Ontarians Use Online Learning to Complete Their Degrees, Diplomas, and
Certificates and Improve Their Skills

(THUNDER BAY) – Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training
Network, generated a 63.7% increase in the number of student registrations in online
programs and courses for Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public universities, and 250
literacy and basic skills and training providers during the 2014-2015 academic year
(September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2015) as compared to the 2013-2014 academic
year.

Total student registrations increased from 41,013 in 2013-2014 to an all-time high of
67,135 registrations in 2014-2015, an increase of 26,122 registrations. Contact North |
Contact Nord reported growth in student registrations for courses offered by universities,
colleges, school boards, literacy and basic skills and other training providers. This record
result represents a 133% increase in the number of student registrations over the past
five year.

The 4 million Ontarians in the 600 small, remote, rural, Aboriginal and Francophone
communities served by Contact North | Contact Nord use online learning to complete
their degrees, diplomas and certificates and improve their skills. Online learning allows
them to remain in their community and participate in their courses when it is convenient
for them as they continue to meet their work and family responsibilities.

“In 2014-2015, our 112 local online learning centres and our Student Information
Hotline supported record numbers of Ontarians as they as they registered in online
programs and courses from Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public universities and 250
literacy and basic skills providers to meet their individual needs to get their first degree
or diploma, upgrade their skills for new job opportunities or prepare to start a postsecondary credential” stated Paul Taillefer, Chair, Board of Directors, Contact North | Contact Nord. “It is gratifying to see so many Ontarians using our services over the past
year.”

“With over 180,000 visitors and growing, our studyonline.ca portal for students and
prospective students is an important resource, since its launch in 2008, for Ontarians
looking for information on available online programs and courses, student support
services and connecting with their local Contact North | Contact Nord online learning
centre” noted Maxim Jean-Louis, President – Chief Executive Officer, Contact North |
Contact Nord. “Studyonline.ca plays a key role in supporting students and prospective
students and contributing to our record results in 2014-2015.”

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 or call the Student Information Hotline at 1-877-999-9149 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.