Latest episode
21. An AI Dialogue with Student Voice at the Center
01:01:17||Season 3, Ep. 21In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, educator Rosie Curie and three of her students Savannah, Dani, and Lilly, discuss the evolving role of generative artificial intelligence in the classroom. Moving away from traditional, rigid rules, the conversation highlights a collaborative approach toward AI literacy, transparency and what it the purpose of school and learning. Rosie and her students describe a sketch note lesson about the illusion of an assignment that helps frame the conversation around AI and academic integrity. The conversation then moves into the development of the "Zero to Infinity" assessment framework, created with student and teacher input to provide clear boundaries and examples of appropriate AI use for specific assignments. The episode explores how involving student voices helps bridge the gap between adult policies and the reality of how these tools are used, ultimately framing education as a journey where AI can support, rather than bypass, the vital struggle of learning.Rosie Curie is a secondary school teacher at St. Benedict Secondary School who is recognized for a practice that prioritizes authentic learning. She is an innovative educator who utilizes creative methods, such as hand-drawn sketch notes, to spark deep reflections with her students about the purpose of school and the nature of deep learning. Her collaborative work with Savannah, Dani, and Lilly was instrumental in refining the "Zero to Infinity" AI framework, ensuring the language and visuals were accessible and meaningful for all learners. Rosie’s approach centers on building trust and empathy, helping students navigate the ethical line between AI as a helpful tool and as a replacement for human thought.You can read the full summary article here.Additional resources:The AI Assessment Scale (AIAS): A Framework For Ethical Integration Of Generative AI In Educational AssessmentGenerative AI Acceptable Use Scale Adapted by Vera CuberoWCDSB Zero to Infinity InformationWCDSB GenAI Guidelines
More episodes
View all episodes
20. From Zero to Infinity: AI Transparency in the Classroom
28:52||Season 3, Ep. 20In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett dive into the heart of academic integrity in the age of generative AI. Moving away from the "policing" mindset of AI detectors, they introduce the Zero to Infinity scale, a research-based, WCDSB-specific framework designed to bring transparency to the classroom. The conversation highlights how this five-zone tool was refined with WCDSB teachers and students. By focusing on "formation over automation," the hosts discuss how educators can design assessments that prioritize the human process of learning over the final AI-assisted product. You can read the full summary article here.Explore the resources mentioned in this episode:The AI Assessment Scale (AIAS): A Framework For Ethical Integration Of Generative AI In Educational AssessmentGenerative AI Acceptable Use Scale Adapted by Vera CuberoWCDSB Zero to Infinity InformationWCDSB GenAI GuidelinesADAPT Framework
19. Educators: the Chaperons of Knowledge
48:11||Season 3, Ep. 19In this episode, entrepreneur and AI literacy advocate Kate Arthur explores the evolving landscape of education, challenging the traditional model of the teacher as a "knowledge keeper". She suggests a transition toward becoming a "chaperone of knowledge" who guides students through a world where AI often serves as the primary information source. The conversation explores the importance of human agency, the physical and environmental realities of the "cloud," and why AI literacy must be treated as essential social infrastructure to ensure data sovereignty and digital equity. By prioritizing human-centric skills like critical thinking, storytelling, and open curiosity, this episode provides a roadmap for helping the next generation navigate a rapidly shifting technological landscape without losing their unique human voice. You can read the episode summary article here.Kate Arthur is a founder and advocate with over 25 years of experience leading social enterprises at the intersection of technology, education, and ethics. As the founder of Digital Moment, she has introduced digital skills to more than one million youth and thousands of educators globally. An advisor to international bodies such as UNESCO and UNICEF, Arthur contributes to the development of inclusive AI policies and has served as a Canadian delegate to the United Nations. She is the author of Am I Literate? Redefining Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and the forthcoming Algorithm to Adulthood, focusing on the human skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.You can find Kate:LinkedInSubstack On AI & LiteracyWebsite
18. Why We Still Teach the Basics When AI Can Do It All
28:32||Season 3, Ep. 18This episode of Deep Learning Dialogues explores the seismic shifts in education and global power triggered by the "step change" in agentic AI. Dr. Mark Daly introduces the "Tower of Abstraction," a metaphor for how technology evolves to hide complexity, and argues that teaching foundational skills like coding and essay writing remains essential, not for the final product, but to build the mental "muscles" required to think and structure logic. The conversation moves from the classroom to the global stage, framing "compute" as a strategic national resource akin to oil or steel and highlighting Canada’s potential as an energy and AI superpower. Ultimately, Daly offers a deeply optimistic vision for the future of K-12 education: as machines automate cognitive labor, the human "value proposition" shifts from being "smart" to being kind, authentic, and connected through the arts and community. You can read the full article summary here.Dr. Mark Daley is Western University’s first-ever Chief AI Officer and a Scholar in Residence in AI at NSERC. A respected researcher in neural computation, his career includes serving as Vice-President Research at CIFAR, where he helped lead Canada’s national AI strategy. Mark is a remarkably multidisciplinary scholar, holding cross-appointments in departments ranging from Computer Science and Biology to Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A frequent "guiding voice" for educators , he is known for his early clarity on why AI detection is mathematically impossible and for his Substack, Noetic Engines, where he explores the intersection of technology and humanity. Recently trained in international mediation in Paris , Mark combines high-level executive leadership with a deep commitment to helping students find "mattering" and purpose in an automated world.
17. The Alignment Problem: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Tradition
42:42||Season 3, Ep. 17In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett explore the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and human values with Father Philip Larrey. Under the title "The Alignment Problem: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Tradition," the conversation delves into the philosophical distinction between a machine's ability to "select" and a human's capacity to "choose". Father Larrey shares insights from his extensive work with Silicon Valley leaders and the Vatican, addressing critical issues such as the "black box" of AI decision-making, the ethical implications of the European AI Act, and how ancient wisdom from thinkers like Aristotle can provide a necessary framework for navigating the future of generative AI. Read the summary here.Fr. Philip Larrey, Ph.D., is a Catholic priest and professor of philosophy at Boston College, where his work focuses on the philosophy of knowledge and the impact of the digital era on society. He previously spent over 20 years in Rome, serving as the Chair of Logic and Epistemology and Dean of the Philosophy Department at the Pontifical Lateran University in the Vatican. As the chairman of Humanity 2.0—a non-profit collaborating with the Vatican to promote human flourishing—he is a leading voice in global discussions on AI ethics and has authored several influential books, including Connected World and Artificial Humanity. Based in Boston, Fr. Philip continues to engage with industry giants and international organizations like the United Nations to bridge the gap between technological advancement and ethical responsibility.Find more information about Father Philip Larrey:https://philiplarrey.com/ LinkedIn
16. Navigating EDSTA: A New Era of Digital Security in Ontario Schools
46:27||Season 3, Ep. 16In this episode, Patricia Kosseim discusses the landmark Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act (EDSTA). The conversation explores the shifting landscape of student privacy in the age of generative AI. Commissioner Kosseim shares use cases regarding unauthorized "Shadow AI" and offers a roadmap for educators to empower students with the data hygiene skills necessary to navigate a transparent digital future. You can read the article here.Patricia Kosseim is the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. She is a lawyer by profession and has extensive experience as a senior executive working in complex, inter-disciplinary environments, across public, private and health sectors. Through integration of legal practice, public policy and academic research, she has led large teams and major strategic initiatives to address ethical, legal and social implications of emerging technologies. She connects people and creative ideas to advance critical reflection, converge around common goals and work towards practical solutions. In March 2025, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, in recognition of her valuable contribution to Ontario and to Canada.Find further information at:ipc.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipc.ontario/Resources Mentioned:2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network sweep focuses on the protection of children’s privacyPrivacy Pursuit! Lesson PlansA Guide to Privacy and Access to Information in Ontario SchoolsDigital Privacy Charter - 12 commitments supporting teachers and studentsYouth ambassador tool kitYouth advisory council
15. The Heart of the Classroom: WCDSB’s Faith-Based Vision for Student-Centered AI
40:04||Season 3, Ep. 15In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, WCDSB Director of Education Annalisa Varano explores the intersection of faith, leadership, and generative AI within the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Adopting a human-centered vision, Varano emphasizes that AI is a tool designed to enhance the sacred relationship between educators and students. The conversation delves into how WCDSB uses Catholic Social Teachings as a "litmus test" for new technology, ensuring every innovation honors human dignity, promotes the common good, and fosters equity. From reimagining authentic assessments to leveraging AI for administrative efficiency, Varano outlines a strategic roadmap where technology serves the mission of the "whole child," grounding the board’s upcoming Multi-Year Strategic Plan in the pillars of learning, serving, and belonging.You can read the full episode summary here.Annalisa Varano is the Director of Education for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, bringing over 27 years of distinguished experience in Catholic education to the role. Her extensive career includes 23 years with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and global teaching experience in Australia and South Korea. A former President of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, she has led at the provincial level and overseen diverse portfolios including K–12 student success, virtual learning, and experiential programming. Annalisa is a practicing Catholic and strategic leader dedicated to navigating the future of education through a lens of discernment, equity, and innovation.