OCAS Hosts Open Data for National Online Learning Survey
GUELPH, ON, September 27, 2018 – OCAS, a not-for-profit organization delivering shared technology and application services for Ontario’s public colleges, has partnered with the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) / Association canadienne de recherche sur la formation en ligne (ACRFL), a team of Canadian independent researchers, to host open data for a national online learning survey.
Conducted in the spring and summer of 2017, the Canadian National Survey of Online Learning and Distance Education survey offers insight into online learning and distance education in Canadian public postsecondary education. The first to cover all Canadian postsecondary institutions, over 200 public universities, colleges and CEGEPs across the country were invited to complete the survey.
“The information collected from the national online learning survey has already proven influential at informing the future of online learning at Canadian postsecondary institutions,” says Karen Creditor, President and CEO at OCAS. “We appreciate the opportunity to extend our services to support higher education research initiatives across Canada, and to work collaboratively with other college system organizations.”
With the 2017 survey now complete, OCAS – home to the largest repository of college system data in Ontario – is leveraging its data expertise to host the open data collected from the survey questionnaires and make it available to researchers on request.
“We are most appreciative of the support we receive from OCAS. Having the open data housed by OCAS makes it available for others to access and conduct further research,” says Tricia Donovan, Executive Director of CDLRA. “We have also appreciated OCAS’ operational support and the opportunity to dive deeper into the impact increased access to online learning may have for students.”
A summary of the research is available at onlinelearningsurveycanada.ca. The 2018 survey is currently underway, and the results will be released this coming fall.
About OCAS
OCAS is an independent not-for-profit organization based out of Guelph, Ontario. As a member of our province’s thriving tech hub and a proud partner of the Ontario college system, technology and innovation are at the heart of our business – we leverage the power of data, people, and partnerships to deliver leading-edge systems, dependable technology, and cost-effective solutions across the higher education sector. Every year, we provide the pathways and support that help over 200,000 individuals take the first step toward a brighter future through Ontario’s public colleges.
We care a lot about what we do. Learn more about us at www.ocas.ca.
About CDLRA
The 2018 National Online and Digital Learning Survey is operated by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) / Association Canadienne de Recherche sur la Formation en Ligne (ACRFL), a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. CDLRA / ACRFL receives support from eCampusOntario, BCcampus, Contact North, Campus Manitoba and others. We strive to capture trends and patterns in online and digital learning across Canada’s publicly funded Cegeps, Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities.
Media Contact
Alissa Robson
Manager, Marketing & Communications
519.763.2363 x6888
robson@ocas.ca
