Online Learning News - January 25, 2023

Free Contact North | Contact Nord Webinar

Digital Learning Trends at Canadian Higher Education Institutions:
Findings from the 2022 National Survey of Online and Digital Learning

Tuesday, January 31, 2023
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

Register Now!

The big question being asked at higher education institutions across Canada is “What now?”

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed higher education, and there is a greater demand for flexible learning experiences that merge the benefits of online and on-campus learning.

In this webinar, Dr. Nicole Johnson, Executive Director at the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association, shares the findings from the 2022 National Survey of Online and Digital Learning, with an emphasis on what these findings imply for the future.

Free Contact North | Contact Nord Webinar

10 New Zoom Features to Enhance Your Teaching and Better Engage Your Students

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (ET)

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Looking for new ways to enhance your teaching and improve student engagement in your classes delivered on Zoom? Or are you just curious about Zoom updates made over the past year and the new innovations in store? Either way, this webinar is for you!

Zoom made an estimated 1,000 updates to the popular videoconference platform last year, most of which were behind-the-scenes technical improvements. In this webinar, Dr. Ron Owston, Contact North | Contact Nord Research Associate, separates out 10 of the most valuable new features for educators and describes how they may be applied to online teaching.

When ChatGPT Makes It Easier to Cheat

The arrival of ChatGPT, a new tool that creates answers to questions and helps students write assignments, project briefs and research papers, has exacerbated the problem of academic misconduct.

In this article, Contact North | Contact Nord recommends five steps faculty can take to reduce academic dishonesty:

1. Use open-ended assessments.
2. Use collaborative assessments.
3. Provide adequate support and resources.
4. Use a variety of assessment methods.
5. Check ChatGPT’s answers to assignment questions.

Read the full story

My Five Wishes for Online Learning In 2023

It’s that time of year to look forward to what a New Year might bring, especially in the world of online learning.

Contact North | Contact Nord Research Associate Dr. Tony Bates has several wishes for teaching and learning in higher education in 2023:

1. A new space plan for institutions based on hybrid learning
2. A national certification program for higher education instructors
3. National standards for micro-credentials
4. Sector-wide multi-media open educational resources
5. A national program for research and development in online learning

Read the full story

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

In this blog post, Contact North I Contact Nord Research Associate Dr. Tony Bates discusses the challenges of Internet access and providing online learning to Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Read Dr. Bates’ post:

Access to digital learning in Canada’s Northwest Territories

Podcasts and Vodcasts on Online Learning

Leaders & Legends of Online Learning

Established in 2018, Leaders & Legends of Online Learning, hosted by Dr. Mark Nichols, Executive Director at the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, features in-depth interviews with top leaders and innovators in the field of online learning, e-learning, and digital education. With over 77 episodes to choose from, guests share their insights and experiences on a wide range of topics, including the latest trends and technologies, best practices, and strategies for success in the fields. Each interview lasts about 30 minutes, and links to the guest's work and profile.

Choose your episode

This Week’s Must-Read Books
on Online Learning

The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning

By: Catlin Tucker & Katie Novak (2022)

UDL and Blended Learning: Thriving in Flexible Learning Landscapes

By: Katie Novak & Catlin Tucker (2021)

Both books – amongst a significant collection of books from these two authors – are intended for K-12 teachers and instructional practitioners but are just as relevant those working in higher education. Intensely practical, focused, and full of clear examples, cases and resources, they will help the instructor embrace universal design, student-focused active and engaged learning and the smart use of technology-enabled learning to improve learning outcomes. Driven by a focus on equity, the books will support the work of rethinking teaching and learning without losing sight of what matters - enjoyment.

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 start-ups in educational technology and corporate training.

With this searchable directory, Contact North | Contact Nord provides colleges, universities, training providers and investors from the 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 Education 

European Advanced Educational Technology Conference (EAET 2023)

March 17-19, 2023

University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

The aim of the EAET 2023 is to provide scholars, faculty, researchers, students and administrators with an excellent opportunity to convene with colleagues from many countries and discuss innovative ideas and changes in education, results and outcomes of theories and practice in the area of educational technology.

Topics include instructional design; learning and technology; teaching and technology; learning and teaching processes; distance education; e-learning; teacher training; lifelong learning and technology; learner needs in the 21st century; and new approaches in educational technology.

For more information

About Contact North | Contact Nord

Contact North | Contact Nord is a free, local bilingual service to help residents in 1,300+ rural and remote Ontario communities access online programs and courses from colleges, universities and training providers without having to leave their communities.

Visit contactnorth.ca for more information

Most Popular Resources on teachonline.ca

1. 10 Facts About ChatGPT
2. A New Pedagogy Is Emerging... and Online Learning Is a Key Contributing Factor 
3. Searchable Directory of 1,900+ Upcoming Education and Technology Conferences From Around the World 
4. Contact North | Contact Nord Webinars
5. How to Prepare Students for Learning in Times of Uncertainty