In an era where digital transformation is reshaping education, understanding the landscape of digital learning in Canadian post-secondary institutions has never been more critical. The Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA), through our comprehensive research initiatives, plays a vital role in tracking and analyzing these changes. But who exactly are we, what work do we undertake, and why does it matter for the future of higher education in Canada?
Who Is the CDLRA?
The Canadian Digital Learning Research Association is a research organization dedicated to advancing knowledge about digital learning in post-secondary education across Canada. Established to address the need for reliable, longitudinal data on digital learning trends, the CDLRA conducts annual pan-Canadian research studies that inform strategic planning at institutional and governmental levels.
Led by Executive Director Dr. Nicole Johnson, the CDLRA research team collaborates with digital learning experts, along with the CDLRA’s sponsors and partners, to develop and implement timely research studies to track changing trends related to technology use in teaching and learning.
What Does the CDLRA Do?
The cornerstone of the CDLRA’s work is our Pan-Canadian Digital Learning Survey Series project. This annual initiative captures data on critical issues related to digital learning, including:
- Trends in online, hybrid, and multi-access (hyflex) learning
- Faculty attitudes, competencies, and preferences regarding technology use
- Student perspectives and preferences regarding learning modalities
- The prevalence of use of different educational technologies
- Challenges related to digital learning
- Open educational resources and open practices
- Artificial intelligence in post-secondary education
The CDLRA’s research methodology has evolved significantly over time. In 2022, the association moved from collecting a single institutional response to surveying multiple individuals at each institution, representing diverse roles. This approach has allowed the CDLRA to capture a more nuanced understanding of digital learning practices and perspectives.
To maintain relevance and respond to the rapid changes in the educational landscape, the CDLRA now conducts two surveys annually, each focusing on different sets of topics. This approach enables the association to investigate a broader range of issues while minimizing the survey burden on respondents.
The CDLRA disseminates its findings through comprehensive reports, including the annual Pan-Canadian Report on Digital Learning and presentations conducted in partnership with our sponsors and partners. Through our publications and presentations, we provide evidence-based insights that help institutional decision makers navigate the complex terrain of digital learning.
Why Is the CDLRA’s Work Important?
The CDLRA’s research fills a critical gap in understanding how digital technologies are being used in teaching and learning across Canadian post-secondary institutions. This work is particularly important for several reasons:
Evidence-Based Decision Making: The CDLRA provides reliable data that helps institutional leaders make informed decisions about technology investments, program offerings, and support structures for digital learning.
Tracking Digital Transformation: By collecting longitudinal data, the CDLRA helps distinguish actual change from anticipated change, offering clarity amidst narratives about technological disruption in education.
Supporting Accessibility and Equity: The research highlights how digital learning can make post-secondary education more accessible for diverse learners, while also identifying potential barriers and inequities that need to be addressed.
Informing Policy Development: Government agencies and educational organizations use the CDLRA’s findings to inform the development of policies and guidelines related to digital learning.
Enhancing Teaching and Learning: By identifying challenges and opportunities in digital teaching and learning, the CDLRA’s research can help educators enhance their practice and better support student success.
The CDLRA’s work has become even more relevant in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption in post-secondary education, and the rise of generative AI has introduced new opportunities and challenges. Through their research, the CDLRA helps the sector understand and navigate these changes, distinguishing between temporary adjustments and lasting transformations.
A particularly telling finding from the 2024 Pan-Canadian Report revealed: “Contrary to the narrative that massive change is occurring in higher education, the CDLRA findings show that while technology use in teaching and learning is increasing, it is mostly applied to widely available technologies. The ways that these tools are used in post-secondary education appear to be more about improving efficiency and accessibility rather than developing novel and innovative practices.”
This kind of insight helps institutions understand the reality of digital transformation, enabling them to focus resources where they will have the most impact.
Join the Research Community
The CDLRA continues to expand its research reach and invites individuals working in post-secondary institutions across Canada to join their survey roster. By participating in the CDLRA’s surveys, you contribute to a deeper understanding of digital learning trends and help shape the future of post-secondary education in Canada.
Sign up to receive invitations to participate in future CDLRA research studies, or scan the QR code available on the CDLRA’s reports.
In a post-pandemic world where digital learning continues to evolve, the CDLRA’s evidence-based research provides invaluable guidance for navigating the changing landscape of Canadian post-secondary education. Their work ensures that digital transformation serves the needs of all learners and educators, contributing to a more accessible, equitable, and effective educational system.
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