For the cost of a couple of coffees per month, new online learning centre will provide affordable, role-specific professional development in AI, cybersecurity, compliance, and digital operations
May 19, 2026 – The Education Collaborative Network of Ontario (ECNO) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of ELSA (ECNO Learning & Skills Academy), a new online learning hub powered by Fair Chance Learning and designed specifically for Ontario school board operational and administrative staff.
Launching in September 2026 as a 1-year pilot initiative, ELSA will provide flexible, affordable, and practical professional development opportunities to help school board operations staff strengthen critical workplace skills in areas such as AI Foundations, cybersecurity awareness, workplace compliance, and operational efficiency.
ECNO is encouraging Ontario school boards to confirm interest in June to help guide participation planning for the pilot launch. Submitting an expression of interest does not constitute a formal commitment. Boards can submit online.
“School boards are navigating significant technological and operational change, and staff need learning opportunities that are practical, accessible, and directly connected to the work they do every day,” said Anthony Fields, Executive Director of ECNO. “ELSA is developed specifically with school board operations teams in mind, giving them the tools and confidence to adapt, grow, and lead in an increasingly digital environment, and giving managers the opportunity to personalize their teams’ professional development.”
A key distinction of the platform is its role-specific approach to learning, helping staff understand how AI tools can support their unique operational responsibilities while reinforcing responsible and secure use practices. Cybersecurity and workplace compliance learning modules will also provide standardized foundational training across teams and departments.
ELSA offers flexible learning exercises designed to help school board operational and administrative staff build practical, future-ready skills. Developed to address the rapidly evolving digital and operational landscape facing school boards, ELSA will feature more than 800 learning resources in self-guided learning pathways including AI-enabled simulations, role-specific exercises, scenario-based learning, skill benchmarks, and micro-credentials.
Participants can complete pre-learning skill benchmarks, confidence and capability assessments, receive personalized learning recommendations based on identified gaps, and earn badges or micro-credentials upon completion.
ELSA also includes real-time reporting and analytics features that allow learners and managers to monitor progress while supporting team-wide professional development goals.
“We see digital readiness and professional development as essential investments in the future of education,” Fields added. “This pilot is an opportunity for school boards across Ontario to help shape a scalable, long-term learning ecosystem designed specifically for their operational and administrative teams.”
Year-long access to ELSA $99/year per user with scalable pricing options available for larger group bookings. All pricing details are available on the website.
To learn more or reserve your team’s seats, visit www.ecno.org/ELSA
About ECNO
The Education Collaborative Network of Ontario (ECNO) supports Ontario school boards through leadership, collaboration, and innovative technology initiatives that strengthen education sector operations, cybersecurity, digital learning, and operational excellence.
Contact:
Anthony Fields
Executive Director, ECNO
Email