January 7, 2025

The Canadian Digital Learning Research Association has released its 2024 Pan-Canadian Report on Digital Learning. Drawing on the results of two surveys of Canadian PSE professionals, the study discusses a variety of topics related to digital learning, including technology usage, challenges, and faculty competencies and preferences. Student perspectives on key issues are also shared throughout the report. Among its findings, the report noted that technology adoption and use in learning and assessment has grown but not “revolutionized” Canadian PSE over the last five years. Looking to the future, survey respondents indicated that they expect technology use in the sector to increase.

The University of Manitoba is winding down the Centre for Engineering Professional Practice and Engineering Education and, in its stead, is introducing a new department dedicated to the discipline of engineering education. The new department will deliver core courses across accredited undergraduate engineering programs, launch micro-credentials, develop graduate programs, and establish partnerships with the K-12 sector. UManitoba Dean of the Price Faculty of Engineering Marcia Friesen called this change a “natural evolution” for the centre and explained that the transformation will be complete by the spring. The Winnipeg Free Press reports that this new engineering-education department will be the first of its kind in Canada.

Several institutions recently indicated that they are implementing cost-saving measures amid international student enrolment declines and budgetary constraints. Assiniboine College’s international student enrolment has reportedly decreased by 78% this year due to the federal cap on international study permits. As a result, Assiniboine is cancelling five programs and reducing intakes for select courses. Cape Breton University said that it has 1,200 fewer international students this year; the institution is accordingly cutting its budget by anywhere between $15M and $20M. The University of Alberta announced a hiring freeze due to ongoing economic constraints. The freeze has some exceptions, including for positions required by legislation or positions that are externally funded.

Concordia University has signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), a global initiative that seeks to transform research recognition and evaluation. Instead of relying on journal-based metrics to determine funding, appointments, and promotions, DORA advocates for employing a more holistic assessment of scholarly work that considers factors such as policy influence, impact on collaboration, and community engagement. “DORA will serve as a compass,” said Concordia Interim VP of Research, Innovation, and Impact Effrosyni Diamantoudi. “Its principles will guide the university in fostering a research environment where innovation thrives, diverse contributions are celebrated, and impact reaches far beyond the academic sphere.”

Brock University is introducing a 12-month course-based degree option for its Master of Sustainability program. This new pathway will provide sustainability students with flexible study options while meeting student and professional demand. “We surveyed current, former and potential students and heard that they want professional skills—many already have jobs but want to keep developing their knowledge and skills,” said Brock Director of the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre Julia Baird. “It can be challenging to work and complete a research project at the same time, and this course-based pathway provides another option.”

In a recent Nature article, science journalist Jo Marchant discusses how AI is using neural networks to unlock ancient texts. Marchant describes how researchers are using AI tools for tasks such as reading text from scorched papyrus scrolls, reconstructing ancient texts, and translating historical archives. The author writes that AI is particularly powerful at deciphering previously unreadable texts by drawing on new processes that detect the carbon-based ink used on scrolls. While AI will help produce a flood of information for scholars, Marchant also notes that there are also concerns about its accuracy, replicability, spurious results, and accessibility.

Lethbridge Polytechnic has announced new partnerships with police services organizations that will support learning with prior learning recognition. At Leth Polytech, eligible police cadet program graduates and officers from seven police services across Western Canada can now receive up to 42 prior learning credits toward a Criminal Justice – Policing diploma. Learners will be able to complete the remaining courses in an online, flexible format. Leth Polytech and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see Leth Polytech recognizing the completion of CPS training with 36 credits towards a diploma.

Sudbury.com reports that Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services is “scrambling” to find an alternative Advanced Care Paramedic program, following the suspension of Cambrian College’s program. Cambrian reportedly paused the program after it was unable to meet the minimum student number for a fresh intake; the college has now applied to the Government of Ontario to transition its program to a three-year paramedicine degree. The paramedic organization stated that it is currently considering an internal training program or partnering with a local college to fill the training gap. The Sudbury Star reports that ON MPP France Gelinas has tabled a motion to create a provincial task force that would establish recommendations for funding, training, recruiting, and retaining paramedics.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has become a founding member of Artificial Intelligence Saskatchewan (AiSK), a non-profit dedicated to advancing Saskatchewan’s AI sector. As a member of this organization, Sask Polytech’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE) will support regional companies in using AI to improve their efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. “There is an urgent need for businesses to harness AI’s competitive advantages effectively,” said Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia. “By supporting these companies, DICE empowers industry to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions that optimize their operations and prepare for future growth.”

The Portuguese Canadian History Project–led by York University researcher Gilberto Fernandes–has received $500K from members of the Portuguese Canadian community and the Consulate of Portugal in Toronto. This funding will sustain the project over the next five years as the research team seeks to preserve, digitize, and provide access to important historical materials related to the contributions of the Portuguese community in Canada. Fernandes explained that the financial boost will strengthen the project’s public engagement efforts and connections among researchers, students, and community members by supporting future events, tours, and online initiatives.