OPSEU, CFS and CUPE Question The Need for an Ontario Online Institute

Coalition calls for improvements to existing online learning.

The McGuinty government’s plan to rebuild Ontario includes opening an Ontario Online Institute. The province’s plan calls for a “new Ontario Online Institute, bringing the best professors in the top programs at Ontario universities to the homes of those who want to pursue this new option for higher learning,” as part of their Open Ontario plan.

However, The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, The Canadian Union of Public Employees, and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union have expressed concerns about the idea, and are recommending other ways to broaden access to postsecondary education.

“The government’s stated plan to create a new Online Institute would be a costly addition to infrastructure that already exists and works,” said Constance Adamson, Vice-President of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations.

“Students, faculty and staff believe the province should build on the wealth of expertise that faculty and staff in Ontario institutions have accumulated in developing and providing e-learning opportunities for students.”

The coalition explores the issue in a joint report called Opening Ontario For Whom? A sectoral vision for integrating online learning into the classroom.

The report’s recommendations include:

• Investing in existing e-learning initiatives
• Expanding broadband access throughout the province
• Reducing the cost of online education for students