Four New Postsecondary Institutions Partner with eCampusOntario’s Empowered Educator Program to Advance Digital Teaching Skills
eCampusOntario continues to enhance digital fluency in Ontario postsecondary sector
L’Université de l’Ontario français, l’Université de Hearst, University of Ottawa, and Mohawk College have become the latest postsecondary institutions to recognize eCampusOntario’s Empowered Educator program as a professional development pathway for their faculty to advance essential digital teaching skills and meet the demands of an ever-evolving postsecondary education sector.
Empowered Educator – formerly known as Ontario Extend – is a professional micro-credentialed learning program designed to help educators build digital fluency skills. Available at no cost for educators at eCampusOntario member institutions, which includes 53 Ontario publicly assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, the six training modules provide educators with the skills necessary to meet the needs of students in online and hybrid learning environments. Upon completion, faculty receive Empowered Educator Badges and the Empowered Educator Micro-credential along with the tools, skills, and community to adapt and enhance their teaching practices.
“Mohawk College is pleased to be working with the Empowered Educator program, which provides faculty with valuable opportunities to enhance their flexible teaching practices,” says Janet Shuh, Dean, Continuing Education & Academic Development, Mohawk College. “Digital transformation is a vital part of our strategic plan both in terms of learner competencies as well as teaching and learning approaches. The Empowered Educator program enables educators to create future-ready learning environments for students and graduates to thrive in the global economy.”
Faculty at these four postsecondary institutions will join a community of practice in the pursuit of professional learning for digital fluency. Educators will be able to collaborate with peers throughout the province to explore emerging technologies and pedagogical practices for effective online and technology-enabled teaching and learning. In example, a professor at Mohawk College will be able to connect with colleagues at University of Ottawa to share their experiences using technology-enabled teaching, aiding the iterative learning process.
“Curriculum design and faculty development are two essential pillars of Ontario’s higher education system,” Patrick Molicard-Chartier, Senior Advisor, Techno-pedagogical Development, l’Université de l’Ontario français. “By partnering with eCampusOntario’s Empowered Educator program, l’UoF helps educators access the resources and opportunities needed to develop their skills and perform their work to their fullest potential through equitable and inclusive pedagogical practices.”
Once completed, participants can share their digital badges and micro-credentials on LinkedIn and social media to display their achievements and knowledge. With the Winter 2025 cohort now available from January 20 to April 11, 2025, Empowered Educator sessions are accessible now through a customized and facilitated experience for educators who participate in our openly licensed program.
“eCampusOntario is excited to partner with these institutions to support rich, equitable, and flexible digital educational experiences,” said Robert Luke, CEO, eCampusOntario. “By empowering Ontario educators with new technologies, pedagogical practices, and digital literacy skills, we can help ensure that more learners access the skills they need to achieve their educational and professional goals.”
“Our partnership with the Empowered Educator program provides educators with the ability to deliver quality learning experiences and prepare learners for successful futures,” says Alain St-Amant, Vice-Provost, Academic Affairs, University of Ottawa. “Through essential initiatives like these, Digital transformation continues to make postsecondary education more accessible for learners.”
“Digital fluency helps educators build an educational environment where academic success and inclusion are prioritized,” says Alexandre Bekhradi, Vice-Rector of Academic and Research, l’Université de Hearst. “By partnering with eCampusOntario’s Empowered Educator program, l’Université de Hearst continues to support an innovative and engaging francophone learning ecosystem that values professional and collective growth.”
All six modules are offered as courses with optional facilitated check-ins and asynchronous community discussion forums to enhance the learning journey. With continuous enrolment throughout the fall and winter semesters, this flexible approach to delivery offers Ontario’s postsecondary educators several opportunities to participate at their own pace.
More Information
Would your institution like professional development opportunities to advance faculty digital teaching skills? Consider becoming an endorsement partner of Empowered Educator. Learn more about partner endorsement on our website, here.