Deep Learning Dialogues

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinlay and Katrina Gouett sit down with Dr. Adam Pacton to unpack the controversial practice of "prompt injection" or hiding invisible text in assignments to catch students using generative AI. Moving past the initial "ick" factor or ethical intuition that such tactics turn classrooms into policing environments rather than spaces of mutu...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , explore the "messy middle" of artificial intelligence in education with guest Jessica Rizk, PhD, OCT. Moving past the polarizing narratives of absolute tech adoption versus complete avoidance, the conversation examines how generative AI is actively reshaping the classroom from the ground up. Rizk highlights the urgent need for foundational AI literacy b...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett sit down with Dr. Christin Wright-Taylor, Manager of Writing Services at Wilfrid Laurier University, to explore the intersection of generative AI, academic writing, and the human voice. Shifting the conversation away from fear and toward hope, Dr. Wright-Taylor discusses why generative AI should be viewed as a "...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett engage in a captivating conversation with educational scholars Dr. Julie Mueller, Dr. Avis Beek, and Dr. Keri Ewart from Wilfrid Laurier University to tackle the critical tension between cognitive offloading and cognitive replacement in the classroom. Grounded in recent literature on academic integrity, technolo...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett are joined by Dr. Alec Couros to discuss the vital role of "productive struggle" in an era of instant AI outputs. Dr. Couros breaks down the concepts from his viral article, "The Shortcut That Costs Us Everything," warning against a "reverse-Bloom’s Taxonomy" where students analyze AI text without ever learning...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett are joined by Jordan Figueiredo the principal of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School . Jordan shares his leadership stance on artificial intelligence, moving beyond simple "guardrails" to foster a culture of curiosity and vulnerability among his staff. The conversation explores how to manage the "ping-pong" e...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett visit St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge, Ontario to speak with the creators and members of the Benny's Innovator Group (BIG). This student-led initiative, facilitated by teachers Lindsay LeBeau and Lisa Wollziefer, focuses on bringing AI literacy to the school community through interactive work...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , educator Rosie Curie and three of her students Savannah, Dani, and Lilly, discuss the evolving role of generative artificial intelligence in the classroom. Moving away from traditional, rigid rules, the conversation highlights a collaborative approach toward AI literacy, transparency and what it the purpose of school and learning. Rosie and her students...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett dive into the heart of academic integrity in the age of generative AI. Moving away from the "policing" mindset of AI detectors, they introduce the Zero to Infinity scale, a research-based, WCDSB-specific framework designed to bring transparency to the classroom. The conversation highlights how this five-zone tool was...

In this episode, entrepreneur and AI literacy advocate Kate Arthur explores the evolving landscape of education, challenging the traditional model of the teacher as a "knowledge keeper". She suggests a transition toward becoming a "chaperone of knowledge" who guides students through a world where AI often serves as the primary information source. The conversation explores the importance of human a...

This episode of Deep Learning Dialogues explores the seismic shifts in education and global power triggered by the "step change" in agentic AI. Dr. Mark Daly introduces the "Tower of Abstraction," a metaphor for how technology evolves to hide complexity, and argues that teaching foundational skills like coding and essay writing remains essential, not for the final product, but to build the mental...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett explore the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and human values with Father Philip Larrey. Under the title "The Alignment Problem: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Tradition," the conversation delves into the philosophical distinction between a machine's ability to "select" and a human's capacity t...

In this episode, Patricia Kosseim discusses the landmark Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act (EDSTA). The conversation explores the shifting landscape of student privacy in the age of generative AI. Commissioner Kosseim shares use cases regarding unauthorized "Shadow AI" and offers a roadmap for educators to empower students with the data hygiene skills necessary to navigate a transparent dig...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , WCDSB Director of Education Annalisa Varano explores the intersection of faith, leadership, and generative AI within the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Adopting a human-centered vision, Varano emphasizes that AI is a tool designed to enhance the sacred relationship between educators and students. The conversation delves into how WCDSB uses Cat...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett explore the practical steps required for educators to move from being "AI aware" to "AI fluent". Guest Meghan Hargrave discusses how to bridge the digital divide by integrating generative AI into K-12 classrooms with a focus on purpose and pedagogy rather than just buzzwords. The conversation covers actionable st...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett engage with Giancarlo Brotto , an educator and AI advocate, to explore the intersection of education, artificial intelligence, and ethics. They discuss the importance of viewing AI as a gift that should serve humanity, the varying perspectives of students and educators on AI, and the need for moral discernment in...

In this episode, hosts Katrina Gouett and Whitney McKinley welcome Jennifer Addison, Project Manager for the AI for Good Lab at Mila , Quebec’s artificial intelligence institute. Jennifer details the lab’s mission to equip women and gender-diverse individuals with the skills to build machine learning projects, fostering a more inclusive tech culture and inspiring leaders to use AI for social good....

In this week’s episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett are joined by Dr. Jennifer Hove, Director of Data and Reporting at EQAO, to navigate the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and large-scale assessment. Dr. Hove outlines the agency’s "slow and steady" roadmap to AI adoption, emphasizing a human-centered framework where Ontario educators remain...

In this conversation, we explore how Indigenous governance and cultural frameworks can guide ethical technology use in education. Sheri Cecchetto introduces the Medicine Wheel as a holistic lens for approaching AI in K–12 classrooms—emphasizing reflection, relationship-building, and responsibility over speed and profit. Together, we unpack themes of digital sovereignty, environmental impact, and t...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett sit down with Taryn Michel, an Indigenous educator, law scholar, and community leader, to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge systems and artificial intelligence in K–12 education. Taryn shares her journey as a professor in the Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work program at Laurentian University and...

In this powerful episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , we continue our conversation with Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, Director of the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University. This episode explores how educators can ethically and respectfully integrate AI into K–12 classrooms while honoring Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Moeke-Pickering shares insights on land-based learning, trauma...

In this powerful opening to a four-part series, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett sit down with Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, Sheri Cecchetto, and Taryn Michel from Laurentian University’s School of Indigenous Relations to explore how artificial intelligence intersects with Indigenous law, land, and sovereignty. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink AI not as neutral, but as deepl...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , hosts Katrina Gouett and Whitney McKinley welcome award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson to explore the urgent challenges of student disengagement and the transformative potential of generative AI in education. Drawing from her book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better , Jenny shares insights into the...

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues , we sit down with Patricia Kosseim, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, to explore the critical intersection of student privacy, educational technology, and artificial intelligence. From the challenges school boards face when negotiating with EdTech vendors to the ethical complexities of AI in classrooms, Commissioner Kosseim offers expert in...

Join us as we welcome educator and game creator Blaise Patterson to discuss the innovative Minecraft EDU Cyber Safe AI Dig Deeper World . Discover how this interactive experience helps students build AI literacy, digital citizenship, and critical thinking skills through engaging, age-appropriate gameplay. Learn about the challenges of designing meaningful AI education, strategies for supporting te...