eCampusOntario
Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS)
First Round Results of $50M Virtual Learning Strategy EOI
eCampusOntario has compiled a list of projects created through the First Round of the Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS) funding, viewable in the searchable dashboard above.
eCampusOntario released its First Round call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on January 6, 2021 in support of the Government of Ontario’s VLS.Â
Announced on December 11, 2020, the VLS is an historic $50 million investment by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) intended to drive growth and advancement in virtual learning across the province’s post-secondary institutions. The strategy is significantly expanding options for traditional and life-long learning through the accelerated use of both online and hybrid learning.Â
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on Ontario’s postsecondary education sector as institutions rapidly transitioned to remote delivery. In close consultations with the postsecondary sector in summer 2020, the MCU heard the need for virtual learning supports to enable access to high-quality learning. These results informed the launch of the Virtual Learning Strategy.Â
While successful applicants from this First Round of funding continue work on their projects until March 2022, a Second Round of VLS funding was released on November 4, 2021.Â
Further data, research and analysis on First Round projects will be made available on this page.Â
Project contact information is not publicly available for the first round of the Virtual Learning Strategy. If you are an existing or potential project lead and would like to learn more from a specific project team, please reach out to vls@ecampusontario.ca so that we may help to facilitate an introduction.
You can also download the PDF using the download button.
Strategic Funding
The First Round of the VLS is strategic funding made available to the post-secondary sector, supported by eCampusOntarioÂ
Digital Content
Development and adoption of a portfolio of high-quality online materials at Ontario post-secondary institutions in English and other languages (for example, French, Indigenous); high-quality virtual simulations and/or lab content to reduce the strain on campus space and infrastructure and enable more flexible delivery to attract new markets for online learning in Ontario.Â
Digital Capacity
Support institutions with low current capacity to receive targeted supports in three areas: instructional design, open education librarians and learning technology rovers (paid students)
Digital Fluency
Support development and adoption of professional development resources and supports for faculty and students to improve virtual teaching and learning.
Digital Delivery
Support the identification, procurement, and deployment of educational technologies to support digital course and program and offerings.
Indigenous Institutes
Targeted funding to support virtual learning initiatives by Indigenous Institutes
 
First Round Funding Timeline
Briefings & Information Sessions
VLS Orientation Kickoff
Download the bilingual presentation slides
Bilingual VLS Status Reporting Guide
VLS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Licensing Options Briefing
Download the bilingual presentation slides
Instructions for selecting the language interpreter function in Zoom for live French interpretation
eCampusOntario is here to support the post-secondary sector in responding to the Virtual Learning Strategy.
Our role:
- Provide orientation and support for the sector through Technical Briefings
- Draw on VLAC expertise to administer efficient and transparent funding distribution process
- Support the execution of project work
- Work with and draw on sector progress to communicate systemic VLS impact
eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit centre of excellence and global leader in the evolution of teaching and learning through technology.