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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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

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/

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/