More Ontarians Pursue Their Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Upgrading
in Fall 2014 Using Online Learning

(THUNDER BAY) – Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training
Network, today reported a 51.2% increase in the number of student registrations in
online programs and courses from Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public universities,
and 250 literacy and basic skills and training providers during the Fall 2014 academic
semester as compared to the Fall 2013 semester.

Total student registrations grew from 15,941 in Fall 2013 to 24,098 in Fall 2014, with
increases reported for courses offered by universities, colleges, literacy and basic skills
providers and other training providers. On an annual basis, Contact North | Contact Nord
supports 40,000 student registrations.

Ontarians are turning to online learning as it allows them to pursue their education and
training goals without having to leave their community and it allows them to participate
in their courses when it is convenient for them and continue to meet their work and
family responsibilities.

“In record numbers, Ontarians worked to get their degrees, diplomas or certificates, or to
upgrade their skills using online learning” stated Trish Trenter, Coordinator, Recruitment,
Training & Partnerships, Contact North | Contact Nord. “These results are helping to
fulfill the government’s vision for Ontario to become North America’s leading jurisdiction
for talent, skills and training.”

“There are many more opportunities now to get your degree, diploma or certificate, or
upgrade your skills through online learning with personalized support right in your
community using one of Contact North | Contact Nord’s 112 local online learning
centres across the province” noted Petra Blain, Online Learning Recruitment Officer, at
Contact North | Contact Nord’s Madoc online learning centre. “There are over 1,000
online programs and 18,000 online courses available from our colleges, universities and
literacy and basic skills and training providers through an online learning centre.”
Contact North | Contact Nord partners with Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public
universities, and 250 public literacy and basic skills and training providers to provide
local access to education and training opportunities. Funded by the Government of
Ontario continuously since 1986, Contact North | Contact Nord supports over 4 million
Ontario residents living in 600 small, remote, rural, Aboriginal and Francophone
communities to access post-secondary education and training without having to leave
their community.

Visit studyonline.ca for more information on available online programs and courses and
how to connect with one of the 112 Contact North | Contact Nord online learning centre
located in communities across the province.