FAQ

What is the OSAPAC Committee?

The OSAPAC Committee (Ontario Software Acquisition Program Advisory Committee) is composed of English and French representatives from across the province who advise the Ministry of Education on the acquisition of provincial licenses for publicly funded schools in Ontario. More Information.

How do I contact the OSAPAC Committee?

You can click on the "Contact Us" link on the OSAPAC website and the committee will have the opportunity to view your inquiry. You may receive one or more replies answering your question.

What is the difference between OSAPAC and OESS?

While OSAPAC is the committee that advises the Ministry on software titles to negotiate for provincial licensing, OESS (Ontario Educational Software Service) is the distribution mechanism whereby the software is sent to School Boards, Faculties of Education and First Nations Schools. You can find contact information on your OESS representative by doing a Contact Search at OESS.SJPG.COM.

How do I find software that supports the new Ontario Curriculum?

Search the database of curriculum expectations related to many of the OESS software titles.

How do I get a copy of an OESS software title?

You can find contact information on your OESS representative by doing a Contact Search at http://OESS.SJPG.COM.

Can I take OESS software home?

Most titles in the OESS collection feature teacher take-home rights for teachers in publically funded Ontario educational institutes for lesson preparation. If you search the software database, you'll see a field indicating whether or not you may use the software at home for your lesson preparation.

How can I get help learning how to use the software?

Information about individual software titles is available from the software CDs, vendor websites and many school district software support websites. You might want to check the Conference Corner to see if there is an upcoming conference that suits your needs.

Why do some frequently requested products not get licensed?

In order to be licensed, the ministry must issue a formal request for that specific type of software. The vendor must become aware of the request and make a submission. The submitted software is assessed for curriculum and technical considerations and must be recommended for licensing. The Ministry must then be able to negotiate an acceptable contract and price. Failure at any one of these steps will result in a product not being licensed.

How do I find out the password to the web services or installation serial numbers of software that is licensed?

Contact your OESS representative who will be able to access the secure OSAPAC FirstClass Conference for this information. Not sure who your OESS rep is? Search the OESS Representative database.

What happens if I cannot get a piece of software to work?

The OSAPAC committee maintains a secure FirstClass Conferencing system. School District curriculum leaders and technical staff are encouraged to apply for accounts on this system. Once connected, they are invited to read and take part in the various support conferences online.

How can a First Nations School become eligible for OSAPAC licensed software?

First Nations Schools can become sublicensees of the Ontario Ministry of Education to receive licensed software products. About 50 First Nations schools have already done so. To become a sublicensee, Native Bands must pass a Band resolution and complete the sublicence agreement. Please start your request by using the Contact Us form at www.osapac.org and select as the category - OSAPAC. The Ministry will follow up on your request.

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