Keynote

As students enter the workforce, they are increasingly expected to be digitally literate and competent with AI. At the same time, faculty are concerned about the impact of emerging technologies, especially AI, on academic integrity and standards. How do we effectively prepare students for success in their future careers, from both technological and academic perspectives? In this session, Dr. Nicole Johnson will present recent research findings related to emerging technology use at Canadian post-secondary institutions. She will discuss how many of today's concerns about technology are not new but have been part of conversations about technology use in education for decades (along with practical solutions that have emerged along the way). Throughout the session, Dr. Johnson will share future-focused recommendations for supporting technology adoption and the development of digital literacy skills.

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Dr. Nicole Johnson, Executive Director  With more than two decades of experience in the field of education, Dr. Nicole Johnson is a leading expert in macro-level digital learning trends. Best known for her work as the Executive Director of the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA), she has a wealth of experience conducting research studies exploring technologies and practices related to digital learning at post-secondary institutions. Through her independent consulting practice, she helps clients develop future-proof strategies and policies for technology use in teaching and learning. Along with her work on digital learning trends, Dr. Johnson’s research experience includes examining the implications of artificial intelligence in education, exploring potential futures for higher education, defining and operationalizing key terms associated with digital learning, investigating faculty experiences with technology, investigating the use of open educational resources (OER), and understanding how adults learn informally in digital contexts. She has authored and co-authored over 30 publications related to digital learning trends and digital transformation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.