eConcordia celebrates 25 years of innovation in online education

The year 2025 marks a major milestone for eConcordia, Concordia’s online education provider. Established in November 2000, e-Concordia has officially been providing students with high-quality, flexible and engaging online education experiences for 25 years.

Since its inception, eConcordia has partnered with all four faculties at the university, developing over 150 online courses across disciplines. Today, 34 departments offer at least one online course through eConcordia, contributing to more than 41,000 student enrolments each year.

Award-winning course design

Concordia’s online courses are not just recordings of in-person lectures or Zoom sessions. Instead, eConcordia classes are designed with online pedagogy in mind, including interactive modules, animated lessons, video lectures and multimedia readings. Course content is organized with clear agendas, assignments, and evaluations so students can learn at their own pace while staying connected to instructors and peers.

“For 25 years, eConcordia has embodied Concordia’s spirit of innovation — using technology not as a replacement for teaching, but as a bridge that connects people, ideas and opportunities. Our mission has always been to make education accessible, interactive and deeply engaging, empowering learners wherever they are,” says Guy Dufour, eConcordia president.

Each course is constructed by a team of designers, learning specialists and Concordia faculty. These teams have been recognized with national and international awards for instructional design, technological innovation and creativity, including distinctions from The Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE), the International E-Learning Association (IELA), the Digi Awards and the Canadian e-Business Leadership Awards.

The future of teaching and learning

From its early text-based courses to today’s immersive, multimedia-rich learning environments, eConcordia continues to evolve with technology. The organization is currently exploring AI, VR, and data-driven tools to enhance learning and accessibility.

Still, Dufour says the organization remains committed to collaborating with faculty and inspiring students as the future of online learning takes shape.

“Our success is built on the creativity and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” Dufour adds. “This celebration isn’t just about the past 25 years, it’s about everything we’re building for the next generation of learners.”

Learn more about eConcordia.