Deep Learning Dialogues

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....

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 e...

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 u...

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 firsthan...

In this season finale of "Deep Learning Dialogues," hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett reflect on key learnings from the inaugural season and offer an exciting preview of what's to come. Discover their top insights, get a sneak peek into Season two's focus on the human element of AI in education, and learn about a fun summer AI activity. The hosts also share what they are currently reading....

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 e...

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 upl...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 th...

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, emp...

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...

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...

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...

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 insi...

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 Fee...

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 Guid...

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 he...

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...

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 secon...

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 secto...

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 Dono...

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 u...

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 sk...