Co-op e-Learning Courses

ABOUT THE E-LEARNING PROGRAM

• On Co-op’s self-directed e-courses are designed for those governing, leading, working in, or entering the co‑operative movement. On Co-op has developed this series of ten Co-op e-Learning Courses, providing you with targeted and topical information on a variety of co-operative subjects.
• The Co-op e-Learning Courses offer a flexible learning schedule, allowing you to further your co-op knowledge at a time and a pace that meets YOUR needs. Once you register and receive your password, you have 24/7/365 access from the comfort of your home or work computer. Review material and go back to past lessons at any time.
• Components of each e-course vary, but may include readings, selections from printed books/articles, videos and self-directed exercises, quizzes or reflective assignments.
• Each Co-op e-Learning course can be completed in about seven to ten hours, approximately 2-3 hours of which will be spent online. Courses can be taken in any combination or order, allowing you to tailor learning to your needs.
• High speed internet access is recommended

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR E-LEARNING PACKAGE

• Access to the online course(s) you have subscribed to for up to one year.  (If you renew your LMS system access fee annually, you may continue to review the course material longer than one year.)
• Self-directed quizzes, reflective assignments and other methods of reinforcing your knowledge.
• A printed course pack, including reading materials and other resources applicable far beyond the actual course.  There is no extra charge for the course pack, and no shipping or handling fees when shipping to an Ontario mailing address.
• Assistance in registration and familiarization of the computerized learning environment.
• The e-Learning courses and all materials/ instructions are presented in English only

COURSE CATALOGUE

GENERAL COURSES
1. The Co‑operative Context
2. The Legislative and Regulatory Framework
3. Governance, Management and Membership
4. Developing a Co‑operative
5. Financing Your Co‑operative

SECTOR SPECIFIC COURSES
6. Agricultural Co‑operatives
7. Social, Health and Homecare Co‑operatives
8. Renewable Energy Co‑operatives
9. Local Economic Development and Co‑operatives
10. Child Care and Housing Co‑operatives

Course outlines for the 10 e-Learning modules can be accessed through the link at the right side of this page under the "downloads" section.

PRICES:

• Special member price is $179 +hst for each course, non-member price is $229 +hst.  ** see definition of "member" below
• Each student must also pay a $40 +hst learning management system access fee, which grants access to the computerlized learning environment for one year.  This LMS fee is payable only once per year, regardless of the number of e-Learning courses you individually register for.
• Costs are per person, per course.
• Inquiries regarding group or large volume purchases should be directed to On Co-op prior to online registration.
• Refunds: Once your credit card has been processed, there are NO REFUNDS. Your card is not charged immediately when you register.  You must reply to a confirmation email sent personally by a staff member of On Co-op.

**DISCOUNTS FOR THE ON CO-OP MEMBERSHIP: Most anglophone credit unions and co-operatives in Ontario are either direct dues-paying members of On Co-op (such as The Co-operators, Organic Meadow, Ag Energy, Gay Lea Foods or Grand River CarShare) or indirect members by being part of a federation that is a member of On Co-op.  Member federations include Central 1 Credit Union, CHF Canada, CWCF/OWCF, GROWMARK, Inc., OPPCEO and Ontario Student Co-operative Association. For a list of our current membership, see the link at the right of this page under "more information."

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• Register online.  Provide your contact information and indicate which course(s) you would like to register for.
• You are required to provide your credit card information using the online registration system (VISA or MasterCard only).  The secure order form uses encrypted SSL technology.
• TO REGISTER FOR AN E-LEARNING COURSE CLICK THE LINK AT THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE UNDER "MORE INFORMATION."
• Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email from an On Co-op staff member.  Credit card processing will take place AFTER that email has been sent to you.
• After your credit card has been processed, you will receive a second email with the following information:

- Log-in number
- Temporary password
- Course pack tracking number from Purolator
- Confirmation of Payment
- LMS quick guide

 Reminder: Once your credit card has been processed, there are NO REFUNDS.

INDIVIDUAL CO-OP e-LEARNING COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS

No matter what your level of co-op or credit union knowledge, taking online module #1 (The Co-op Context) is recommended to provide a common knowledge of the co-operative sector.  Here are our suggestions for others:

• Co-operative (Credit Union) CEOs and their senior management teams.  Should take the entire Co-operative Managment Certificate program (i.e. not just the e-courses) for broad-based knowledge and peer-network support.  
• Employees, including new-hires.  Should take, at a minimum, online module #1, plus other topics that support their career path.
• Specialized staff (accountants, lawyers, lenders, etc).  Online modules #2, #3 and #4. 
• Board of Directors, Committee Members and key Volunteers.  Should also take, at a minimum, online module #3.
• Co-op (Credit Union) Members and those interested in learning more about co-operatives.  Sector-specific  modules as required.
• Co-op Developers, business start-up centres and individuals interested in starting up a co-operative.  Online modules #3, and #4 plus sector-specific courses as required. 
• Those outside of Ontario. Online modules #1, #3 and #4.  Sector-specific courses as required.

OTHER CO-OP LEARNING OPTIONS

To gain a broader and richer understanding of the co-operative sector and learn innovative strategies for addressing key issues in co-operative management and governance, consider applying to the Co-operative Management Certificate Program. This six-month program combines e-learning with in-depth classroom sessions held at the Schulich School of Business at York University. Through the CMC Program, you will engage with top professionals and peers in a learning network focused on contemporary management issues, develop critical thinking, and make alliances and partnerships with colleagues across co‑operative sectors.

• Students taking individual e-Learning courses will not have the benefit of the enriched content, guest speakers, peer-learning and alumni networks, and indepth analysis of e-learning content and broad co-op issues. All this, plus the Face to Face Intensive Modules (featuring university and sector professionals and leaders), Webinars, Peer-networking links, and other learning resources are only offered as part of the Certificate Program.   And, unlike the CMC Program, readings, quizzes and reflective assignments in the Co-op e-Learning Courses are not discussed or graded by a CMC presenter, sector representatives or a peer network.
• NOTE: In addition to the above, there are additional differences between the content and assignments of the public and the Certificate versions of the e-learning modules. 

This project supported by funding from The Ontario Trillium Foundation.