The provincial government in British Columbia has launched a groundbreaking e-learning program, offering high school students free online textbooks.
The move is designed not only to save students money–the books will be published under open licenses–but also to take the province money on printing and distribution costs. The initiative is part of B.C.’s Family First Agenda, aimed at giving relief to lower-income families. The government says the new textbooks could see use in classrooms as early as next year.
The trend towards free education seems to be growing in Canada. Several universities, including the University of Toronto, are now offering free online courses, including in technical subjects. Many higher-education institutions in the United States are also doing so.