Deep Learning Dialogues
Welcome to “Deep Learning Dialogues,” the essential podcast for K-12 educators diving into the transformative world of generative AI. In each episode, we bring you insights from experts at the forefront of this innovative technology. We will discuss the WCDSB AI Guidelines and explore how GenAI can be used in a human-centered way to foster equity, inclusion, and belonging in the classroom.
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S1E25: Season 1 Finale! Looking back and looking ahead | Whitney McKinley & Katrina Gouett
In this season finale of “Deep Learning Dialogues,” hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett reflect on key learnings from the inaugural season and offer an exciting preview of what’s to come. Discover their top insights, get a sneak peek into Season two’s focus on the human element of AI in education, and learn about a fun summer AI activity. The hosts also share what they are currently reading. Don’t miss this wrap-up episode that bridges the gap between seasons and sets the stage for more engaging discussions on AI in K-12 education.
Links
LinkedIn: Whitney McKinley, Katrina Gouett
X: Whitney McKinley, Katrina Gouett
Article: L.A. Schools Probe Charges its Hyped, Now-Defunct AI Chatbot Misused Student Data
What we are reading and listening to right now:
Visible Learning: The Sequel by John Hattie
Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan
GenAII BINGO card
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/
S1E24: The “Magic Rock,” why prompt crafting is key, and the future of being human | Mark Daley
In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues our guest, Mark Daley, reveals why AI “Magic Rock” plagiarism detectors are a false solution and discusses WCDSB’s forward-thinking approach using Microsoft Copilot rather than costly “AI wrappers.” We delve into the evolving nature of being a student and examine how AI is reshaping what it means to be human. Listen in as they unpack the urgent need for educators to transform their pedagogical practices in this new era of technology. This episode offers both enlightening perspectives and a reaffirmation of WCDSB’s progressive path in AI integration.
Mark Daley was appointed to the as Western’s first-ever Chief AI Officer for a five-year term in October 2023.
A respected researcher in the field of neural computation, Mark’s career includes a tenure as Vice-President Research at CIFAR, a world-renowned institute supporting AI research and leading Canada’s national AI strategy. Additionally, Mark is a multidisciplinary scholar and has held cross-appointments in several departments across campus, including Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial Sciences, Biology, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Epidemiology & Biostatistics.
Western is the first university in Canada to create an AI leadership role within its senior executive, and Mark is uniquely qualified for this exciting new role that will help propel Western to the forefront of AI research and application. Most recently Mark served as Western’s Chief Digital Information Officer leading Western Technology Services (WTS). In this capacity he brought together the distributed IT community with a collaborative, respectful and federated approach through the creation of the Strategic Technology forum, drafted the Agile IT Governance framework, and co-created a service-oriented set of strategic objectives guiding the work of WTS.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjdaley/
Article: AI-Detectors Biased Against Non-Native English Writers
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Want to know more?
You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/
S1E23: RAGE: Bringing Clarity to the Fuzzy World of AI Sources
In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs) with Joel Rorseth, a computer science PhD student from the University of Waterloo. Rorseth introduces us to RAGE (Retrieval-Augmented Generation Explainability), a groundbreaking tool that unveils the sources behind LLM-generated content. Our discussion covers the importance of prompt engineering, document upload order, and the surprising truth about “fuzzy citations.” As we navigate the intersection of innovation and regulation in AI, this technically-rich episode offers crucial insights for educators looking to understand and responsibly implement LLM technologies in their classrooms.
Joel Rorseth is a Computer Science PhD student at the University of Waterloo, supervised by Dr. Lukasz Golab. His research focuses on explainable AI, a critical effort to rationalize the predictions and decision-making behaviours of increasingly complex AI models. Joel’s work, which has recently focused on explaining large language models like ChatGPT, has been published at several top conferences and has earned him multiple scholarships. Joel earned a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Windsor in 2019, and has worked as a software engineer for a wide variety of clients. He leverages diverse expertise in AI, data, and software engineering to create real-world software tools that solve real-world research problems.
You can find Joel on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelrorseth/
Twitter: https://x.com/JoelExplainsAI
Article: Know your source: RAGE tool unveils ChatGPT’s sources
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/
S1E22: From D2L to AI: A Conestoga College Educator’s Tech Evolution
In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Legg, a Conestoga College instructor to explore the evolving landscape of education in the age of Generative AI. Our guest shares insights on curriculum development for both in-person and online courses, and discusses how generative AI is reshaping teaching methods and academic integrity. We delve into essential AI skills for K-12 students, the importance of staying current with AI advancements, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for educators at all levels. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on preparing students for an AI-powered future.
Jeremy Legg is an experienced professor from Conestoga College who transitioned to education from a successful career in sales and sales analytics. Five years ago, he joined Conestoga College to launch a new sales program and has since developed multiple in-person and online courses, working closely with curriculum consultants and companies like D2L. Jeremy’s unique blend of industry and educational expertise makes them him valuable resource for insights on curriculum development and teaching strategies in an age of Generative AI.
You can find Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leggjeremy/
Episode article references:
- GenZ Dumping Google For TikTok, Instagram As Social Search Wins
- Yes, The Bots Really Are Taking Over The Internet
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/
S1E21: GenAI for the Tech Shy: Empowering Adult Education for Newcomers to Canada
In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we interview Laura MacPhee, an ESL teacher from St. Louis, the adult education school within WCDSB. Our conversation explores how Generative AI assists teachers in achieving a work-life balance, enhances the lives of newcomers, and addresses the challenges of prompt crafting. Laura shares her journey in using GenAI tools for effective lesson planning and passionately encourages others to embrace AI, highlighting its fun, time-saving benefits. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to integrate AI into their practice and transform their teaching experience.
Laura MacPhee is fairly new to the classroom, joining St. Louis Adult Learning Centre a couple of years ago. She has worked in several industries over the years, including aviation software and healthcare. Laura has always had a love for language and a passion for helping people. In teaching Adult ESL, she has the incredible opportunity to combine these two aspects. Teaching our newest Canadians about the wonder of the English language is an honour and a privilege that she is thrilled to do each day.
In the classroom, Laura is enjoying the challenge of navigating the many digital tools available to educators and has overcome her fear of the unknown to embrace the many uses of generative AI. You can find her on LinkedIn.
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/
S1E20: Creativity is Not Dead: Innovating the Classroom with Prime Minister’s Award Winner Michael Kearns
In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we speak with Michael Kearns, the award-winning educator and eLearning developer from Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School. As the recent recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Michael shares his innovative use of Generative AI across diverse curriculum areas such as Business, Social Sciences, and Drama. We explore specific examples of how tools like Copilot and HeyGen enhance student engagement and understanding, discuss ethical considerations, and address the challenges and opportunities of integrating GenAI into the classroom. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how Generative AI is shaping the future of education and fostering autonomy and creativity among students.
Michael Kearns is the Business and Cooperative Education Department Head at Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge, Ontario. He is also a professional eLearning Developer who has developed engaging eLearning for ICAO (UN) and the University of Waterloo. He is a winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence – Certificate of Achievement for 2024.
You can find him on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/mike-kearns-28504b154
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/
S1E19: The GenAI Generation: The Student Journey
In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we explore the innovative use of Generative AI in the classroom at St. Mary’s High School. We talk with three Grade 10 religion students, Serina, Brody, and Georgia, and their teacher John Schneider about their experiences using Microsoft Copilot, discussing how it has transformed their learning, helped them understand complex subjects, and introduced them to new skills such as prompt crafting. They share how they use Generative AI in their daily lives and personal projects, as well as their thoughts on its future potential in education and careers. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with hope, critical thinking, and the exciting possibilities of Generative AI in education.
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/
S1E18: Dream Builders and Playmakers: Using GenAI in the Secondary Classroom
In this episode, we sit down with secondary school teacher John Schneider to explore the dynamic role of Generative AI in education. We discuss the transformative potential of GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot in enhancing classroom learning to dramatically increase both critical thinking and the quality of student products. John shares personal experiences of integrating GenAI into teaching, emphasizing the value of using it as a “thought partner” to spark creativity and deepen understanding. This episode also touches on the challenges of AI adoption and the effective strategies for mentoring fellow educators. Whether you’re new to Generative AI or looking to deepen your engagement, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on becoming more comfortable and innovative with AI in educational settings.
John Schneider, Jr. is a WCDSB religion teacher at St. Mary’s High School with over 45 years of experience in a variety of educational settings. Some of those settings include: university assistant professor, diocesan director of youth ministry and director of training for a counselling agency. John has been described by one of his administrators as a “positive light that is blinding and energizing.” He is passionate about student voice and inviting students to invest in their own personal and academic growth. John is always on the lookout for ways he can support students both inside and outside the classroom. According to John, relationships are everything; they are the first and last thing with every family member, student, colleague, friend and neighbour! John has a variety of degrees from several US and Canadian universities including a PhD in Counselling Psychology from UBC and a MSc in Secondary Education from Niagara University.
You can follow him on X @JSchneiderCAN
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/
S1E17: How are you loading your GenAI Dishwasher?
Join in on this conversation with two WCDSB educators and hear about the tangable ways they are using Microsoft Copilot to improve their workflow, effectively plan for student learning and school events, and use the tool with intention. Hear how GenAI is not unlike loading your dishwasher or shopping for trailmix at Costco. If you are unsure how to approach GenerativeAI or you are looking for new ideas, this is the episode for you!
Susan Barrett is a passionate WCDSB educator who inspires students to learn with their whole heart, mind and body. She has extensive experience in the Early Years, Primary and Junior grades. She brings the foundational literacy resources and current best practice for literacy and numeracy to life with active, inquiry-based learning. Susan has contributed to the development of E4I resources for https://canadianinnovationspace.ca. She is also a member of the FMNI & Equity committee and always looks for innovative ways to invite her school community further along the journey of Truth and Reconciliation. Visitors are always welcome to Susan’s Wonder Room (Grade ½ at Blessed Sacrament School). She loves to chat about the growth her students are displaying through their project work and their daily literacy teamwork. @SusanBarre96505 can be contacted at Susan.Barrett@wcdsb.ca.
Jessica Baulk is a dedicated educator with a passion for shaping young minds. For the past two years, she has been a nurturing kindergarten teacher, fostering creativity and curiosity in her little learners. Prior to that, Jessica spent six years as a supply teacher, stepping into various classrooms and adapting seamlessly to different environments.
Teaching isn’t just a job for Jessica; it’s a calling. She believes in hands-on learning, creating engaging activities that allow children to explore and discover. Jessica believes that children learn best when they actively participate in their education. She designs hands-on activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether it’s building egg ziplines or planting seeds in the classroom garden, Jessica ensures that her students are actively involved in their learning process. Despite the challenges, she finds immense joy in witnessing those “aha” moments when her students connect the dots and read their first words. Jessica’s commitment to education makes her an invaluable asset to any school community.
Jessica’s GenAIPrompt: “create a bio about [name] using the following information – kindergarten teacher for the past 2 years, supply teacher for 6 years, it’s a hard job, enjoys making hands on activities but rewarding to see them read and make connections to life”
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/
S1E16: When should GenAI be used to support Mental Health?
In this episode, we sit down with our WCDSB Mental Health Lead Andrea Snyder and our School Psychologist Dr. Anna Bowers to explore the growing intersection of generative AI and mental health support for students. As students increasingly turn to AI for assistance, our experts provide valuable background on the potential and limitations of these tools. We delve into how GenAI can be a resource for mental health, the importance of guiding students to trusted resources, and the critical role parents and teachers play in communicating the boundaries and possibilities of AI to children and teenagers. Additionally, we discuss the implications of GenAI chatbots’ human-like tones on young minds and the risks associated with students trusting GenAI over real human connections. Tune in for practical advice and resources to support educators, families, and students navigating the evolving landscape of GenAI in mental health.
Dr. Anna Bowers is a Psychologist at WCDSB. She completed her Ph.D. in School and Clinical Child Psychology and currently works in the school setting providing psychological assessment and consultation services, and in private practice providing psychotherapy for children and youth. Anna is passionate about helping parents and school staff understand mental health concerns in students as well as evidence-based treatments and strategies to help improve their functioning.
Andrea Snyder is the Mental Health Lead at WCDSB. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and has worked with our school board since fall, 2021. Prior to this Andrea worked for twenty years in the Child Welfare Sector supporting children, youth, and their families in a number of different roles, primary relating to children’s mental health. Andrea’s experience has led to a passion in helping educators learn the importance of trauma-informed practices in schools. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two young adult children, gardening, cooking, and travel.
WCDSB Mental Health & Wellbeing
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/
S1E15: Revolutionizing Math Education – the Genesis and Impact of the OAME AI Chat Service
In this episode, we speak with Calvin Armstrong, who shares the inspiring story behind the genesis of the OAME AI Chat Bot project. He discusses the challenges, successes, and the feedback from teachers that has shaped its development and explains the measures in place to keep the AI’s responses up-to-date with the latest educational policies and practices.
Cal Armstrong is a long-time mathematics educator and board member of OAME. He has been deeply engaged in technology and education for decades, with his most significant earlier development project being what became the OneNote Class Notebook, a tool that caught Microsoft’s attention and was later redeveloped by the tech giant. His primary motivations are to save teachers time, personalize the student experience, and enhance the educational journey for both learners and teachers. Since 2017, he has focused on developing his practice in artificial intelligence and is the creator of the new OAME math chatbot, designed for OAME members. Outside the classroom and away from devices, he is an avid outdoorsman, a motorcyclist, and an active volunteer in his community.
Blog: https://onenoteschool.com/
LinkedIn: Cal Armstrong
X: @sig225
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/
S1E14: “Harnessing Generative AI: Balancing Responsibility and Promise with Judy Merkel”
In this episode, we sit down with Judy Merkel, a superintendent a Superintendent of Learning at WCDSB about the impact of Generative AI on education. We explore conversations about AI at home, practical applications, and advice for new educators. The discussion highlights the balance between the responsible use of AI and its exciting promise for enhancing learning experiences. Tune in to hear insights on the challenges and opportunities of integrating Generative AI at work and in life.
Judy Merkel embodies the innovative spirit and compassionate leadership as a Superintendent of Learning for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. With a portfolio that encompasses innovation, safe schools, mental health, parent engagement, and the New Teacher Induction Program, Judy skillfully aligns these areas to foster a cohesive and dynamic learning environment. She is particularly focused on integrating technology to support student well-being, a reflection of her commitment to addressing the urgent mental health needs of today’s youth.
Judy’s approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that a truly innovative educational organization is one that also prioritizes safety and mental health.
X: @JudyMerkel6
LinkedIn: Judy Merkel
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/
S1E13: “The Impact of GenAI on Education 4.0”
This week listen in on the conversation as Whitney and Katrina explore the big ideas from the recent World Economic Forum’s insight report “Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0.” Assessment & Evaluation, Plagiarism, AI Detection tools, AI Literacy, and Transferable Skills are all on the table.
You can find us on Twitter/X:
Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here. We are also looking for educators to share the ways they are using GenAI in their teaching practice. Email katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca if you would like to share your experiences with our Deep Learning Dialogues community.
Want to know more?
You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/
S1E12: “Paving the Way: How AI Guidelines Support Educators – a Conversation with Vera Cubero”
In this episode we discuss all things AI Guidelines with Vera Cubero, an Educational Consultant in the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning for the state of North Carolina. Vera is a lead contributor to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s “Generative AI Implementtion Recommendations and Considerations for Public Schools” document that has helped inform our own WCDSB GenAI Guidelines. Hear about the journey and why students of all ages could and should learn about what AI is.
Vera Cubero has a wide range of experience in K12 education at the school, district, and state levels. She has a passion for responsible AI implementation and promoting AI Literacy for all students and staff. Currently, Vera is an education consultant for the NC Department of Public Instruction where she leads North Carolina’s AI implementation steering committee. This committee published the North Carolina’s AI Guidelines, a comprehensive guidebook for education leaders (go.ncdpi.gov/AI_Guidelines). She also leads the NC AI Collaboratives and is project manager for NC AI Summits to help guide district leaders and AI Steering Committees in creating AI guidelines and responsibly implementing AI. She is also honored to serve on the Southern Regional Education Board’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education, EdSafe Alliance AI Catalyst Fellowship, Gen_AI Rubric Data Task Force for 1edtech, panelist on EdWeek, NCET, and several future events.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veracubero/
email: vera.cubero@dpi.nc.gov
X: @CuberoVera
S1E11: “The Future is Bright: A Parent Perspective with Kyle Nash”
Episode eleven delves into the intersection of parenting, IT, and AI in education. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Nash, a WCDSB parent who works in the IT sector to explore his insights on the introduction of AI technologies at WCDSB. We discuss the role of parents and educators in fostering digital literacy and weigh in on the use of AI agents and bots as educational tutors. Tune in to hear a unique blend of professional expertise and parental optimism in navigating the evolving landscape of GenAI in education.
Kyle Nash is a proud parent of two children in elementary school in the WCDSB. He is a Product Design Leader designing the future of software and AI tools, and has worked across Education, Non-profit, and Fintech industries for the last 15 years. He is naturally curious and loves using design thinking and vision to discover and solve big complex problems.
S1E10: “Conversation with Tyrone Dowling, WCDSB Director of Education”
We celebrate the tenth episode of Deep Learning Dialogues with Tyrone Dowling, the Director of Education at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. We chat about where WCDSB is in its AI journey, where we might be headed, and how the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations play a key role in informing how we approach Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools.
Tyrone Dowling as the Director of Education, brings over 25 years of experience to WCDSB. A graduate of the University of Waterloo and Niagara University, Tyrone’s leadership has driven school improvement initiatives and district-wide advancements in equity, mental health, and virtual learning. Tyrone has been a teacher, principal at WCDSB and superintendent at the Wellington Catholic District School Board. Passionate about education, he’s also dedicated to his family and enjoys golf, reading, and coaching volleyball.
Twitter: @TyroneDowling
WCDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan
Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here
S1E9: “Pedagogy First, Tool Second with Dr. John Spencer”
In this episode, we explore the intersections of Artificial Intelligence, creativity, and education with Dr. John Spencer, the author of The AI Roadmap. Delving into the core principle of keeping human intelligence in focus, we unpack the book’s insights on teaching and learning in an AI-dominated era and consider the impact of Generative AI on creativity. We explore a ‘pedagogy first, tool second’ approach, emphasizing the importance of Universal Design for Learning and Project Based Learning, the role of student voice in feedback, and the empowerment of students as the drivers of their learning. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on leveraging Generative AI to enhance educational experiences while maintaining a strong emphasis on human-centric learning and creativity.”
Dr. John Spencer is a former middle school teacher and current college professor on a quest to transform schools into bastions of creativity and wonder. He wants to see teachers unleash the creative potential in all of their students so that kids can be makers, designers, artists, and engineers. Dr. John Spencer has written a number of books, hosts a podcast, writes blog posts and journal articles, and creates animated videos where he explores research, interviews educators, deconstructs systems, and studies real-world examples of design thinking in action.
Twitter: @spencerideas
Podcast: “The Creative Classroom With John Spencer”
Contest Alert! Retweet the episode for your chance to win a copy of Dr. John Spencer’s book “The AI Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines.” Contest closes Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
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/
S1 E8: “Stuart Bailey on GenAI, Privacy, Security, and Safety”
In this episode we sit down with Stuart Bailey, the Privacy, Records and Information Management Officer at Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Our conversation explores the critical considerations educators must keep in mind when using Generative AI applications.
Stuart has been working in Privacy, Records, and Information Management for over 20 years with an emphasis on the public sector. He relies on his degrees in philosophy and library science every day. In his spare time, he likes to read, play music, coach rugby, and work with his hands building projects in the workshop, 3D printing, or using lasers.
Links
- Reddit sells training data to unnamed AI company ahead of IPO | Ars Technica
- OpenAI collapses media reality with Sora, a photorealistic AI video generator | Ars Technica
- You Are Not So Smart
- ChatGPT goes temporarily “insane” with unexpected outputs, spooking users | Ars Technica
Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here
S1 E7: “Conversation with Student Trustees Bryanna and Xavier”
In this episode we speak with Bryanna and Xavier, our WCDSB Student Trustees. As student trustees, they represent the student body and are committed to the betterment of our schools and community at large. You will hear about the student GenAI experience, how what ways they see it adding to and detracting from learning and how it is shaping their educational journey.
Hello! I am Bryanna Donoghue, a grade 12 student at St. Mary’s HS and a Student Trustee for WCDSB. I am in a unique position to be able to bring issues and concerns from students to the board table and implement various initiatives to address these, mainly through co-chairing the WCDSB Student Senate. This has been an amazing experience that has allowed me to grow in many ways and fight for the rights of students. Besides that, I am also a student chair for WCDSB’s Moden United Nations League, where various real-world problems are explored and debated by students, including those regarding Artificial Intelligence. I have done various research projects regarding Artificial Intelligence in politics, and I am looking forward to doing more work like this in the future.
Hi! I am Xavier Petrie, a fourth year Resurrection C.S.S student, and Student Trustee for the WCDSB. I was born and raised in Kitchener, because of this, the responsibility of representing the students of Waterloo Region brings me so much pride and joy. As a Student Trustee I constantly advocate for the needs of the students at a school board level, lead a Senate consisting of the 10 Co-President of each five WCDSB secondary schools, and build connections with numerous students and staff from all WCDSB school. With my term coming to a close in June, I wish luck to the upcoming Student Trustees and am dedicated to continue advocating for the people of Waterloo Region.
Instagram: @wcdsbstudentsenate
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/
S1 E6: “Conversation with Father Raph CR and Father Toby CR: Dignity of the Person and GenAI”
In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intersections of Generative AI (GenAI) and Catholic Social Teaching with Father Toby CR and Father Raph CR from St. Mary’s parish in Kitchener. They explore how GenAI both aligns with and challenges key principles such as the dignity of the human person and the significance of community participation. Reflecting on Pope Francis’s vision, our guests underscore the imperative for developers and users of GenAI to prioritize human dignity, ensuring that technology serves to amplify our best human potential and highest aspirations rather than competing with them.
Links
TinyHome Takeout:
- Instagram @tinyhometakeout
- Twitter/X: @TinyHomeTakeout
- Website: www.tinyhometakeout.com
- You can donate 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/
S1 E5: “Conversation with Max Drummy”
In this episode, we speak with Max Drummy a Global Capacity Building Facilitator with New Pedagogies for Deep Learning. In this episode we explore the profound impact of integrating Deep Learning and Generative AI in education, emphasizing technology as a tool for addressing global challenges. We discuss how this integration is reshaping the role of teachers, focusing on developing critical skills for a changing educational landscape.
Max Drummy has over 30 years’ experience as a school and system leader across Australia, in Southern China and the USA. His strategic leadership and consultancy focuses on creating sustainable, contextual and measurable improvement. Max works with schools, individuals and networks cross the Asia-Pacific, USA, and Latin America to build the collective capacity of teachers, leaders and learners. Max’s post graduate certifications include a Master of Educational Leadership, several accreditations in coaching and brokering, and a broad and varied skillset built on experience both within and from outside the education sector. Besides being passionate about family life and tinkering in the shed, Max is highly committed to exploring and improving how education systems lead, educate and learn with, from and for future generations, using technology as an amplifier and connector of leaders, learners and learning.
You can connect with Max on X/Twitter: @maxdrummy
Show Notes Links:
Deep Learning at Waterloo Catholic
New Pedagogies for Deep Learning
Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here
S1 E4: “Conversation with Matthew Johnson”
In this episode, we speak with Matthew Johnson the director of education at Media Smarts about the role of parents in enhancing educational opportunities from home and navigating the challenges of chatbots, deep fakes, and GenAI content with their children.
Matthew Johnson is the Director of Education for MediaSmarts, Canada’s centre for digital media literacy. He is the architect of Access, Use, Understand, Enage: Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian K-12 Schools and the author of many of MediaSmarts’ parent, youth and classroom resources including Break the Fake, which returned the beloved house hippo to Canadian screens. He is a member of the Canadian Pediatric Society’s Digital Health Task Force and has served as on expert panels convened by the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s Strategic Priorities Advisory Committee, among others.
Web resources mentioned in the show:
- TOSDR
- KidsHelpPhone
- Wellbeing at WCDSB
- https://tineye.com/
- Media Smarts Resources: Tip Sheet, Break the Fake Program, There’s No Excuse (focus on sexting), Workshop
Glossary
Parasocial: a relationship that a person imagines having with another person whom they do not actually know, such as a celebrity or a fictional character (Dictionary.com).
AI Guardrail: these are safeguards that regulate and oversee AI systems to prevent harm. They include ethical, technical, legal, and governance measures that ensure AI safety, trustworthiness, and benefit.
Lateral Reading: Lateral reading is a fact-checking method that involves consulting multiple sources to evaluate the credibility of online information. It helps in cross-referencing facts, assessing source reliability, and combating misinformation by broadening the context of the information encountered.
S1 E3: “Conversation with Dr. Kari Weaver”
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Kari Weaver the Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Design Librarian at the University of Waterloo Library. From preparing the next generation for a future intertwined with AI to tackling the evolving challenges of plagiarism and academic integrity, our discussion covers the pivotal shifts shaping the educational landscape. Plus, we explore the critical connection between K-12 and post-secondary education, shedding light on how educators can seamlessly bridge these crucial stages in a student’s journey.
Dr. Kari D. Weaver (she/her) is an impassioned library educator who believes learning with information is essential to every aspect of our modern world. At the University of Waterloo, this perspective shapes her leadership of information literacy and digital learning in the library. She currently serves as the library representative on her campus New Technologies, Pedagogy, and Academic Integrity Committee where she contributes to policy and pedagogical conversations, decision-making, and professional development programming on generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning at the University of Waterloo and the Learning Environments Operations (LEO) Committee which provides oversight for the campus LEARN Learning Management System (LMS).
Dr. Weaver’s extensive research background centers on the intersection of human information behavior and pedagogy. She publishes on a wide range of topics including information literacy, academic integrity, misinformation, scientific communication, educational research methods, online learning, and digital accessibility. Professionally, she is the Chair of the ACRL Women and Gender Studies Section (WGSS), an invited member of the American Library Association’s prestigious Intellectual Freedom Committee, and a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians’ (CAPAL) Research and Scholarship Committee.
S1 E2: “Conversation with Katina Papulkas”
In this episode, we delve into the realm of GenAI in education with Katina Papulkas, an experienced educational strategist from Dell Technologies who sheds light on Canada’s proactive stance on GenAI. Katina shares her experience with GenAI detection tools and shares best practices for assessment that embrace the potentials of GenAI, advising educators on how to cautiously explore tools while emphasizing the importance of evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing learning outcomes.
Katina Papulkas is a Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies and is committed to serving students across Canada. She works closely with K-12 and Post-Secondary institutions to define the role technology plays in empowering and amplifying learning, and assists in creating student engagement technology strategies. She is an experienced educator with a background in teaching, online learning, leadership, assessment, and educational technology. In her two-decade tenure in education at the TorontoDSB, she was a teacher, instructional leader and administrator, where she designed and implemented system-wide initiatives to amplify learning through technology.
During her time at Dell, Katina has started up programs such as Girls Who Game, Soar with MENTOR and Data Dunkers to support underserved learners in an empowering and engaging way. Katina has been at Dell for five and half years and enjoys every new challenge and opportunity presented. This year, she has been selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow. Katina can’t wait to get started collaborating with others globally on how we might reimagine our education system enabled by AI.
S1 E1: “The Journey Begins”
Introducing the inaugural episode of “Deep Learning Dialogues” – the podcast where technology meets humanity. In this opening act, we dive into the heart of our journey, sharing the inspiration behind our venture into the podcasting world. Join us as we set the stage for a series dedicated to uncovering the potential, the challenges, and the ethical considerations of AI in our lives.
Katrina Gouett (she/her), Host
A champion for student success through innovative learning, Katrina Gouett brings her expertise to WCDSB as a Student Achievement Consultant for Learning Innovation. Fueled by her passion for Deep Learning, Katrina equips both students and teachers with the tools and strategies to thrive in a dynamic educational landscape, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning.
Whitney McKinley (she/her), Host
As a Student Achievement Consultant of Learning Innovation for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Whitney has dedicated her career to blending technology with traditional teaching to boost student engagement and success. With a strong focus on innovation, she effectively uses digital tools to enhance learning outcomes, demonstrating the transformative impact of technology in education.