Online Learning News - May 17, 2023

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 before.

New!
AI-Powered Study Online Quick Tips
App

Check out the new AI-powered Study Online Quick Tips App from Contact North | Contact Nord! This free app provides students with quick and reliable tips to help them succeed in their online studies. When users ask a question, a chatbot draws answers from a knowledge base of study tips available from public websites of colleges and universities across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The app offers instant responses in English or French, depending on the language of the user's query, while ensuring the user's privacy is protected. Please note that the app is not a substitute for professional advice.

You can download the app on your Apple or Android smartphones and tablets or access it online.

Try it today!

What’s Next for AR/VR
and Immersive Learning?

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) offer an engaging and multisensory way for learners to acquire knowledge and skills. In this article, Contact North | Contact Nord explores the many uses of AR/VR in learning, from science students dissecting virtual frogs to mining students examining virtual mines. We look at the latest developments in AR/VR, including their use in architecture and design, healthcare, training, retail and onboarding new hires. With AR/VR technology set to grow from $22.1 billion in 2020 to $161 billion by 2025, the potential uses for these technologies are vast and exciting.

Read the full story

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

In this blog post, Contact North | Contact Nord Research Associate Dr. Tony Bates reviews chapters 34-39 of Olaf Zawacki-Richter, and Insung Jung’s Handbook of Open, Distance and Digital Learning (2023), which focuses on organization, leadership and change.

Read Dr. Bates’ post:

Organization, Leadership and Change in Open, Distance and Digital Education: book review, Part 2

Podcasts and Vodcasts on Online Learning

The EdSurge Podcast

EdSurge's weekly podcast delves into the future of education by bringing together insightful conversations with educators, tech innovators and scholars. Hosted by Jeff Young and other EdSurge reporters, the podcast provides a platform for exploring the latest trends and innovations in educational technology. 

Choose your episode

This Week’s Must-Read Book
on Online Learning

Digitalization of Higher Education:
Opportunities and Threats

Edited by: Tanusree Chakraborty, Ashok Natarajan, Nandita Mishra & Madhurima Ganguly (2023)

This book explores digitalization in higher education, including policies, institutional management, leadership, online teaching tools, pedagogy changes and the impact of technology on attitudes toward learning. It critically examines the role of capitalism and neo-liberalism in this process and provides important updates and policy recommendations, making it valuable to educators and public policy officials.

Browse all Must-Read Books

Contact North | Contact Nord’s Directory of 75+ Ontario EdTech Companies

Ontario is a major hub in the fast-growing edtech market, with more than 75 established and recent startups in educational technology and corporate training. 

With this searchable directory, Contact North | Contact Nord provides colleges, universities, training providers and investors around the world with information on how to find the latest products and services from Ontario-based edtech companies. Their products and services often lead to improved learning experiences.

Explore the directory

Upcoming Events in Online Learning 

EMOOCs 2023
European MOOCs Stakeholders Summit

Potsdam, Germany
June 14-16, 2023

The 2023 EMOOCs conference explores the impact of the pandemic on digital education and the future of MOOCs. Key topics include the formalization of digital learning, MOOC networks and cooperations, and their role in business transformation. The program features keynotes, presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops. Hosted by the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering, the conference promises to provide insights and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

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. Is ChatGPT Triggering a New or Transformed Pedagogy?
2. AI in Higher Education Resource Hub 
3. Searchable Directory of 1,900+ Upcoming Education and Technology Conferences from Around the World
4. Ten Guiding Principles for the Use of Technology in Learning
5. What’s Next For AR/VR and Immersive Learning?