Deep Learning Dialogues

Join us as we welcome Dr. Keri Ewart for a conversation on AI in education. Dr. Ewart explores the intersection of AI, cultural responsiveness, and literacy, offering practical strategies for educators. Discover the difference between macro and micro prompting, learn about the CREATE framework for culturally responsive AI use, and gain insights on developing AI literacy skills for both teachers and students. This episode provides valuable guidance for educators navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in diverse educational settings while maintaining ethical and inclusive practices.Dr. Keri Ewart is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University, focusing on AI in education, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and literacy education. Her research focuses on equipping students and educators with the skills and competencies to navigate the changing educational landscape through AI literacy and educational AI. Dr. Ewart integrates critical literacies into inclusive, decolonized learning frameworks, addressing systemic inequalities. With extensive experience in K-12 education, she is committed to empowering students to succeed and advocate for social justice in the 21st century.You can find Keri:LinkedInemail: kewart@wlu.caFeedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Dive into the ethical dimensions of AI in Catholic education with Lewis Poché from the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education. This episode unpacks how Catholic social teachings provide a framework for evaluating AI tools, reveals the hidden environmental and human costs of AI development, and offers practical approaches to fostering AI literacy among students. Poché introduces the Higher Powered Learning Network—a free community supporting Catholic educators—and shares valuable resources for navigating this technological frontier. Join our conversation about using AI as an "exciting and fearsome tool" while staying true to Catholic values in forming young people holistically.Lewis Poché is the Associate Program Director of Higher-Powered Learning (HPL) at the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). In this role, Lewis empowers Catholic school teachers and leaders to leverage technology and innovative, research-based practices to personalize learning and meet the needs of all students. An experienced educator and thought leader, Lewis has presented at numerous conferences on the integration of generative AI in education. He collaborates regularly with faculty, diocesan leaders, school principals, and teachers to explore best practices for implementing AI effectively in Catholic schools. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lewis was a member of the 26th ACE Teaching Fellows cohort, teaching middle school math and science at Sacred Heart Nativity Schools in San Jose, California.Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

In this thought-provoking episode, renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton explores the delicate balance between technology and human connection in education. Dr. Clinton shares insights on how relationships serve as essential "nourishment" for developing brains and offers practical guidance for educators navigating AI integration in classrooms. From the developmental progression of critical thinking to the importance of "connecting before correcting," she provides a framework for using technology as a tool that expands rather than replaces deep learning. Join us as we discover how wonder, curiosity, and human relationships remain foundational in preparing students for an AI-integrated world.Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster, division of Child Psychiatry. She is on staff at McMaster Children’s Hospital with cross appointments in Pediatrics and Family Medicine, and an Associate in the Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sick Children’s Hospital. She is a Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, as well as a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013. She has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs, child welfare, and primary care for over 30 years. Dr. Clinton was appointed as an education advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education 2014 - 2018.  Dr. Clinton is renowned nationally and internationally as an advocate for children’s issues. She is the author of the highly acclaimed and best-selling book, Love Builds Brains (2020).  Learn more about Dr. Jean Clinton HERE Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

In this special one-year anniversary episode, we sit down with renowned education expert Dr. Michael Fullan to explore how artificial intelligence is creating an unprecedented opportunity for educational transformation. Dr. Fullan, recipient of the Order of Canada and former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, shares his vision for "systemness" - a revolutionary approach to educational change that builds from the bottom up rather than the traditional top-down model.Drawing from decades of experience in educational reform, Fullan challenges us to see beyond the current crisis in education and recognize this moment as an opportunity for meaningful change. He offers practical insights on integrating AI thoughtfully, building cultures of trust and joy in schools, and developing sustainable leadership practices. Whether you're a classroom teacher, administrator, or educational leader, this episode provides a hopeful and practical roadmap for navigating the intersection of AI and deep learning in education. You can read the article here.Michael Fullan, Order of Canada, is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative (www.deep-learning.global).Fullan served as Premier Dalton’s Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His ‘interim autobiography’, Surreal Change, covers his pre-Covid-19 Pandemic period to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. The goal of this work focuses on the ‘humanity paradigm’ —a deep care and commitment to all living things including equity and equality in theservice of helping all humans cope and thrive in complex societies of the 21st century.Michael Fullan’s latest book, The New Meaning of Educational Change, 6th Edition will be released March 28, 2025You can find Michael at:https://michaelfullan.ca/ Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

In this illuminating episode, we sit down with Emmanuel Duplàa from the University of Ottawa, who challenges us to rethink what we know about teaching and learning in the age of AI. Moving beyond the traditional classroom model, Professor Dupla shares his revolutionary perspective on why joy isn't just beneficial for learning—it's essential. From discussing how to embrace chaos in the classroom to exploring why we need to "sell interaction, not content," this conversation offers fresh insights into education's future. Whether you're an educator grappling with AI tools, a parent interested in modern learning approaches, or someone passionate about educational innovation, this episode offers practical wisdom about transforming education through the power of authentic learning and "serious fun." Discover why releasing control might be the key to better learning outcomes and how embracing uncertainty could be the antidote to teacher burnout.Read the article hereEmmanuel Duplàa is the Director of Professional Development at the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. He is a professor specialized in information and communication technology (ICT) for learning. After completing a BA in mathematics and a master's degree in cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence, he completed a PhD in education on the unconscious dimensions of online relationships in the context of e-Learning. He participated in different projects on ergonomic design and planning (Institut de Recherche en Informatique et Automatique), on e-learning (Télécom-Paristech and Centre d'Études Supérieures Industrielles) and training aspects of e-Health (TÉLUQ). He is currently conducting research at the Faculty of Education on educational video games, on intergenerational learning, on digital literacies and on design processes in e-learning. Professor Duplàa is a Learning Committe Lead with the LIFE Research Institute.You can find Emmanuel at:LinkedInEmail: eduplaa@uottawa.caFeedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Join us for this conversation with Dr. Alec Couros, Professor of Educational Technology and Media at the University of Regina, as we explore the transformative intersection of AI and education. Drawing from his three-decade journey from English teacher to educational technology expert, Dr. Couros provides thoughtful insights into how AI can enhance rather than replace human teaching. The episode features "Future Forecast Magic 8 Ball Edition," where we playfully examine predictions about AI's future in education, from AI teachers to competency-based learning paths. Dr. Couros delves into recent research on AI's teaching capabilities and the approaching reality of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), while emphasizing the irreplaceable human elements of education - from emotional connections to ethical guidance. Through this rich discussion, we examine how educators can harness AI's potential while preserving the essential human connections that make education transformative.Dr. Dr. Alec Couros is a distinguished Professor of Educational Technology and Media at the University of Regina's Faculty of Education, where he leads innovative research and teaching at the intersection of technology and learning. As an internationally recognized expert in digital education, Dr. Couros has delivered hundreds of keynote presentations and workshops across the globe, sharing his expertise with K-12 educators, higher education institutions, and corporate audiences. His work focuses on empowering learners to harness the opportunities of the digital age while developing critical awareness of its challenges. Specializing in areas including connected learning, digital citizenship, social media in education, digital ethics, and cybersecurity, Dr. Couros has collaborated with educational institutions, government agencies, and corporations to develop comprehensive technology integration policies. His contributions to education and leadership have earned him numerous awards, reflecting his commitment to advancing thoughtful and ethical approaches to digital learning in the 21st century.You can find Alec atBluesky @courosa.bsky.socialLinkedInUniversity of ReginaFeedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we sit down with Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, founder and president of Let's Talk Science, to explore the intersection of AI and education. With over 30 years of experience transforming STEM education in Canada, Dr. Schmidt shares valuable insights on how educational technology has evolved from basic equipment to sophisticated AI tools that can reshape thinking itself. She emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining questioning skills and human curiosity in an AI-driven world, while highlighting Let's Talk Science's extensive free resources for educators, including professional development opportunities, classroom activities, and outreach programs. The conversation delves into crucial topics such as addressing the digital divide across Canadian communities, the role of teachers as coaches in technology-enabled learning, and the continued relevance of the Canada 2067 STEM Learning Roadmap. Dr. Schmidt offers a powerful perspective on the future of education, stressing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and the development of critical thinking skills that will enable students to effectively navigate and utilize AI tools while maintaining their essential human capabilities.Resource Link: Artificial Intelligence ResourcesDr. Bonnie Schmidt, CM, FRSC is the President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science, a national education charity that she started in 1991 while completing a PhD in Physiology. Offering a robust suite of programming for youth, educators and volunteers, the organization has impacted millions of people across Canada since its inception. An active contributor to the scientific and education communities, Bonnie currently serves on the Genome Canada Board of Directors. Recently, she was a member of the Federal Government’s AI Public Awareness Working Group, and in 2020 she was a member of the PISA Expert Strategic Visioning Group to the OECD, which set about developing a new vision for the international science test.You can find Bonnie at:LinkedInLet’s Talk Science Website https://letstalkscience.ca/  by email: bschmidt@letstalkscience.caFeedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we welcome back Dr. Mark J. Daley, Western University's Chief AI Officer and NSERC Scholar in Residence, to explore the intersection of AI, education policy, and classroom practice. From breaking down Ontario's Bill 194 to reimagining assessment in an AI-enhanced world, we examine how today's decisions are shaping tomorrow's education landscape. Join us for an insightful discussion about maintaining human connections while leveraging AI's potential in education.Dr. Mark J. Daley serves as the Chief AI Officer at Western University and is a Professor of Computer Science, focusing his research on neural computation. Recently appointed as Scholar in Residence at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), he brings extensive experience in higher education administration and the public sector, having previously served as CIO and AVP Research. In 2024, Mark was recognized as one of Canada's top 10 AI experts in McLean's Power List AI. Through his work and writing, including his Substack "Noetic engines," he provides critical insights on AI's integration into education and society while advocating for AI as a public good.You can find Mark at:Noetic engines Substackhttps://ai.uwo.ca/ LinkedInWestern UniversityFeedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/