Brock and Trent Universities Partner with eCampusOntario’s Extend Program to Advance Digital Teaching Skills
eCampusOntario continues its support of rich, equitable, inclusive and flexible digital learning experiences
Brock and Trent universities have become the most recent postsecondary institutions to recognize eCampusOntario’s Ontario Extend program as a professional development pathway for their faculty to advance essential digital teaching skills, meeting the demands of an ever-evolving postsecondary education sector.
Ontario Extend is a free professional micro-credentialed learning program designed to help educators build digital fluency skills. The six training modules provide educators with activities to meet the needs of students in online and hybrid learning environments. Upon completion, faculty receive Extend Badges and the Empowered Educator Micro-credential along with the tools, skills, and community to adapt and enhance their teaching practices.
“Brock University is pleased to endorse the Ontario Extend program, which provides our faculty with valuable tools to enable them to meet the flexible needs of any learner in online and hybrid learning environments,” said Lynn Wells, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “By integrating this program, we are demonstrating our commitment to continuous professional development for our staff and providing opportunities to explore the best digital learning solutions and practices.”
Faculty at both Brock and Trent universities will join a community of practice in the pursuit of professional learning for digital fluency. Educators will have the opportunity to connect with peers throughout the province to learn, experiment, and grow together through Ontario Extend’s experiential learning approach.
“Trent University fully supports the Ontario Extend Empowered Educator Micro-credential as a symbol of professional growth and commitment to improving education,” said Terry Greene, Senior eLearning Designer at Trent University. “The Extend program provides valuable opportunities for our educators to build their skills, stay current with the latest developments in their field, and demonstrate their achievements to the wider education community. We believe that this program empowers educators to take charge of their own professional development and make a positive impact in the lives of their students.”
Once completed, participants can share their digital badges and micro-credentials on social media and LinkedIn to display their achievements and knowledge. Beginning June 5 through to August 25, Ontario Extend sessions will be available through a customized and facilitated experience for educators who participate in our openly licensed program.
“eCampusOntario is excited to partner with Brock University and Trent University to advance pedagogical practices for effective online teaching and learning,” said Robert Luke, CEO, eCampusOntario. “Ontario Extend is one of eCampusOntario’s flagship programs and serves our 2021-24 Strategic Plan to lead the evolution of digital learning and build accessible pathways for all learners. By equipping Ontario educators with the emerging pedagogies, digital tools and professional development communities, we can help ensure that learners thrive in an emerging digital environment.”
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 summer and fall 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 Ontario Extend. Learn more about partner endorsement on our website.