In an innovative initiative to help address the escalating costs of post-secondary education, a group of national partners are proud to announce the formation of the Canadian Coalition for Affordable Learning (CCAL). This Coalition is dedicated to enhancing access and affordability of post-secondary education by exploring inter-provincial strategies to reduce the financial burden on learners across Canada. This is especially critical at a time of economic disruption and transition and the imperative to build a strong and resilient Canadian economy with a nimble and agile workforce.
The rising cost of post-secondary education has become a significant concern for students nationwide. The costs of tuition and living expenses are increasing for learners, even while institutions face growing cost pressures themselves. These high living costs can significantly increase the overall financial burden on students, especially those who must relocate to attend their chosen institutions.
The Canadian Coalition for Affordable Learning aims to address these challenges by focusing on four strands of work: The adoption and promotion of Open Educational Resources (OER); improving alternative and flexible delivery modalities, such as online and hybrid courses and programs; enhancing access to new learning paths such as through micro-credentials; and enhancing the digital fluency of educators to more effectively leverage digital teaching and learning environments.
By leveraging OER, the coalition seeks to provide high-quality and cost-effective learning materials, while enhancing accessibility, strengthening collaboration across the sector, boosting innovation, and accelerating digital transformation for post-secondary institutions.
Expanding online and hybrid learning opportunities can also offer students greater flexibility, allowing them to access education wherever they live and work. This approach can help to eliminate relocation expenses and enables students to maintain their existing support networks and employment, further alleviating financial pressures. Flexible approaches to credentials help people who are working to retrain and upskill through accessible learning pathways, opening opportunities for all learners.
As an initial step, CCAL is convening a two-hour virtual summit meeting during Open Education Week to begin to discuss ways in which we can work together inter-provincially to address student affordability. This virtual event is being held on March 4 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. PST.
Registration is now open!
Meeting the needs of learners at all ages and stages of life – from those entering from high school to those seeking to upskill and retrain – can best be met with flexible and affordable learning. This will help ensure all Canadians can participate in our economy, at a time when building a strong and resilient Canada is mission-critical.
By uniting our resources and expertise, the coalition members are committed to making post-secondary education more affordable and accessible for all Canadian students. This partnership represents a significant step toward alleviating the financial challenges faced by learners and ensuring that education remains a pathway to opportunity.
For more information about the Canadian Coalition for Affordable Learning and its initiatives, please contact: CCAL@digitalcampus.ca
Together, we can create a more equitable and affordable educational landscape for students across Canada and help to drive increased productivity across the economy.