The CDLRA released three short research briefs on artificial intelligence, technology use, and imagining the future. Each brief provides an overview of the survey findings and compares the 2025 findings with the results from previous years.
2025 Emerging Technologies Brief: Artificial Intelligence
Conversations about artificial intelligence in post-secondary education tend to focus on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The 2025 Emerging Technologies Survey, conducted by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA), found that feelings about GenAI are complex. Survey respondents continue to foresee GenAI becoming a normal part of education, and an increasing proportion recognize its potential as a study tool. At the same time, concerns that GenAI will make teaching more challenging are also rising.
2025 Emerging Technologies Brief: Technology Use
Many different types of technologies are used in teaching and learning at post-secondary institutions across Canada. Regardless of modality (in-person, online, or hybrid), learning management systems (LMS) are used to support course delivery, video-based technologies are used to connect with students, and a vast number of other technological solutions are available to enhance the learning experience.
2025 Emerging Technologies Brief: Imagining the Future
For the past three years, respondents have been expecting and preparing for change in the post-secondary sector, and continue to do so. Over time, the proportion of respondents who feel optimistic about the future has declined. Respondents anticipate that AI and other technologies will play a significant role in reshaping post-secondary education, and, for many, this drives their feelings of hope or disillusionment.
Watch the sessions from the Emerging Technologies Symposium
On November 25, the CDLRA hosted our first-ever live event, the Emerging Technologies Symposium where we shared our survey findings and enjoyed highly engaging discussions with our guest speakers. Links to the video recordings are below!
Session 1
The CDLRA (Nicole Johnson) and Academica Group (Rachel Janzen and Candace Carella) share and compare survey findings on AI, technology use, and feelings about the future from the CDLRA’s Emerging Technologies Survey and the Academica StudentVu survey.
Session 2
A lively discussion with our panel of experts on issues related to digital transformation including, overcoming resistance, developing policies, and connecting technology in the classroom to expectations for technology use in the workforce. Our expert panelists are: Jessica Butts Scott (University of Alberta), Peder Soeraas (Colleges and Institutes Canada), Rachel Sumner (Acuity AI), and Laura Viselli (eCampusOntario).
Session 3
During this armchair discussion session, Tara Manych talks about how VR technologies are being used at the University College of the North (UCN). She shares important considerations for VR technology integration into learning experiences and how to navigate barriers to adoption.