eLearning in Canada – Top Companies & Events
eLearning has seen exponential growth in Canada over the past decade, driven by advancements in technology and changing learner needs. With COVID-19 further accelerating eLearning adoption, online and digital learning is now mainstream, providing flexible and accessible education options across the country. Below, we explore the rise of eLearning in Canada, top eLearning companies, major industry events, emerging trends, and the future outlook for this rapidly evolving space.
Introduction
eLearning refers to education delivered through digital mediums and technology. From online courses to virtual classrooms, eLearning provides learners the flexibility to access education at their own pace and time. The eLearning market size in Canada was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at over 12% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.
The adoption of learning management systems (LMS), artificial intelligence, augmented reality and data analytics in education have vastly expanded the scope of eLearning in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to a dramatic shift towards online learning, overcoming hesitation around digital education. With digital literacy improving across provinces, eLearning is bridging gaps and creating equitable access to high-quality education nationwide.
The Rise of eLearning in Canada
Canada has been at the forefront of eLearning globally. The country saw around 37% growth in terms of enrollment in online education programs in 2021 alone. Over 7.2 million students had some form of digital learning incorporated into their studies as of 2022. Analysts predict over 15 million Canadian learners will engage in some form of online learning by 2025.
From K-12 schools delivering virtual or hybrid classroom solutions to universities providing over 3,400 online programs, adoption has skyrocketed since 2020. Corporate L&D programs are also following suit, with the corporate eLearning market in Canada projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2027. Improvement of rural internet connectivity, government eLearning initiatives, and major EdTech investments and innovation hubs like Edmonton and Toronto have fueled this exponential growth.
This rise in eLearning is also mirrored in the online gambling industry, where it is becoming an essential tool for training employees. eLearning offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and consistent training across multiple locations. It leverages digital platforms to deliver training content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making it easier for employees to stay updated with the latest industry standards and practices.
Adopting eLearning technologies like Learning Management Systems (LMS), artificial intelligence, and data analytics allows for a more personalized and engaging training experience. These tools help online casinos train their staff more effectively by providing interactive and tailored learning modules that enhance understanding and retention.
Top 7 eLearning Companies in Canada
Canada is home to some pioneering eLearning companies catering to K-12, higher education, corporate training and more. Here are 7 leading players:
Paradiso Solutions
Paradiso Solutions offers microlearning, gamification, virtual events and AI-based solutions for customizable online courses and training programs. Its affordable subscription model, LMS platform and compliance training capabilities make Paradiso a preferred eLearning partner for corporate clients.
Coursana Canada
Coursana creates modern, technology-driven learning experiences through its course builder, allowing businesses to deliver training digitally. Its mobile-ready courses and customizable platform are tailored for professional development and onboarding needs.
Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS provides an intuitive, scalable learning platform for employee training, certification courses and customer education. It allows for the creation of engaging content with assessments for measurable outcomes. Absorb caters to mid-large enterprises seeking to drive productivity via L&D.
MentorCity
MentorCity focuses on personal mentoring at scale, connecting employees and teams with mentors digitally. Its smart algorithms match mentees with seasoned advisors, cultivating skill development through effective networking. The intuitive portal tracks goals and engagement.
YouAchieve
YouAchieve delivers customized learning solutions combining LMS, content libraries and instructional design expertise. Its award-winning eLearning platform, tailor-made courses and ADA compliance make it a preferred partner for regulated sectors like healthcare and financial services.
skyPrep
skyPrep provides a cloud learning platform to create and share online courses easily. By supporting different file formats and content types, it enables businesses to have blended learning initiatives for remote employees. The focus is on engagement and knowledge retention.
Uncanny Owl
Uncanny Owl builds custom eLearning experiences through its expertise in learning design, technology integration and user engagement. Its specialization in WordPress and seamless integration with LMS makes Uncanny Owl a popular eLearning developer.
Key eLearning Events in Canada
Alongside prominent EdTech players, networking events and conferences are fostering an interconnected ecosystem for the Canadian eLearning industry:
Canadian eLearning Conference
This annual Toronto-based eLearning event attracts over 150 industry professionals to discuss new methodologies, technologies and best practices.
Key Highlights
- 2-Day Format: Combination of pre-conference workshops and main conference spanning two days.
- Engaging Sessions: Comprehensive program includes seminars, roundtables and hands-on workshops.
- Diverse Topics: Trending themes like accessibility, instructional design, learning tools, quality assurance and more.
- Notable Speakers: Renowned eLearning experts from corporate and academia helm insightful discussions.
- Prime Networking: Expo hall and social events facilitate connections between attendees and exhibitors.
As a premier forum focused singularly on the eLearning landscape, this conference enables stakeholders to brainstorm ideas, showcase innovations and nurture partnerships – making it a prime networking and upskilling event.
EdTech Innovation Summit
As Canada’s leading event exploring the learning technology landscape, this summit convenes 400+ education leaders, administrators, EdTech innovators and investors annually.
Key Highlights
- Thought Leadership: Global experts and innovators provide cutting-edge insights.
- Startup Launchpad: Platform for emerging EdTech startups to pitch to potential investors.
- Awards Gala: Recognizes excellence and innovation by Canadian EdTech trailblazers.
- Immersive Formats: Includes fireside chats, fishbowl discussions, hands-on workshops.
- Strategic Networking: Forges connections across diverse stakeholder groups.
The summit stimulates discourse on digital learning transformation, allowing stakeholders to exchange ideas and foster partnerships to advance EdTech innovation in Canada.
The Future of eLearning in Canada
As the appetite for online education continues to grow in Canada against the backdrop of digital transformation, key trends shaping the next wave of evolution include:
- Ubiquity of mobile learning solutions and AI-driven personalized education.
- Advances in extended reality technologies to redefine virtual classrooms.
- Reshaping policy landscape to consolidate online education standards.
- Public-private partnerships to nurture indigenous eLearning innovation.
While online education penetration increases, associated challenges around equitable access, data security, and credibility of eLearning programs persist. Addressing these requires a concerted effort from stakeholders across the ecosystem.
Nonetheless, the vibrant culture of collaboration and relentless drive for innovation spearheaded by pioneering events and leading eLearning and EdTech solution providers will be instrumental in unlocking eLearning’s immense potential in Canada.
As Canada continues its pursuit to become a global hub for technology innovation and life-long learning, eLearning is steadily emerging as an indispensable apparatus for empowering educators and preparing learners to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Backed by eLearning solutions tailored for diverse niches and top online learning companies, Canada is well-poised to drive boundaries of how online education can transform teaching and learning experiences across contexts to deliver skilling, upskilling and reskilling at scale.