Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning

Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning

  Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) is a Canadian DISTANCE EDUCATION provider, operating as the Open Learning Division of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia. It employs a variety of innovative open-learning methods to provide wide access to its university courses, including open admission and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

The Open Learning Division was created in 2005 when TRU assumed full responsibility for all courses and programs of the former British Columbia Open University (BCOU), which formerly operated as the Open Learning Institute (OLI). In 1978 the OLI was founded as a non-profit, fully accredited institution by the provincial government. In 1988, OLI combined with the Knowledge Network to form the Open Learning Agency, of which BCOU was a division.

In 2005, the Government of British Columbia granted full university status to the University College of the Cariboo, which became Thompson Rivers University.

TRU-OL delivers over 550 courses and 55 programs. Approximately 300 courses are designed and delivered by TRU-OL, while another 250 courses are available for registration through partner institutions, including SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY and the UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA. TRU programs offered via distance and online include Adult Basic Education, Arts, Business and Management Studies, Education, General Studies, Health and Human Services, Science, Technology and Tourism.

Through PLAR, TRU offers methods to assess prior knowledge gained through work and life experience, beyond the learning acquired through formal education. Open Learning is home to the Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC), which was developed to stimulate innovative research concerning prior learning.

TRU is a founding member of the Canadian Virtual University and a founding anchor partner of the Open Educational Resource University.