AI in K-12 Education Conference: Shaping Future Classrooms

Demystifying AI: A Beginner's Guide to Navigating your new Teacher Assistant

Are you new to AI? In this session, you’ll gain valuable insights into AI’s role as your personal teacher assistant, learn basic core concepts, and explore practical applications to revolutionize your classroom dynamics. Learn how to unlock AI’s potential for personalized, engaging, and effective education. Unravel the AI hype and navigate through the information overload of AI websites! Understand its role as a teacher assistant so you can generate curriculum-based lessons, units, and assessments in just minutes! Discover available AI education tools and their functionality. Learn the practical uses of AI to enhance your teaching and learning. Ensure responsible implementation of AI as your personal assistant. Join us for live AI tool demonstrations, real-world lesson planning examples, and interactive discussions. Leave empowered to support your fellow teachers as an AI expert! 

• Themes: Engagement, Lesson planning, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: Grades K-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8; General

Anu Bahri, a dedicated educator with 25+ years in Toronto's inner city schools, brings a wealth of experience as a K-12 Learning Coach for Toronto District School Board's Continuing Education department. Additionally, she was TCS's Education Consultant and Global Trainer for goIT, imparting invaluable insights to educators around the world. Anu's influence extends beyond borders; she's presented at numerous educational technology conferences and serves as a Teach SDG Ambassador, advocating for equity and diversity. With her deep-rooted commitment to education, Anu inspires educators globally, fostering inclusive classrooms and empowering students to innovate for a brighter future.

Unlocking the Future: Inspiring Ethical AI Learning in Secondary Education!

The session focuses on teaching intermediate or senior grades. It is an excellent introduction for educators who are nervous about where to start with AI in their classroom. Specifically, by equipping you with the knowledge and resources you need to teach your students AI while offering some helpful advice and cautions. Get ready to participate in some fun discussions and engage with plenty of examples.

• Themes: Ethical challenges in using AI, How I've been using AI, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 9-12; Literacy

Donna Farquharson-Goheen, M.Ed., is a secondary teacher and former consultant with PVNCCDSB. Her research interests are character education, ethics and religious education. With more than 15 years of expertise, Donna likes to challenge her pupils to participate in new learning projects. As Donna also likes to challenge herself, she is completing a second master's degree in religious education.

Revolutionizing Education: Humanizing the Classroom with AI

This session is ideal for educators across all education levels seeking rejuvenation in their profession through relationship-building and effective delegation of tasks to AI. Educators should attend to discover how AI can transform their teaching by streamlining administrative duties and enriching classroom interactions. This session offers practical insights into leveraging AI for more meaningful educational experiences, fostering deeper connections with students and reigniting educators' enthusiasm for their profession. Discover how to use AI to streamline administrative tasks, deepen connections with personalized student learning, and rekindle your passion for teaching in an interactive and engaging session. Participants will connect via Google Meet for live interactive sessions and use Mentimeter for real-time feedback, enabling active engagement and interaction with the content. This blend of tools fosters a dynamic learning environment.

• Themes: Engagement, Special education, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades); Support for Educators

Amanda Paul, M.Ed., is currently advancing her expertise as a doctoral student in educational leadership and policy at the University of Toronto OISE. At Servo Annex, she leads innovation and curriculum development, focusing on enhancing C-suite clients' educational and professional training through innovative technology. In addition to her role at Servo Annex, Amanda teaches business at a secondary school within the DDSB. Her passion for technology drives her to explore and implement innovative teaching methods, particularly in e-learning for adult education, aiming to elevate the teaching profession and provide impactful, relevant learning experiences to a broad audience.

From Chatbots to Triangulation: A New Teacher’s Guide to Navigating AI

This session is ideal for teacher candidates, department heads, and instructors at the I/S level, providing them with authentic and recent examples of how AI usage is being addressed in the secondary school classroom. Have you, or new teachers you are working with, struggled to navigate how AI appears in the classroom? Are you seeking relevant insight from someone who has felt the same? If so, this presentation is for you! Participants will learn how AI appears in classwork, how to start using triangulation to address it, and how expectations-based rubrics can help build new teacher confidence and promote beneficial AI use. This session will have participant-focused polls, activities, and discussions to address classroom concerns regarding AI use and how to best support new (or seasoned!) teachers in addressing them.

• Themes: Assessment, Ethical challenges in using AI, How I've been using AI, Specific AI Tool(s), Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 9-12; General, Literacy

Marjan Mahmoudian (HBA, B.Ed, OCT) is a recent graduate from Ontario Tech University and a first-year English teacher in the York Region District School Board. Though her interests typically focus on the intersection between place-based, experiential, and anti-racist education, her first year of teaching has been centred around the rise of AI in the English classroom. With guidance and support from her department, Marjan has developed her abilities in using triangulation and expectations-based rubrics to address academic dishonesty and ensure equitable assessment. Marjan has recently shared her insights as a new teacher with English Department Heads. She hopes that sharing these experiences will inform new teachers and all those guiding them on how best to approach their practice in this ever-evolving pedagogical landscape.

AI-Powered Personalized Feedback - Save Time & Spark Critical Minds 

With a focus on high school and beyond, this presentation will help you learn how your students can harness AI for personalized feedback, especially in writing projects, promoting active learning and critical thinking while saving you time writing feedback! Learn how AI-powered feedback can save you time and ensure students apply personalized feedback immediately, fostering continuous engagement, critical thinking, and learning. No more wasted efforts or overlooked feedback! AI-powered feedback enables the immediate application of personalized feedback to a task or assignment, promoting active learning and critical thinking skills. No more waiting for teacher grading; students engage and grow in real time. I will use Nearpod to present, allowing participants to interact through polls and discussion questions, ensuring active participation and deeper learning.

• Themes: Assessment, Engagement, How I've been using AI, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades); Languages

Kathleen Pierce is an Academic Associate at Ontario Tech University and holds an M.Ed in Adult Education. Inspired by the emergence of ChatGPT and the need to revamp her business communication courses, she passionately explores innovative AI education approaches. She focuses on equipping students with essential skills like critical thinking for an ever-changing landscape. Kathleen also teaches in Ontario Tech’s Continuous Learning “Generative AI for Leaders” Certificate program, emphasizing AI’s significance for industry leaders.

AI Chatbot for Differentiated Learning

This session will explore an educator-led conversational worksheet that saves educators 70% of their time creating interactive activities, requires no marking or grading, provides automated feedback for the student and educator on learning progress with learning objectives, and differentiates student learning within 10 minutes. These tools will fundamentally change the worksheet concept from static interaction to dynamic conversational-based learning. Participants will learn how constitutional AI and guardrails can be implemented to have students interact with it in a safe, controlled environment. Participants will engage in two live demos, including a conversational survey that will look at emotions within their text responses and go through a conversational worksheet to assess their AI literacy. These engagements will present how educators can use AI within their classrooms with a live demo. 

• Themes: Assessment, Engagement, How I've been using AI, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades); Languages, Literacy, Science & Technology, Social Studies, History & Geography, AI

Aman Sahota co-founded Factors Education, and they created the first-ever educator-led conversational worksheet and survey. Factors was named the 2021 Canadian Educational Technology Startup of the Year and is working on personalizing learning through AI. Factors is a team led by youth entrepreneurs looking to change the education landscape by saving educators time and providing students with safe, controlled environments to interact with AI. Find more info at https://www.factors.world/ 

Unleashing the Power of AI in Education

How will AI save me time and help me do my job? If that’s the question you’ve been asking yourself throughout all this AI crazy, this presentation is for you. This is the new normal, so let’s embrace it and understand how AI can work for us. In this presentation, we’ll use AI to create unit and lesson plans, map out assessments, and create growth plans for professional development. We’ll use AI to save time and energy by taking care of the broad strokes of lesson and unit planning, amongst other tasks. You’ll be left equipped to use AI the very next day. You’ll leave knowing the tools and how to use them to make the most of AI in your teaching practice.

• Themes: Administrative applications, Assessment, Engagement, How I've been using AI, Lesson planning, Specific AI Tool(s), Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades)

Mike Washburn is an educator, community builder, and Director of Learning Experiences for Logics Academy. Mike has worked with leading EdTech organizations to connect educators through community building and professional learning, enabling them to share their passions and knowledge. Mike co-hosted the hit education podcasts OnEducation and the official Minecraft: Education Edition podcast. With almost 500,000 career podcast downloads, Mike is a standout voice for technology in education, has written for EdSurge, and has been a notable, featured, or keynote speaker at conferences all across North America—such as ISTE and FETC.

MagicSchool AI - A Powerful Educational Tool

Educators keen on AI-driven personalization in teaching will learn how MagicSchool AI can transform educational experiences. Discover how to leverage AI for custom learning paths, enhancing engagement and inclusivity in classrooms with MagicSchool AI. Learn to navigate MagicSchool to create engaging learning experiences and generate custom educational content on the fly. Interactive demos of MagicSchool AI, real-case scenarios, and collaborative workshops to apply AI tools in education.

• Themes: Administrative applications, Assessment, Engagement, How I've been using AI, Lesson planning, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades)

John Workman is a dedicated educator and facilitator passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning. As a previous Additional Qualification Instructor for ETFO, he has played a significant role in the professional development of teachers, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovative teaching methods and technology in the classroom. John's commitment to educational excellence is evident in his work as a Durham District School Board professional development facilitator. His recent completion of the Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Learning Certificate program at Ontario Tech University equips him with the latest knowledge and skills in applying AI in education. John's blend of practical teaching experience and expertise in generative AI technologies positions him as an insightful instructor for those interested in the transformative potential of AI in educational settings.

Is AI Enhancing or Erasing Identity & Privacy in Education

The target audience is any school librarian or educator looking for insight into transparency with AI, lessons on incorporating AI into the classroom, how to protect privacy/biometric data when using AI and whether AI is on pace to replace librarians (or educators in general) in the community. This session will give "voice" to those presently excluded from AI rollouts in education to help "coach" AI via feedback and critical analysis. This presentation will examine the biases embedded in AI from a community advocate perspective. School librarians are frontline advocates in their communities and education campuses. We offer a variety of resources ranging from mental health services and technology programs to literacy and community engagement activities. This session will ensure ethical, healthy and inclusive AI technology. The end goal is to leave with tools to advocate for equitable AI in your community, which is a healthy, protected experience. Additionally, participants will leave with resources on the positive & negative attributes of AI, lesson ideas & ready-made AI mental health tools to share. Join this session to coach AI for a more inclusive and healthy future! There will be a breakout activity on the "Online Disinhibition Effect" that factors into the mistakes AI algorithms make and miscategorized as safety threats.

• Themes: Engagement, Ethical challenges in using AI, How I've been using AI, Lesson planning, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: Grades 7-8, Grades 9-12; General, Literacy, Science & Technology, Administrative leadership & policy creation.

Jean Darnell, MLIS, is a Texas librarian who advocates for all students via her blog, AwakenLibrarian.com, where she shares lesson ideas, professional development and curriculum content to improve the diverse role of librarians of colour and the young adults they serve. She has an in-depth knowledge of technology that began in 2001, is a 2024 Pulitzer Center Teacher Fellow in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and is the 2023 Texas Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee Chairperson. Jean has served on other national and local committees, including as a keynote speaker and panellist at various national and local conferences. Jean graduated from Baylor University (undergrad) and the University of Houston, Clear Lake (graduate school).

AI in Early Childhood Education: A Review of Research, Literature and Practice

This session will identify and explore how AI could affect and be helpful for the Early Childhood Education sector. AI tools are in place to assist early childhood educators in planning curriculum, connecting with parents, and assisting with observations and documentation of early years development. These time savers will allow ECEs more time to connect with young children. As educators, parents/guardians, and citizens, we look at assistive tools and identify the tensions in introducing technology in a space where research and experience illustrate the need for the human touch. Are you interested in how AI could apply to the care and learning of our littlest ones? In this presentation, we will explore practical tools and consider the following questions: Are there specific tensions in introducing AI to very little children? We don't want robots caring for our littlest ones, do we? Participants will engage with the tools used and discuss the ethical issues related to AI in early childhood.

• Themes: Administrative applications, Engagement, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades K-3; Early Childhood

Deborah Doherty is a professor in early childhood education. She is a Doctoral Education student at Ontario Tech University and a research assistant at the STEAM 3-D lab. Deborah is researching Futures Literacy in early childhood education. Deborah is also interested in critical thinking and creativity. She also is organizing the Critical T(h)inkering, STEAM Learning through Making, Conference on May 24 and 25, 2024.

The Prompting Playbook: Strategies for AI Engagement

This presentation focuses on unlocking the full potential of your interactions with AI, fostering a new level of engagement and innovation. We will explore the transformative journey into the mechanics and nuances of crafting effective prompts to communicate with artificial intelligence, turning abstract ideas into tangible outcomes, making it an essential exploration for educators, marketers, developers, and business leaders. Furthermore, we will explore various types of prompts, from the simple to the complex, and understand the contexts in which they are most effective. Key topics include prompt engineering, response analysis, and feedback mechanisms to help participants develop their own playbook of strategies. By attending this session, you will elevate your AI communication skills to new heights and become a proficient navigator of the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Participants will learn through theoretical discussions and practical, hands-on exercises to enhance their AI communication skills. We will analyze real-world case studies, engage in collaborative projects, and experiment with different prompting techniques to understand their impact on AI behaviour and output.

• Themes: Ethical challenges in using AI, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8, Grades 9-12; Digital media

Joycelyn Kelly brings over 15 years of professional experience in corporate training, career development and workshop facilitation in the community and higher education. Joycelyn is passionate about student development, mental health and program delivery using emerging AI technologies. As a Program Instructor in the Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning program in Continuous Learning at Ontario Tech University, Joycelyn enjoys connecting and applying emerging AI technologies in professional practice – teaching and learning. Her innovative approaches have significantly enhanced educational outcomes and student engagement. Joycelyn is a graduate of Ontario Tech University (BA Hons Educational Studies & Digital Technology) and is progressing with her research (AI and VR use for mental health in adolescent and post-secondary populations) in the Masters of Education program at Ontario Tech University. 

Embracing the New Palette: Integrating AI into Visual Arts Education

Visual arts educators in elementary and secondary schools interested in learning about or exploring AI in their teaching will find this presentation invaluable. The session will share current AI artists and provide ideas for incorporating AI in the Arts classroom. Discover how AI can transform art education by offering fresh perspectives on creativity, ethical debates, and technological integration. Attend the event to future-proof your teaching with innovative AI tools and inspire your students. Discover how artists integrate AI tools like DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, and Midjourney to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and innovative art practices. Engage through live polls, Q&A, and practical AI art demos. Leave with actionable resources and ideas to inspire educators and students in AI and art. 

• Themes: Ethical challenges in using AI, How I've been using AI, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades); The Arts

Mervi Salo is the Centrally Assigned Principal of Instructional Innovation and Equitable Outcomes at the Toronto District School Board. In her role, she oversees the areas of Arts, Math, Science, STEM, and Robotics. Mervi has previously held several positions, such as a teacher in a CyberARTS Specialized program, the chair of the provincial arts standing committee for ETFO, the Arts Education Officer for the Ministry of Education, and an Arts AQ Instructor at the University of Toronto and York University. She has also served as the past president of the Ontario Art Education Association. Mervi has won numerous awards for her outstanding contribution to teaching, including the ETFO Multimedia Award and presented at the UNESCO World Congress on Arts Education. 

Frenemies Unite: AI as an Educational Edge in the English Classroom

The presentation is geared towards English/Language Arts teachers of grades 7-12 looking for innovative ways to enhance their lesson plans, streamline assessment processes, and boost student engagement by integrating AI into their curriculum. Teachers will learn how to leverage AI as a tool for efficiency and as a catalyst for fostering deep, critical thinking and creativity in their students, ensuring they produce original work and develop essential 21st-century skills. Participants will leave the presentation with strategies for incorporating AI tools into lesson planning, methods for using AI to enhance the assessment process, and techniques to encourage students to use their voices and critical thinking skills, minimizing reliance on AI-generated content. The presentation will engage participants through interactive elements, such as demonstrations, activities, and collaborative discussions. Attendees will have opportunities to experiment with AI tools directly, brainstorming and developing lesson ideas that they can immediately apply in their classrooms.

• Themes: Lesson planning, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 7-8, Grades 9-12; Literacy

Stephanie Thompson, B.A., B. Ed., M.A. is an Associate Teaching Professor and teaches several courses in the B.Ed. and B.A. programs at Ontario Tech University. She previously taught at the Junior and Intermediate levels in the Durham District School Board. Her research interests include digital storytelling and critical digital literacy. She has been involved in several action research projects exploring social justice topics, adolescent identities, bullying, and the effects of media on young adults. She enjoys exploring new and emerging technologies, such as AI, to add to her teaching toolbox and sharing her discoveries with her students.

Evaluating AI Tools for Use in K-12: A Rubric for Teachers and Students

This session will delve into a comprehensive rubric designed to empower teachers and students to analyze AI tools for education critically. Built upon an AI ethics framework tailored for educational contexts, developed by the presenters. The rubric and framework presented in the session will help teachers and their students develop the timely and essential skills of AI literacy. AI literacy refers to understanding, evaluating, and effectively engaging with artificial intelligence technologies. It involves knowledge of how AI works, its applications, its impact on society, and its ethical considerations. AI literacy enables individuals to make informed decisions about using AI tools, interpreting AI-generated content, and participating in discussions about the broader implications of AI in various fields. Participants will learn about the AI Ethics for Education rubric and how to integrate it into their practice, along with the opportunity to evaluate an AI tool with the rubric to get hands-on experience critically evaluating an AI tool for education.

• Themes: Assessment, Ethical challenges in using AI, Lesson planning, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades)

Laura Morrison, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech U. Her work focuses on promising practices related to online education, inclusive maker pedagogies and critical digital literacies. Laura’s current grant-funded research explores the use of culturally sustaining maker pedagogies to increase engagement and learning for students typically underrepresented in STEM.

Dr. Janette Hughes is a Canada Research Chair in Technology and Pedagogy and Professor at Ontario Tech University. She is the recipient of multiple research and teaching awards and research grants. She is widely published and author of The Digital Principal, a guide for school administrators interested in promoting technology-rich learning environments for students and teachers. Dr. Hughes is a prolific author and presenter, sharing her work nationally and internationally in prestigious scholarly and professional journals, keynote talks, and conferences. Dr. Hughes is routinely contacted by school districts, Ministry personnel and industry partners to consult on a variety of topics, including online teaching and learning, equity issues in ed tech, creating innovative learning environments, establishing Makerspaces in schools, shifting pedagogies in a digital era and how to foster the development of global (21st century) skills and competencies in K-12 and higher education.

Chris D. Craig is passionate about education and has diverse life experiences outside of academia, which include the arts, business, construction, entertainment, and health. With a focus on adult education, he aims to establish and promote actionable insight for educators and students alike with the vision of supporting learner self-concept: Who they are in the context of the environment. Chris is an Ed.D. candidate and received an M.Ed., B.A., A.S.-PE., and certificates in project management, art, and entrepreneurship. Outside of education, you can find him happy to connect over coffee and discuss human nature, graphic novels, strength and conditioning, and random TV or movies.

"Ok class - We're using Chat GPT"

This session will provide grade 7-12 teachers with concrete plans and resources to execute lessons that allow students to use AI to deter themselves as a way to foster an understanding of academic integrity and take pride in their work. These concepts offer students the perspective change of seeing the pitfalls of solely relying on AI to generate their work through directly working with AI with a critical lens. This session also provides ways to teach students how to effectively use AI as an academic tool without compromising the integrity of their work. This seminar aims to equip educators, in a world of constantly receiving AI-generated homework, with ways to show students how easy it is to identify when someone has used AI and why it is always better to produce your own work. Receiving AI-generated assignments from students can be deterred in your classroom by using counterintuitive solutions. Participants will be engaged in this seminar through idea generation with like-minded individuals, introducing perspective-changing concepts, and the reception of lesson plans to incorporate into their classrooms.

• Themes: Assessment, Engagement, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 7-8, Grades 9-12; Indigenous Studies, Languages, Social Studies, History & Geography

Stephanie Vranchidis, HBA, B.Ed, is a History and English teacher at the DDSB. Stephanie’s classroom philosophy encourages students to see the importance of being leaders in their own learning, building a positive classroom community, and celebrating each student’s individuality and particular skill sets. 

Build Your Own Educational GPT!

Teachers & educational developers eager to integrate AI into curriculums will learn to build customized GPT models for innovative teaching. Unlock the potential of Custom GPTs to create dynamic, personalized learning experiences and streamline content creation for your classroom. Gain insights into developing your educational GPT, from concept to classroom implementation, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. Interactive demos, collaborative blueprint design exercises, and real-time Q&A sessions will immerse attendees in the world of educational AI.

• Themes: Assessment, Engagement, How I've been using AI, Lesson planning, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades); General, Kindergarten, The Arts, Faith-Based Studies, Health & Physical Education, Literacy, Numeracy, Science & Technology, Social Studies, History & Geography

John Workman is a dedicated educator and facilitator passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning. As a previous Additional Qualification Instructor for ETFO, he has played a significant role in the professional development of teachers, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovative teaching methods and technology in the classroom. John's commitment to educational excellence is evident in his work as a Durham District School Board professional development facilitator. His recent completion of the Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Learning Certificate program at Ontario Tech University equips him with the latest knowledge and skills in applying AI in education. John's blend of practical teaching experience and expertise in generative AI technologies positions him as an insightful instructor for those interested in the transformative potential of AI in educational settings.

Using Canva AI for Content Creation

Teachers & content creators eager to innovate will learn to harness Canva AI for dynamic, engaging educational materials. Discover how Canva AI revolutionizes content creation, offering endless possibilities for interactive, visually rich educational content. Gain practical Canva AI skills to elevate your content, making learning more engaging, effective, and visually appealing for students. Interactive demos and hands-on activities will enable participants to apply Canva AI techniques in real time, fostering creativity and innovation.

• Themes: Assessment, Engagement, How I've been using AI, Lesson planning, Specific AI Tool(s)
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades)

John Workman is a dedicated educator and facilitator passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning. As a previous Additional Qualification Instructor for ETFO, he has played a significant role in the professional development of teachers, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovative teaching methods and technology in the classroom. John's commitment to educational excellence is evident in his work as a Durham District School Board professional development facilitator. His recent completion of the Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Learning Certificate program at Ontario Tech University equips him with the latest knowledge and skills in applying AI in education. John's blend of practical teaching experience and expertise in generative AI technologies positions him as an insightful instructor for those interested in the transformative potential of AI in educational settings.

Disrupting or Defaulting? Is AI Detrimental to the Neurodiversity Movement?

AI has enormous potential for disrupting and dismantling outdated material, but instead, the Autism Industrial Complex (which includes Behaviourism, ABA, PBS and all forms of therapies and treatments which profit from a pathologized model of Autism) still dominates the literature. For those seeking to use AI to dig deeper into Autistic realities, even their good intent becomes outweighed by the sheer volume of misinformation that is out there, and this significantly impacts what is believed to be accurate. The danger of this could be exponential for those who are multiply marginalized, and if left unchecked, AI could radically and negatively impact the progress that has been made over decades by Autistic advocacy efforts. Facilitated by an experienced school leader who is also a global Autistic advocate, this workshop will:
1) outline what can happen when AI is used without a critical lens, using the example of Autistic realities in 2024. 
2) challenge thinking about how this applies to other topics and inquiries 
3) generate thinking and reflection on how we can evolve as a society to use AI responsively and responsibly.

• Themes: Ethical challenges in using AI, Special education, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 7-8, Grades 9-12; General, Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion

Karen Ann Timm is the Chair of Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators (NINE), an autistic advocate, school Leader, author, trainer, and researcher.

Challenging the Dystopian Future of AI-infused Classroom

This presentation is for anyone involved in elementary and secondary school education (grades 1-12) interested in understanding how best to leverage AI technology’s potential while safeguarding student privacy and academic integrity. There is much discussion and concern over the proliferation of AI technology in education. Teachers and administrators need a pedagogically-informed approach to their use that, while recognizing the existing risks, understands the transformative potential for learning. It is imperative that educators ‘join’ this discussion and develop best practices. This session will provide an overview of some of the most popular AI technologies available, permissible and currently in classrooms. The workshop will provide examples of institutional and assessment practices that best support student learning. In addition to providing evidence and a list of AI tools, participants will have the opportunity to test AI technologies to understand their potential better.

• Themes: Assessment, Ethical challenges in using AI, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 9-12; General

Heather Leatham is a Doctoral student in Education at Ontario Tech University and holds degrees from Ottawa University, York University and Western University. She has taught for over twenty years in secondary education, including as a digital literacy resource teacher, and is currently a secondary school administrator. Her academic areas of interest are digital literacy, digital privacy and educational policy. 

Dr. Ilan Danjoux is an author and award-winning lecturer in the Department of Language Studies at the University of Toronto, Mississauga and the department head of history at Langstaff Secondary School in the York Region Board of Education. He received his Doctorate from the University of Manchester and did his postdoctorate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Before joining the University of Toronto, he was an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Azrieli Institute at Concordia University and a visiting professor at the University of Calgary. Ilan has guest lectured on various topics for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), the Faculty of Education at York University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and McGill University. Dr. Danjoux has been interviewed by Radio Netherlands Worldwide, BBC News, and Trouw Newspaper. Additionally, he has written commissioned works for the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronot, Zocalo Public Square, the Jewish Museum of Vienna, and the Israeli Cartoon Museum. 

Design Fiction: A Futuristic Pedagogical Approach to AI Education

Attendees will learn innovative methods to teach AI concepts through sample activities on how design fiction pedagogy fosters critical thinking and prepares students for an AI-driven future. If you are grappling with the new Ontario curriculum for including AI will, I will help you find practical solutions and ready-to-use resources in my session. Join me on an adventure to discover how design fiction pedagogy can equip educators with ready-to-use activities and assignments, fostering interdisciplinary learning across subjects. We will explore the basics of using design fiction pedagogy in AI education, recruiting available resources, and designing age-appropriate activities and assignments. You will actively engage throughout the session through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-life examples from our previous experiences.

• Themes: Lesson planning, Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: General (All Grades)

Li Li is a PhD candidate at Western University, specializing in AI education. With a focus on integrating innovative pedagogical approaches, Li Li's research explores the intersection of design fiction and AI education. Their expertise lies in developing practical resources and activities to enhance interdisciplinary learning across various age groups. Li Li is committed to advancing AI education through research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.

Integrating AI into the Creative Classroom: Exploring Ethics, Critical Thinking and Creation

This cross-curricular workshop using AI tools creatively and ethically will benefit teachers in grade 7-12 classrooms teaching English, Social Studies, Media Studies, Art and Drama. How can teachers share AI tools and strategies to encourage students to use AI as a resource for inspiration, brainstorming, and template creation while maintaining integrity (e.g., ethics, bias, safety and citing) and avoiding plagiarism? We will begin with an AI Image generator and will explore strategies for use in graphic arts and English. Then, we will walk through the steps of using AI in the Drama and English classroom using a cross-curricular approach. This virtual workshop will include both a lecture and demo/participation format. Participants will leave with resources and tools in hand!

• Themes: Ethical challenges in using AI, How I've been using AI, Specific AI Tool(s), Teaching Strategies
• Audience & Subject: Grades 7-8, Grades 9-12; General, The Arts, Literacy

Lena Palermo holds a B.F.A., B. ED, and M.ED and brings 29 years of education in K-12 in BC and Ontario as a teacher and leader. She has spent her career using Arts and Technology to embellish cross-curricular work. Her recent roles on the BC Ministry of Education—Digital and AI Support Development Team (BCTF Rep.) and Canadian Teachers’ Federation—Advisory Council for the Teaching Profession have allowed her to explore effective AI teaching practices while being mindful of the profession’s integrity. She supports teachers locally and provincially in her current positions, which include Victoria Teachers’ Association Professional Development Chair, Mentorship Coordinator, Joint Committee for Curriculum Instruction Co-Chair, British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) - Professional Issues Advisory Committee, Teacher Inquiry Program Facilitator, and Peer Support Consultant. She is also a Digital Media and Theatre teacher at Spectrum Secondary. Lena has created web modules and workshops on Tech Tools 4 Teachers and regularly revises and presents workshops on various subjects.