Reimagining Access to Education: The Power of Online Learning in Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities

When it comes to accessing higher education, Canadians in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities often face significant challenges. Limited resources, geographical constraints, and cultural considerations can create barriers that impede potential students in their educational pursuits. But advancements in online and digital learning offer an opportunity in Canadian postsecondary education to reach these audiences and expand access for all learners across this country.?

Removing Barriers to Access

When we think about rural, remote and Indigenous communities in Canada, geographical obstacles are always top of mind. Canada is a vast country. Whether a student lives a 90-minute commute from a downtown Vancouver campus, or hundreds of kilometres away from the nearest university or college in Northern Canada, distance can make commuting impractical, and relocating can be costly.?

As the distance from a campus increases, technology can also become a challenge. According to the CRTC, only 59.5% of households in rural and remote areas have high-speed internet access. On First Nations reserves, that number was even lower, with only 42.9% of households connected. This digital divide limits students' ability to participate in online learning, access digital resources, and connect with educators and peers. The Canadian government is working on this, committing $8 billion to connect 98% of Canadians to high?speed internet by 2026, and 100% of Canadians by 2030.?

Economic factors further complicate access to higher education. The costs of travel and accommodation can be prohibitive for students joining on-campus classes. Students from rural areas must consider the expense of long commutes or relocating closer to campus, which adds to their total cost of education. Indigenous students face unique financial challenges, and while some funding is available through federal programs, it’s often insufficient. The Assembly of First Nations has been advocating to close the educational attainment gap through increased funding and advocacy. Based on the 2021 Census data, the proportion of the First Nations population with a bachelor’s degree grew to 6.6%, up from 5.4% in 2016. Those with a master’s degree (or higher) grew to 2.4% from 1.9% in 2016.?

Lastly, the lack of relevant curriculum and support services can discourage Indigenous students from pursuing postsecondary education in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action from 2015 emphasized the need for educational institutions to integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Although there is still a long way to go to properly reflect Indigenous methods across the sector, some institutions are leading the charge. UPEI has introduced a mandatory Indigenous Studies course for all students, UVic has launched an MBA in Advancing Reconciliation in collaboration with local organizations, and uOttawa created a Certificate in Indigenous Law program to minimize the culture shock experienced by Indigenous learners.

Developing purpose-built online programs play a critical role in bridging the gap. Flexible digital learning options enable students from remote areas to pursue higher education without leaving their communities. By removing the distance deterrent, Canadian postsecondary institutions can engage this growing audience, and impact more communities across this country.

The Opportunity for Canadian Universities and Colleges

Expanding access to higher education for rural, remote, and Indigenous communities is not just a social responsibility for Canadian universities and colleges. It also presents significant benefits. By reaching more rural, remote, and Indigenous learners through online programs, your institution can realize:

1. Increased Enrolment: Universities and colleges can attract a larger and more diverse student population that otherwise would not be able to access high-quality programming. Reaching this new audience through a financially viable model leads to a more stable financial base for the institution.?
2. Enhanced Reputation: Institutions that are seen as leaders in inclusivity and accessibility are more likely to attract partnerships, funding, and positive media attention. By actively addressing educational inequities, universities can further their market reach nationally and internationally as pioneers in this evolving landscape.
3. Workforce and Economic Gains: Expanding online programs to serve underserved communities demonstrates a tangible commitment to social responsibility and the democratization of education. At a time when economists argue Canada is facing economic and productivity stagnation, institutions can make a significant labour market impact on these traditionally overlooked communities while fulfilling their broader educational mission.

We are already seeing a handful of Canadian examples. The University of Calgary's Rural Community Route in their nursing program allows students to complete clinical placements in rural and remote communities, providing them with the opportunity to learn and serve in areas with significant health care needs. UBC’s Rural and Remote Teacher Education program blends online coursework with in-person classes and practicums to accommodate students who live and work in rural and remote areas. Laurentian offers an Indigenous Social Work program with online curriculum grounded in Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, aimed at preparing students to address the unique social challenges faced by Indigenous communities.?

While significant challenges remain to ensure equitable access to higher education for Canadians in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, these efforts from our universities and colleges are already making a difference. As more institutions are intentional about developing comprehensive online programs, creating relevant content, and supporting communities across the country, they can help bridge the educational gap.

These early success stories offer a glimpse of what is possible when we commit to providing transformative educational opportunities to all students, regardless of where they live in Canada.