Deep Learning Dialogues

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 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

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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

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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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

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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

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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

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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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

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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/

Credits

Outro Song: Suno AI. “Break the Mold.” Feb 9, 2024

• prompt: "Create a pop song about innovation in the classroom and pushing boundaries."

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Please Note: Due to some scheduling differences, Katrina could only stay for half of the conversation, and Georgia joined us for the latter half. We appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy the insights shared in this episode!

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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 [email protected]. 

Jessica Baluk 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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

X: @WCDSBwellness

School Mental Health Ontario

Here 24/7

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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: [email protected] and [email protected] or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.