Free Contact North | Contact Nord Webinar

How to Design
Online Learning Communities

Thursday, June 1, 2023
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET

Register now!

The Community of Inquiry (CoI) theoretical framework has made a tremendous impact on online and distance education and is widely regarded as one of the most effective models for creating engaging, satisfying and high-quality learning experiences.

In this webinar, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from two researchers in the field: Dr. Marti Cleveland-Innes, Professor of Education at Athabasca University, and Jenine Hawryluk, a doctoral student in distance education at Athabasca University. Together, they explore how to establish meaningful learning through activity in all four components of the CoI framework: cognitive, social, teaching and emotional presence.

Free Contact North | Contact Nord Webinar

ChatGPT, AI and The Future of Teaching
and Learning: We All Need
a Digital Assistant

Tuesday, June 6, 2023
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET

Register now!

In this engaging and interactive presentation, Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd, Chief Innovation Officer at Contact North | Contact Nord, introduces the benefits of using AI to support learning designs, as well as the importance of designing authentic and productive assessment activities to promote deep learning. Participants also learn about the potential of AI to enhance teaching and assessment practices and how to leverage its capabilities to do more faster and with greater connectedness than ever.

Dr. Tony Bates’ Latest Blog:
Online Learning and Distance Education

In this blog post, Contact North | Contact Nord Research Associate Dr. Tony Bates asks the question: Are our current institutional models — universities, polytechnics, colleges — fit for the 21st century? Do we need innovation in the form of institutions that are differently designed, organized, managed and financed? Or are our existing institutions flexible enough to accommodate changing demands?

Do we need a new type of
Higher Education institution?

Podcasts and Vodcasts on Online Learning

Online Learning in the Second Half

In this podcast, John Nash and Jason Johnston take public their two-year conversation about online education and their aspirations for its future. They acknowledge that although some online learning has been great, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. Technology and innovation will be a topic of discussion, but the conversation will focus on how to get online learning to the next stage: the second half of life.

Choose your episode

This Week’s Must-Read Book
on Online Learning

Distance Education for Teacher Training: Modes, Models, and Methods

By Mary Burns (2023)

This second edition of the guide is a comprehensive, valuable resource for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of distance learning and its application in teacher training. Drawing on extensive research, program reports and her own expertise, the author presents updated insights and practical knowledge. What sets this guide apart is its inclusive approach, covering various modes of distance learning from traditional print-based methods to cutting-edge mobile learning. By exploring the potential of different tools and technologies, the guide emphasizes the importance of designing learning experiences that meet the unique needs of teachers. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive approaches, defines key terms and advocates for standardized practices. A must-read for educators seeking to leverage technology in distance education. 

Browse all Must-Read Books

Contact North | Contact Nord’s 
Searchable Directory of Selected Journals
in Online and Distance Learning

Journals play essential roles in online and distance learning, for sharing the latest in research, innovation, theory, practices and events. Educators find ideas and connections, building a collective knowledge base that advances teaching, learning management — and student success. 

Search the directory

Upcoming Events in Online Learning 

EDEN 2023 Annual Conference

Dublin, Ireland

June 18 – 21, 2023

The 2023 EDEN conference is designed to explore the theme, “Yes we can! – Digital Education for Better Futures.”

This theme focuses on the language of opportunity and challenges participants to dream big. Although there are many big and small challenges that can’t be ignored in building a more inclusive digital future, the conference places the spotlight on the “art of the possible” in reimagining teaching, learning and assessment, and delivering on the promise of better futures for all.

The conference asks:

1. What does a better future look like?
2. How can digital education contribute to this future?
3. What can you do to help make and shape a better future?

For more information and to register

About Contact North | Contact Nord

Contact North | Contact Nord increases the number of underserved Ontario residents who take online programs and courses from Ontario’s colleges, universities, Indigenous institutes, and other providers while remaining in their community.

We recruit and provide free support services to students in 1,500+ rural and remote communities, in person at 78 locations across the province, or by phone, email, live chat or virtually. Our services are available in English and French. We help increase access and success for underrepresented learner groups, including:

• Francophone learners
• Indigenous learners
• Unemployed learners
• Learners accessing Ontario Works
• Learners with disabilities

Visit contactnorth.ca for more information

Most Popular Resources on teachonline.ca

1. Searchable Directory of 1,900+ Upcoming Education and Technology Conferences from Around the World
2. AI in Higher Education Resource Hub 
3. A New Pedagogy is Emerging… and Online Learning is a Key Contributing Factor 
4. Ten Guiding Principles for the Use of Technology in Learning
5. ChatGPT, AI and The Future of Teaching and Learning: We All Need a Digital Assistant