Join us for this conversation with Dr. Alec Couros, Professor of Educational Technology and Media at the University of Regina, as we explore the transformative intersection of AI and education. Drawing from his three-decade journey from English teacher to educational technology expert, Dr. Couros provides thoughtful insights into how AI can enhance rather than replace human teaching. The episode features "Future Forecast Magic 8 Ball Edition," where we playfully examine predictions about AI's future in education, from AI teachers to competency-based learning paths. Dr. Couros delves into recent research on AI's teaching capabilities and the approaching reality of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), while emphasizing the irreplaceable human elements of education - from emotional connections to ethical guidance. Through this rich discussion, we examine how educators can harness AI's potential while preserving the essential human connections that make education transformative.

Dr. Dr. Alec Couros is a distinguished Professor of Educational Technology and Media at the University of Regina's Faculty of Education, where he leads innovative research and teaching at the intersection of technology and learning. As an internationally recognized expert in digital education, Dr. Couros has delivered hundreds of keynote presentations and workshops across the globe, sharing his expertise with K-12 educators, higher education institutions, and corporate audiences. His work focuses on empowering learners to harness the opportunities of the digital age while developing critical awareness of its challenges. Specializing in areas including connected learning, digital citizenship, social media in education, digital ethics, and cybersecurity, Dr. Couros has collaborated with educational institutions, government agencies, and corporations to develop comprehensive technology integration policies. His contributions to education and leadership have earned him numerous awards, reflecting his commitment to advancing thoughtful and ethical approaches to digital learning in the 21st century.

You can find Alec at

LinkedIn

University of Regina

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In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we sit down with Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, founder and president of Let's Talk Science, to explore the intersection of AI and education. With over 30 years of experience transforming STEM education in Canada, Dr. Schmidt shares valuable insights on how educational technology has evolved from basic equipment to sophisticated AI tools that can reshape thinking itself. She emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining questioning skills and human curiosity in an AI-driven world, while highlighting Let's Talk Science's extensive free resources for educators, including professional development opportunities, classroom activities, and outreach programs. The conversation delves into crucial topics such as addressing the digital divide across Canadian communities, the role of teachers as coaches in technology-enabled learning, and the continued relevance of the Canada 2067 STEM Learning Roadmap. Dr. Schmidt offers a powerful perspective on the future of education, stressing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and the development of critical thinking skills that will enable students to effectively navigate and utilize AI tools while maintaining their essential human capabilities.

Resource Link: Artificial Intelligence Resources

Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, CM, FRSC is the President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science, a national education charity that she started in 1991 while completing a PhD in Physiology. Offering a robust suite of programming for youth, educators and volunteers, the organization has impacted millions of people across Canada since its inception. An active contributor to the scientific and education communities, Bonnie currently serves on the Genome Canada Board of Directors. Recently, she was a member of the Federal Government’s AI Public Awareness Working Group, and in 2020 she was a member of the PISA Expert Strategic Visioning Group to the OECD, which set about developing a new vision for the international science test.

You can find Bonnie at:

• LinkedIn
• Let’s Talk Science Website https://letstalkscience.ca/
• by email: bschmidt@letstalkscience.ca

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

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In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we welcome back Dr. Mark J. Daley, Western University's Chief AI Officer and NSERC Scholar in Residence, to explore the intersection of AI, education policy, and classroom practice. From breaking down Ontario's Bill 194 to reimagining assessment in an AI-enhanced world, we examine how today's decisions are shaping tomorrow's education landscape. Join us for an insightful discussion about maintaining human connections while leveraging AI's potential in education.

Dr. Mark J. Daley serves as the Chief AI Officer at Western University and is a Professor of Computer Science, focusing his research on neural computation. Recently appointed as Scholar in Residence at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), he brings extensive experience in higher education administration and the public sector, having previously served as CIO and AVP Research. In 2024, Mark was recognized as one of Canada's top 10 AI experts in McLean's Power List AI. Through his work and writing, including his Substack "Noetic engines," he provides critical insights on AI's integration into education and society while advocating for AI as a public good.

You can find Mark at:

Noetic engines Substack

https://ai.uwo.ca/

LinkedIn

Western 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/

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