Performance Highlights
Key Objectives
OntarioLearn Management Committee Representatives serve on various committees to support essential strategic initiatives. These committees play a vital role in ensuring the success of all OntarioLearn member institutions.
Marketing and Strategic Enrolment Committee
Developed a series of Social Media Templates that Institutions can co-brand to help promote OntarioLearn to internal and external stakeholders.
Achievement
- Developed a series of Social Media Templates that Institutions can co-brand and use on their social media templates. Other assets were also developed, including updated email signatures, PowerPoint templates, Organizational Charts, etc.
- Bronze Sponsor at the November 2024 Higher Education Summit, which included a conference booth that was staffed by committee and board members. This sponsorship provided OntarioLearn excellent exposure to College employees and Board members.
- Foundational Sponsor for OCASA, the Ontario College Administrators Network. The sponsorship included e-blasts and special recognition at webinars.
Pathways, Partnership and Program Innovation Committee
To ensure quality assurance policies and processes are updated for courses and programs and to identify and lead collaborative projects.
Achievement
- Explored pathways and partnership opportunities including micro-credentials and degree pathways.
- Reviewed the Annual Program Attestation Process for shared programs.
- Brainstormed partnership opportunities with ONCAT, The Learning Portal and Contact North.
Risk Management and Policy Committee
To maintain a regular schedule for reviewing all policies, creating new policies as required and provide a risk management framework to the Board.
Achievement
- Updated three Corporate Policies (Travel Expenses, Hospitality Expenses, Signing Authorities and Procurement) and two Administrative Policies (Declaring Programs, Integrated Accessibility Standards)
- Selected a consultant to support the Risk Management Project. Focus groups helped identify internal and external risks. Deliverables will include an Entreprise Risk Management (ERM) Register, ERM Framework and Dashboard, and ERM Policy.
Technology and Data Analytics Committee
Continuation of a multi-year phased business efficiency, process and technology project to ensure currency of technologies, security and forward looking development.
Achievement
- Participated in feedback and insights to support the selection of an LMS enhancement with a focus on Accessibility. Anthology Ally was selected as a solution with a set of holistic capabilities to make digital course content more accessible. Implementation will be in 2025/26.
- Participated in the implementation of a new Online Proctoring system. Different solutions were explored with a focus on academic integrity, privacy, and learner satisfaction. A pilot project was undertaken to explore a solution, with full implementation in 2025/26
- Participated in the update and prioritization of the OntarioLearn Technology Plan, which includes projects such as BlackBoard Ultra conversion, website renewal, and helpdesk chatbot.
Quality Assurance
At OntarioLearn, delivering high-quality learning experiences is at the core of what we do. Our commitment to excellence is reflected through ongoing reviews of course and program curriculum, continuous professional development for facilitators and Quality Assurance Community of Practice members, and rigorous standards that foster learner satisfaction and academic success.
Quality Assurance Ecosystem
OntarioLearn’s comprehensive quality assurance approach requires that all new and existing courses undergo a structured design and review process. This process leverages the Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Rubric, 7th Edition, supplemented with OntarioLearn’s unique standards.
Quality Matters Framework
All member institutions have adopted OntarioLearn’s streamlined QM design and review practices, which include:
- Automated Self-Review
- Essential Expedited Review Process
- Verification Review Process
The QM Framework is applied to all newly developed and revised courses. To be approved, each course must meet or exceed the 85% threshold based on the required QM standards.
Looking Ahead:
The Future of Quality
OntarioLearn has enhanced the role of its Quality Assurance Coordinator to better support institutions in growing and refining their quality practices. Through a peer-model approach, the Coordinator now guides and supports teams directly with each institution, fostering deeper collaboration.
The OntarioLearn Quality Assurance Community of Practice (CoP) continues to lead professional development initiatives and build a strong network of quality leaders across member institutions. This holistic model focuses on multiple quality checkpoints and promotes excellence throughout the entire educational experience.
Upcoming focus group sessions will bring together the OL Quality Assurance Coordinator and CoP members to create a new course survey. This survey will capture the learner journey from course registration to program completion, ensuring OntarioLearn remains responsive to learner needs and delivers the exceptional online experience our learners deserve.
Enriched Technology Services
OntarioLearn Website
The OntarioLearn website serves as an intuitive and accessible platform that enables both education partners and learners to easily explore a wide range of online course offerings from all participating institutions. Designed with user experience in mind, the site features responsive, theme-based pages that adapt seamlessly to various devices. In Winter and Spring 2025, OntarioLearn initiated the planning phase for a comprehensive website redevelopment, with a targeted completion timeline of 2025/26.
Learning Management Systems
OntarioLearn supports two robust Learning Management Systems (LMS) as the foundation for online course delivery:
- Anthology Blackboard
- Brightspace (Desire2Learn, D2L)
Host institutions select the platform that best aligns with their instructional needs and preferences.
Brightspace (D2L)
Brightspace by Desire2Learn is recognized for its adaptability and focus on personalized learning journeys. Key features include adaptive learning paths, gamification, advanced analytics, robust accessibility accommodations, and customizable learning environments. Its engagement tools—such as intelligent agents, video assignments, and mobile apps—support dynamic, collaborative learning for both students and educators.
Anthology Blackboard
Blackboard, now part of Anthology, offers an industry-recognized, innovative LMS enriched with cutting-edge features like generative AI course design, flexible grading interfaces, and comprehensive accessibility tools. Its responsive and intuitive design provides seamless access to learning content across devices, supporting a personalized and inclusive educational experience. Institutions benefit from ongoing product enhancements driven by user feedback, including over 200 new features since its integration with Anthology, further cementing Blackboard’s reputation as a modern and reliable digital learning environment.
Modernizing Blackboard Courses
As part of continuous improvement efforts, OntarioLearn has initiated a strategic project to modernize its Blackboard Learn offerings. This initiative involves migrating legacy courses to Blackboard Ultra, the latest iteration of the platform. Blackboard Ultra boasts:
- A streamlined, modern interface with enhanced usability.
- Advanced grading workflows, analytics, and instructor tools.
- Integrated AI-powered assistants and automation for both faculty and learners.
- Accessibility enhancements, improved image/document handling, and new content types.
This upgrade ensures OntarioLearn’s course catalogue remains current, engaging, and aligned with best-in-class online learning experiences for all learners.
OntarioLearn’s commitment to leveraging the strengths of both Blackboard and Brightspace ensures that partner institutions and learners benefit from industry-leading, flexible, and accessible learning platforms.
2024-25 Enrolment Distribution by Platform
OntarioLearn Portal
The OntarioLearn Portal functions as the central access point to all online courses, essential tools, and comprehensive support services for learners, facilitators, and administrators within the OntarioLearn network. Designed for both accessibility and efficiency, the Portal enables users to seamlessly engage with course materials and connect with support resources in a secure environment.
To maintain the highest standards of performance and security, OntarioLearn routinely implements updates and enhancements to the Portal and associated processes. These ongoing improvements ensure that the platform remains robust, adaptable, and equipped with the latest features to address the evolving needs of the OntarioLearn community.
Technical Support
OntarioLearn continues to strengthen its commitment to learner success by working closely with its dedicated Technical Support partner, Buchanan Technologies. With a Canadian office based in Prince Edward Island, Buchanan has established itself as a reliable and valued collaborator in delivering robust technical support for OntarioLearn’s diverse educational community.
24/7 Learner Support
Learners benefit from a full suite of support options accessible around the clock:
- Telephone helpline
- Online chat
- Ticket submission portal
- Extensive FAQ links
- Advanced knowledge-base search tool
Buchanan’s support infrastructure provides consistent, expert assistance any time of day, ensuring prompt resolution of technical challenges and helping maintain an optimal learning experience.
Data-Driven Insights
Each month, Buchanan supplies OntarioLearn with detailed help desk statistics. These analytics enable the consortium to promptly identify trends, address emerging issues, and adapt support strategies to evolving end-user needs, sustaining high levels of satisfaction and responsiveness.
Ongoing Internal Enhancements
OntarioLearn has also expanded its internal capabilities by increasing resources devoted to:
- Learning Management System (LMS) Administration: Overseeing the technical aspects and smooth operation of online learning environments, supporting user management and content delivery.
- Second-Tier Help Desk Support: Providing elevated technical expertise for complex issues, ensuring comprehensive assistance beyond initial troubleshooting.
Through this blended approach of external partnership and enhanced in-house support, OntarioLearn delivers an integrated, reliable, and proactive technical support experience for all members of its learning community.
Helpdesk Inquiries
In 2024, the Help Desk responded to 17,892 inquiries.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | 1246 | 631 | 426 | 412 | 1093 | 485 | 335 | 357 | 1173 | 349 | 387 | 227 | 7,121 |
| Email/Webforms | 387 | 322 | 149 | 98 | 355 | 141 | 113 | 97 | 362 | 107 | 114 | 62 | 2,307 |
| Online Chats | 1,556 | 893 | 499 | 440 | 1,303 | 351 | 372 | 421 | 1,509 | 418 | 465 | 237 | 8,464 |
| Total | 3,189 | 1,846 | 1,074 | 950 | 2,751 | 977 | 820 | 875 | 3,044 | 874 | 966 | 526 | 17,892 |
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Finance Brief
Statement of Financial Position
March 31, 2025
The data below reflects figures related to the infrastructure operations of OntarioLearn only and does not include the revenue and costs incurred by individual partner institutions.
As a participant in the consortium, members and partner institutions pay an annual fee plus an administration fee per enrolment to OntarioLearn. OntarioLearn’s infrastructure is solely sustained by members and partner institutions’ contributions.
In 2024/25, OntarioLearn implemented a new fee structure for learner enrolments, beginning in September 2024. This allowed OntarioLearn to simplify our billing process, increase efficiencies, and pass on savings to our member institutions.
In 2024/25, OntarioLearn continued to invest in its operations, including quality assurance processes, the Learning Management Systems (LMS) and the OntarioLearn Portal. OntarioLearn’s revenue sources are comprised mainly of annual fees, administration fees and technical fees from enrolments. Operating costs are primarily salaries and contract services (systems, legal, accounting, etc.)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash $3,373,487
Amounts receivable $163,229
Prepaid expenses $75,978
$3,612,694
$3,612,694
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities $281,530
Deferred revenue $81,000
Net assets: Unrestricted$3,250,164
$3,612,694
OntarioLearn Outlook
The Ontario post-secondary sector has had a very tumultuous year. The impact at OntarioLearn was seen with the loss of board and committee members, as well as a decrease in registrations. As a result, the board decided to extend the current 2022-2025 Strategic Plan into 2026. At that time, we will have more insight into the sector and its impact on OntarioLearn.
OntarioLearn places the learner at the centre of its priorities, providing consistent and high-quality educational opportunities throughout the province.
The collaboration between partner institutions at OntarioLearn is a testament to the efficiencies and possibilities born from collective effort. By pooling resources, expertise, and vision, OntarioLearn not only navigates sector challenges with agility, but also sets a high standard for shared strength and forward-thinking innovation across the educational landscape. This unified approach empowers both learners and educators, ensuring that high-quality online learning remains accessible, adaptive, and responsive to the ever-changing needs of Ontario and beyond.
Amidst an evolving educational landscape, OntarioLearn remains committed to innovation and adaptability. By continuously evolving our programs and embracing emerging technologies, we ensure that students have access to flexible, just-in-time learning suited to their unique circumstances. This learner-focused approach acknowledges the diverse realities faced by individuals across the province and beyond, helping to remove barriers and empower lifelong learning. Our ongoing dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is the foundation for our future, as we strive to reach every learner—wherever they may be—and equip them for success in a rapidly changing world.
Our priorities include:
Advancing quality by leveraging the expertise we have within our Quality Assurance Community of Practice. A review of the learner survey experience will be a focus of the COP this year.
Advancing digital strategies that support our various business models and enhance processes using sustainable technology that continues to enable and support our collaboration. This year will see the implementation of some new LMS tools, a new website, and other advancements to support learners.
Advancing innovation and creating flexible opportunities for learners, supported by the strength we draw from collaborating with each other. We will engage our members to help support them with options in these difficult times.
Advancing sustainability and growth by building on OntarioLearn’s collaborative model and developing more opportunities for all partners. We will continue to support ongoing partnerships and develop new business models.
If you need additional assistance, please contact:
ExecutiveDirector@ontariolearn.com.
