Double Digit Growth in Online Learning in Canadian Colleges and Universities

Preliminary results of the National Survey on Online Learning released to 1,100 + delegates at ONLINE LEARNING 2019 in Toronto on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, reveal a 10 % growth in online learning in Canada between 2019 and 2018.

(THUNDER BAY) – The Canadian Digital Learning Research Team, Dr. Tricia Donovan, Executive Director, Nicole Johnson, Research Director, Dr. Tony Bates, Advisor, Dr. Brian Desbiens, member of research team, Eric Martel, member of research team, and Dr. Jeff Seaman, Babson Survey Research Group, presented the key findings of the report:

The majority of colleges and universities expect online enrolments to increase in the coming year.


 Online learning is perceived as important to long-term plans of most colleges and universities.


 Training and support for faculty in the delivery of online and digital learning is central to overcoming the primary barriers to the adoption of online education.


 The use of blended/hybrid learning is widespread and expected to increase.


 Colleges and universities are experimenting with the implementation of alternative credentials.


 The use of Open Educational Resources (OER) is widespread but in the experimental stage.


“The survey shows online learning continues to steadily increase,” says Tricia Donovan, Executive Director, Canadian Digital Learning Research Association. “Colleges and universities are developing tracking systems to monitor progress at the program/departmental level.”

The preliminary report can be downloaded from https://onlinelearningsurveycanada.ca or in French from http://formationenlignecanada.ca.