Creating an All-Access Learning Hub for Ontario Students
Development of a free, comprehensive K-12 digital learning platform designed to democratize education across Ontario
Role
UX Designer
Industry
Education
Duration
15 months +
The Challenge
"I Only Use This Because My Teacher Makes Me"
The Core Problem: TVO Learn has a forced adoption problem. Students won't engage voluntarily.
Why Students Avoid the Platform:
Boring & Adult-Oriented: No sense of accomplishment or fresh experiences
Poor Usability: Can't filter content, weak search, not mobile-optimized
Not Inclusive: Limited ESL support, accessibility gaps, one-size-fits-all approach
Business Impact:
Low Retention: Users who aren't engaged don't return
Missed Opportunities: Can't leverage timely content or campaigns
Unknown Effectiveness: No data on actual learning outcomes
Goals
THE go-to destination for online Ontario K-12 learning resources
Effective learning pre / post engagement according to assessments
Learners reporting feeling empowered
Reduce the gap of learners who are behind post-COVID
Retained learners who grow up on the platform
Globally recognized & award winning
The Solution
In order to solve the education gap in Ontarians who need one-stop learning brand for Ontario curriculum (K-12) that’s equitable and accessible to all diverse learners, TVO Learn will be designed as a personalized learning platform that empowers learners by supporting effective and engaging just-in-time learning, measured by adoption of learners and their educators or caregivers, engagement, retention, success stories, and overall TVO Learn brand perception and recognition.
Immediate Educational Impacts
1. Closing Learning Gaps
31% of Grade 3 students don't meet provincial writing standards, and 18% of Grade 6 students fail to meet writing standards
Personalized learning paths could help struggling students catch up at their own pace
ESL support addresses needs of Ontario's diverse immigrant population
2. Addressing Post-COVID Recovery
COVID-19 disruptions showed that even small decreases in numeracy skills are associated with 20-30% wage gaps in adulthood
Self-directed learning tools prepare students for future disruptions
3. Equity and Inclusion
First Nations students face systemic gaps with 12.6% suspension rates
Responsive design and accessibility features could improve outcomes for marginalized communities
Mobile-first approach serves rural and remote Ontario learners
Slides
"Through all your work you displayed a commitment to delivering high quality experiences that aligned with key objectives and user expectations... I truly feel that the new TVO Learn will grow to set a new standard in online learning."
