To support its 2026 research initiatives, the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) is continuing its professional development series. This upcoming session focuses on how post‑secondary institutions are navigating technology‑restrictive policies amid rapid change and uncertainty.

When decision‑makers, instructors, and others want to scale back or restrict technology use, how should institutions respond?

This 90‑minute interactive professional development session, led by Dr. Nicole Johnson, brings together research insights and facilitated discussion to help institutions think beyond overly simplistic approaches. Participants will explore how technology policy decisions play out in practice and consider responsible, context‑sensitive ways of engaging with these challenges.

The session is designed for a broad range of roles, including academic leadership, teaching and learning professionals, digital learning leaders, instructional designers, and those involved in policy or governance.

Key takeaways

Participants can expect to leave with:

• Greater insight into the pressures and uncertainties that lead institutions toward technology‑restrictive approaches, and recognition that such policies are often responses to real concerns
• Increased awareness of the unintended consequences of no‑tech or overly restrictive policies, including how these approaches can affect groups differently
• Concepts and framing for discussing responsible technology use in internal conversations — grounded in context rather than ideology
• Stronger questions to bring back to institutional discussions and decision‑making
• A clearer understanding of responsible technology use as an ongoing dialogue, not a one‑time policy decision

Through guided reflection and facilitated discussion, participants will work collaboratively to explore ways of engaging in productive, evidence‑informed dialogue within their institutions, with a focus on supporting student learning and workforce readiness.

About registration and support

All proceeds from this session will be used to support CDLRA’s 2026 research efforts.

CDLRA Institutional Partners get institution‑wide access to CDLRA professional development sessions at no additional cost. If you’re unsure whether your institution is a CDLRA partner, please feel free to email nicole.johnson@cdlra-acrfl.ca to ask.