Deep Learning Dialogues – Season 2

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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S2E14: Signs Point to Yes: Predicting the Future of AI in Education

Conversation with Dr. Alec Couros

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 at

Bluesky @courosa.bsky.social

LinkedIn

University of Regina

S2E13: Let’s Talk Science: Supporting Teachers, Inspiring Canadian Youth in STEM and AI Literacy

Conversation with Dr. Bonnie Schmidt

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 Resources

Dr. 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:

S2E12: Policy, Pedagogy, and AI: Shaping Tomorrow’s Education Today – Conversation with Mark Daley

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 Substack

https://ai.uwo.ca/

LinkedIn

Western University

S2E11: I-Think AI Challenge: Building Critical Thinkers of Tomorrow – Conversation with Heidi Siwak

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.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidisiwak/

I-Think Challenge Kits

S2E10: Crossover Episode with “AI Dialogues” from the MacPherson Institute

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.

S2E9: Bridging the Divide: A Crossover Conversation on AI in Education
Conversation with Stephanie Verkoeyen

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 Learning

Article: Google’s head of research on whether ‘learn to code’ is still good advice in the age of AI

You can find Stephanie at:

LinkedIn

AI Dialogues Podcast

S2E8: Part 2: Reimagining Citations for the AI Era with the AID Framework
Conversation with Kari Weaver

We welcome back Dr. Kari Weaver for Part 2 of our exploration of the The Artificial Intelligence Disclosure (AID) Framework. Building on last week’s introduction, we delve into practical applications for K-12 classrooms, focusing on how teachers can adapt these principles for different grade levels. Dr. Kari Weaver shares actionable strategies for implementing AI transparency in teaching and assessment. If you haven’t already, listen to Part 1 first for the full context of this enlightening discussion.

Dr. Kari D. Weaver (she/her) is a Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Design Librarian at the University of Waterloo and is instrumental in contributing to policy and pedagogical conversations, decision-making, and professional development programming on generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning at the University of Waterloo.

You can find Kari:

University of Waterloo

LinkedIn

S2E7: Part 1: Reimagining Citations for the AI Era with the AID Framework
Conversation with Kari Weaver

Join Dr. Kari Weaver from the University of Waterloo as she introduces The Artificial Intelligence Disclosure (AID) Framework, a groundbreaking approach to disclosing AI use in academic work. In this first episode, Dr. Weaver discusses why traditional citations fall short in our AI-enabled world and how her framework provides much-needed structure for transparent AI attribution in education and research. Learn how this tool is helping educators and students navigate the complexities of AI integration while maintaining academic integrity.

Dr. Kari D. Weaver (she/her) is a Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Design Librarian at the University of Waterloo and is instrumental in contributing to policy and pedagogical conversations, decision-making, and professional development programming on generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning at the University of Waterloo.

You can find Kari:

University of Waterloo

LinkedIn

S2E6: UDL Reimagined: AI as Your Co-Planning Partner
Conversation with Chris Bronke

In this episode, education expert Chris Bronke explores how generative artificial intelligence can enhance Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices in today’s classrooms. Bronke, a consultant with Novak Education and former educator, shares practical insights on using GenAI as a planning partner to create more accessible learning environments for students. From breaking down assessment barriers to maintaining student engagement, discover how GenAI can help teachers meet diverse learning needs while saving valuable planning time. Whether you’re new to UDL or looking to evolve your teaching practice, this episode offers actionable strategies for combining AI with universal design principles to support all learners.

You can read a summary article of the episode here.

An energetic teacher, presenter, and leader, Dr. Christopher Bronke brings a wealth of research, classroom, and leadership experience to professional learning while empowering participants to reflect deeply upon their own practice to facilitate growth and collaboration. After twenty years in the classroom and his last twelve also leading a team of 20+ English teachers, Bronke now passionately coaches and consults with teachers around the world to help create more inclusive classrooms for all learners.

You can find Chris at: LinkedIn, Instagram @Mrbronke

S2E5: The AI Consciousness Illusion: Why We Think AI Has Feelings
Conversation with Clara Colombatto

In this thought-provoking episode, we speak with Dr. Clara Colombatto from the University of Waterloo about her groundbreaking 2024 study on public perceptions of AI consciousness. The discussion reveals surprising findings that 67% of Americans attribute some level of consciousness to large language models like ChatGPT, with frequent users more likely to view these tools as having subjective experiences. Dr. Colombatto explores the implications of these perceptions for education, trust formation, and student interactions with AI tools. The conversation delves into practical strategies for educators and parents to help students develop healthy relationships with AI technology while maintaining critical thinking skills and human connections. Through expert insights and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable guidance for navigating the complex intersection of AI, education, and human psychology. You can read a summary article of the episode here.

Dr. Clara Colombatto is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Waterloo, where she directs the Vision and Cognition Laboratory. Her research focuses on various aspects of perception and cognition, with a particular focus on the perception of other’s mental states. Using tools from vision science and social psychology, her work has shown how others’ states such as their intentions and attention are extracted in automatic and even unconscious ways, and go on to influence our own attention and metacognition. Her recent research has extended this program to include the perception of agents such as AI, revealing mechanisms of mind perception in non-biological agents and their consequences, from attention to decision-making.

You can find Clara at: https://colombattolab.com/ or https://uwaterloo.ca/psychology/profiles/clara-colombatto

S2E4: Beyond Plagiarism: Education Expert Charts New Course for AI in Schools –
Conversation with Sarah Eaton

A woman with brown hair and glasses sitting at a table (Sarah Elaine Eaton). She is wearing a denim jacket, a black turtleneck,and a silver-coloured wristwatch on her left wrist. She is leaning on a three-volume set of books with red and navy blue spines. There is white text on the blue portion of the spine and navy blue text on the red portion of the spine. The background is intentionally blurred. There are bookcases on the right-hand side of the background. On the left-hand background, there is a red feature wall, and a beige wall on the far left. There is a table in the left background with a small statue and some other decorations.

In this thought-provoking episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we explore a transformative question: What happens when we move beyond traditional notions of plagiarism in education? Our guest Sarah Elaine Eaton explains why requiring students to disclose AI use might be a temporary phase, drawing fascinating parallels to how we once treated dictionaries and now accept spell-check without question. Through engaging discussions about technology’s evolution in education—from radio to television to AI—we unpack common fears and moral panics surrounding new tools in the classroom. The conversation challenges popular misconceptions about AI diminishing creativity and instead reveals how it might enhance human potential. Most importantly, we arrive at a reassuring conclusion: while the tools of education evolve, the irreplaceable role of teachers remains constant in shaping the future of learning.

Sarah Elaine Eaton is a Professor and research chair at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary (Canada). She is an award-winning educator, researcher, and leader. She leads transdisciplinary research teams focused on the ethical implications of advanced technology use in educational contexts. Dr. Eaton also holds a concurrent appointment as an Honorary Associate Professor, Deakin University, Australia.

Faculty Profile: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/sarah-elaine-eaton

Personal Blog: https://drsaraheaton.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSarahEaton

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drsaraheaton

S2E3: Empowering Minds – The Critical Role of AI Literacy in Schools – Conversation with Jillian Kowalchuk

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we dive into the world of AI literacy in education with Jillian Kowalchuk, Manager of AI Literacy at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (https://www.amii.ca/). Kowalchuk shares her insights on the importance of understanding and effectively utilizing AI in educational settings, discussing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. She explores common misconceptions about AI in education and offers strategies for integrating AI literacy into classrooms. Kowalchuk also emphasizes the need to balance technological advancements with maintaining the crucial human elements in teaching and learning.

Where to find her:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jilliankowalchuk

Website: https://www.jilliankowalchuk.ca/

Read the episode article 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/

S2E2: Digital Echoes: AI-Crafted Highlights of WCDSB’s AI Guidelines

Cute Robot with a microphone

In this unique episode, an AI bot takes center stage to analyze and present key highlights from the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s Generative AI guidelines. Listen as artificial intelligence interprets human-crafted guidelines, offering a fascinating perspective on how GenAI can be integrated into K-12 education. After the bot ends their portion of the show, Whitney and Katrina follow up with their take on how this type of technology can impact education and learning.

Article: Would you listen to an AI Radio Announcer?

Please note: The body of this podcast was written and recorded by Google’s NotebookLM AI tool with a little editing by humans.

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/

S2E1: Welcome Back! On Location at St. Mary’s HS

with John Schneider and Georgia

Podcast Cover with St. Mary's Logo

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we bring you a special live recording from St. Mary’s High School. We sit down with John Schneider, an educator, and Georgia, a Gr. 11 student, to discuss the transformative shifts they’ve experienced since we last spoke in June.

Our guests share their insights on using Microsoft Copilot as both a learning tool and teaching assistant, offering a firsthand account of how AI is reshaping the classroom experience. 

As an exciting bonus, part of our discussion was captured by CTV News, who visited to report on WCDSB’s innovative approach to integrating GenAI in education. Don’t miss the accompanying news segment and article for a broader perspective https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/how-the-waterloo-catholic-district-school-board-is-embracing-ai-1.7050610 

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/