Deep Learning Dialogues

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/ 

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.

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:

@WCDSBInnovates

@MsWMcKinley

@MrsGouett

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 [email protected] and [email protected] 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/

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 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: [email protected]

X: @CuberoVera

North Carolina Generative AI Guidelines

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.

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.

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.

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

www.wcdsb.ca 

WCDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan

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 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 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 

https://spencerauthor.com/ 

A.I. For Educators Hub

Podcast: “The Creative Classroom With John Spencer”

Books and Study Guides

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/

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 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

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 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/

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 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

St. Mary's Church

Better Tent City

TinyHome Takeout:

• Instagram @tinyhometakeout
• Facebook 
• 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/

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 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. Discussions reveal how this integration reshapes the role of teachers, focusing on developing critical skills for a changing educational landscape, and speculating on future trends in Generative AI that could further transform learning.

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

Episode Links

Deep Learning at Waterloo Catholic

NPDL

Glossary

Global Competencies: The New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) framework identifies global competencies, often referred to as "6 Cs", that are crucial for students to succeed in today's complex world. These competencies are designed to help students develop the skills, character qualities, and learning strategies that will enable them to thrive both personally and professionally. At WCDSB these competencies are similar to the Ministry of Ontario's Transferable Skills.

SAMR Model: This model stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. It's a framework created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura that categorizes four different ways technology can be integrated into teaching and learning. The SAMR model helps educators understand and evaluate how technology can enhance or transform the learning experience.

SDGs: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals set by the United Nations to address major world challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality by 2030, aiming for a sustainable future for all.

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.