with IEPs
o FL (2011): at least one online course
o AR (2013): at least one digital learning course for
credit
o VA (2013): at least one online course
Graduation Requirements

20. • other models
o NM (2007): an Advanced Placement, honors, dual
enrollment or distance learning course
• encouragement (GA, MA, & WV)
o passed rules or legislation encouraging but not
requiring online learning
Graduation Requirements

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22. • creation of an SIS code for online courses
• nature of design and delivery of courses for
different populations of students
• types of support students will require

23. Davis (2007)
Ferdig, Cavanaugh, DiPietro, Black and Dawson (2009)
Davis’ roles Davis’ responsibilities Ferdig et al.’s roles Ferdig et al.’ responsibilities
Designer Design instructional materials.
Works in team with teachers
and a virtual school to construct
the online course, etc.
Instructional
Designer
The creator of the online course in
accordance with content standards using
effective strategies for the learners and the
content
Teacher Presents activities, manages
pacing, rigor, etc.. Interacts
with students and their
facilitators. Undertakes
assessment, grading, etc.
Teachers The educator with primary responsibility
for student instruction within an online
course including interaction with students
and assigning course grades
Online Facilitator The person who supports students in a
virtual school programme. The facilitator
may interact with students online or may
facilitate at the physical site where students
access their online course.
Facilitator Local mentor and advocate for
students(s). Proctors & records
grades, etc.
Local Key Contact The professional who assists students in
registering and otherwise accessing virtual
courses
Mentor The academic tutor or course assistant for
students
Technology
Coordinator
The person who facilitates technical
support for educators and students
Guidance
Counselor
The academic advisor for students
Administrator The instructional leader of the virtual
school

24. Davis (2007)

25. Jered Borup, George Mason University

26. The yellow triangle represents students' engagement with support from actors
within the course community. The red triangle represents students' added
engagement with support from actors within their personal support community.
Borup, Graham, & Archambault (2019)
Academic Community of Engagement (ACE) Framework

27. Your
Questions
and
Comments

28. Associate Professor of Instructional Design
Touro University, California
mkbarbour@gmail.com
http://www.michaelbarbour.com