After a rollercoaster two years marked by online learning and social upheaval forcing the re-examination of how best to meet the needs of students, it’s clear the COVID-19 pandemic has changed education in Canada forever.

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education encouraged pontifical universities to expand educational opportunities to those who would normally be unable to attend classes in-person full time, but could manage coursework online, such as prisoners, migrants, the homeless, monks, contemplative nuns and even busy bishops.

Imagine as a university student the sensation at being cited in O, The Oprah Magazine and The Journal of Positive Psychology for a study you designed. 

University campuses are a lot quieter this fall semester as lectures and student club activities have transitioned in large part to the online space. 

Every year, as my children got older, the return-to-school routine got less exciting.

In a summer deeply impacted by global pandemic, virtual summer school has proven popular for students looking to maximize their time during normal vacation months.

When COVID-19 necessitated the shut down of schools for months, Canadian educators were forced to reinvent their course delivery on the fly.   

Educators across Ontario have rejigged curriculum to meet the needs of quarantined students and many seem to have found their virtual teaching groove — but not without challenges.

Our schools have been closed for several weeks due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, midway through the Easter season, we are challenged to ignite and inspire hope for our anxious children in our panicked world. 

Gabriella Swan is coping well with her online classes. She finds online math classes harder, but the classes are shorter — 45 minutes as opposed to 75 in school.

With Ontario schools officially shuttered until at least the start of May, education partners are ramping up plans to continue teaching students at home.