Tracking Online and Distance Education in Canadian Universities and Colleges: 2018

Abstract

The first comprehensive survey of online and distance learning in Canadian public post-secondary institutions, covering all types of institution and every province and territory, was conducted in 2017. This research indicated that online learning was alive and well in Canadian post-secondary institutions, with 85% of responding institutions offering at least some online learning for credit in 2016, and with courses offered in almost all subject areas in one institution or another. Two-thirds of responding institutions stated that online learning was considered 'very' or 'extremely' important for their long-term future. The 2018 study builds on the prior year's results, with an expanded roster of institutions, a modified questionnaire with more detailed questions, and refined definitions and enrolment questions. The responding institutions covered 92% of all students in post-secondary education in Canada.