Deep Learning Dialogues

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/

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/

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we explore the innovative I-Think AI Challenge Kit with educator and coach Heidi Siwak. Learn how this unique program is empowering students to become critical thinkers and ethical users of artificial intelligence. From developing comprehensive AI challenge kits to facilitating student-led solutions for educational challenges, Heidi shares insights into how students are moving beyond initial AI skepticism to imagine and create positive applications for their school communities. Discover how the program addresses crucial aspects of AI education, including privacy concerns, bias awareness, and environmental impacts, while fostering students' problem-solving skills for an AI-enhanced future. You can read the full episode summary here.Heidi Siwak is a Teacher Coach at the education charity, I-Think, and creator of the Artificial Intelligence Challenge Kit for grades 6-12 students. Heidi was a classroom teacher in grades K-8 for the HWDSB for many years where she engaged students in innovative inquiry and project-based learning experiences focused on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She is an advocate for student voice and agency. Heidi was seconded to the Ontario Ministry of Education supporting school board innovation research projects and integration of the Global Competencies through the Technology and Learning Fund. The question on her mind right now is, “How can we help students be critical thinkers about and thoughtful users of Artificial Intelligence?You can find Heidi at:email: heidi@i-thinktogether.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heidisiwak/I-Think Challenge KitsFeedback? 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/

Originally aired on the McMaster University 'AI Dialogues' podcast, this episode features host Stephanie Verkoeyen in conversation with Whitney and Katrina, who share their firsthand experiences implementing generative AI at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB). Drawing from their work in K-12 education, they offer insights into how students and teachers are actively embracing GenAI in the classroom, exploring both the challenges and opportunities that arise. Their conversation bridges the gap between theoretical possibilities and practical applications, providing educators at all levels with actionable perspectives on integrating AI into their teaching practice.

In this crossover episode, Deep Learning Dialogues welcomes Stephanie Verkoeyen, educational developer at McMaster University and host of the AI Dialogues podcast, to discuss how post-secondary institutions are adapting to the rapid rise of generative AI technologies. The conversation explores evolving assessment strategies, challenges of AI plagiarism detection, the importance of fostering fundamental skills alongside AI literacy, and the potential for generative AI to drive pedagogical innovation. This episode touches on the need for stronger communication between K-12 and university leaders to ensure students are well-prepared for an AI-impacted educational landscape.Stephanie Verkoeyen (PhD) is an educational developer at McMaster University where she has been at the forefront of raising awareness and responding to its implications for higher education at McMaster. Stephanie has extensive experience facilitating interdisciplinary conversations and creating practical resources around Generative AI, and currently sits on McMaster’s AI Expert Panel on Operational Excellence, hosts the podcast AI Dialogues, and co-chairs the Council of Ontario Educational Developer’s GenAI Community of Practice.Episode Links:Generative Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and LearningArticle: Google's head of research on whether 'learn to code' is still good advice in the age of AIYou can find Stephanie at:LinkedInAI Dialogues PodcastFeedback? 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/