Contact North | Contact Nord’s 2012 course guide opens up new opportunities to education for local residents [Sudbury / Thunder Bay] – Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s distance education and training network, has released its winter 2012 course guide which lists hundreds of university, college, literacy and other training courses that will be available through its network of 112 access centres starting in January 2012. The course listings in the guide are part of more than 800 online programs and 10,000 online courses that can be accessed in communities across Ontario and searched via the organization’s website.

Established in 1986, Contact North | Contact Nord is a not-for-profit corporation that works in partnership with Ontario’s 24 public colleges and 20 public universities. The organization provides residents of small, rural and remote communities in Ontario with access to post-secondary, high school, literacy and basic skills and other training programs and courses without having to leave their community.

Using technology such as web conferencing, audioconferencing and videoconferencing students can complete anything from a basic computer skills course to a full nursing degree by simply visiting any one of 112 access centres located across the province, including Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

“If you are looking to get a college diploma or university degree, finish your high school diploma, or upgrade your skills, we can help you right here in your community” said Maxim Jean-Louis, President – Chief Executive Officer. “We have the technology you need to connect to your courses and we can provide with you information on available programs and courses, assist with the registration process, and help you use the technologies.”

“For many people who live outside of a major centre, leaving their homes, their families or their jobs to pursue post-secondary education can be impossible,” said Paul Taillefer, Chair of the Board of Directors. “By using technology and innovation to enable those people to stay in their communities and connect with the colleges, universities and other training providers they need to reach their goals, we’re able to make the impossible, possible.”

Anyone interested in taking courses in Sudbury or Thunder Bay can visit their local access centre to pick up a copy of the winter 2012 course guide or call 1-877-999-9149 to have one mailed to them. You can also visit our website at www.contactnorth.ca for a copy of the guide as well as a list of the 112 access centres, and the complete database of more than 800 online programs and 10,000 online courses.