Deep Learning Dialogues

The Cognitive Death or Deeper Thinking? The AI Tug-of-War

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, technological disruption, and equitable pedagogy, the panel discusses how generative AI is challenging traditional, colonial structures of higher education and redefining historical standards of "originality." From exploring the generational gap in digital fluency to questioning whether AI will stunt critical thinking or liberate educators to focus on foundational human skills, this discussion serves as an urgent call to prioritize transferable skills, problem-solving, and authentic, experiential learning over reactive, "whack-a-mole" tech policing. Read the episode summary here. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ib108LyL5Royp4mAGROOxwK1Q6t4Eq_d/view?usp=sharing] Articles discussed in the episode: * “ChatGPT for good? On opportunities and challenges of large language models for education [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1041608023000195]” * This Changes Everything: Originality, Academic Integrity, and Education in the Age of Generative AI [https://academic.oup.com/book/61645/chapter-abstract/539928657?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false]” * How generative AI fixes what higher education broke: reframing the “colonization” of knowing and learning [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00146-025-02629-8] Guest Bios: Dr. Julie Mueller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mueller-bb219837/], Associate Dean: Graduate Programs and Research, Faculty of Education Dr. Mueller is a cornerstone of the EdTech research community. With a PhD in Developmental Psychology, her work centers on the "TPACK" framework—balancing technology, pedagogy, and content. She is a leading voice on Computational Thinking across the curriculum and has collaborated with the Canadian Space Agency to develop STEM modules like "Mission on the Moon." Julie brings decades of experience in understanding how digital tools can empower both teachers and students to navigate a digital world. Dr. Avis Beek [https://www.linkedin.com/in/avis-beek/], Assistant Professor & Chair of International Education Studies Dr. Beek’s perspective is truly global. Before her time in academia, she taught science and math in Nunavut and at international schools in Bahrain, Japan, and the Czech Republic. Her research explores International Mindedness and the "STEMovation" project, which focuses on making STEM education inclusive for underrepresented groups. Avis is an expert in interculturalism and is dedicated to decolonizing K-12 classrooms through experiential learning. Dr. Keri Ewart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ewart-37a62b254/], Assistant Professor of Language and Literacy Dr. Ewart sits at the cutting edge of AI Literacy and culturally responsive pedagogy. With 17 years of K-12 experience, her research focuses on the ethical integration of AI in education, specifically how "micro-prompts" and generative AI can support inclusive teaching. A former coordinator of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization, and Anti-Racism (EDIDA), Keri is passionate about equipping the next generation of educators with the critical literacies needed for a social-justice-oriented future. Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/] Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here  [https://forms.office.com/r/NS47eA7Jvn] Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The First Draft: Preserving the "Friction" of Human Thinking

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 to compose it themselves. The conversation explores how to "protect the first draft" as a sacred space for human thought and identity. From the risks of "Model Autography Disorder" (MAD) to practical classroom strategies like "Think-Pair-AI-Share," this episode offers a roadmap for using AI as a critical collaborator rather than a replacement for student voice. Episode Links: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/couros/] * Substack [https://couros.substack.com/] * Think-Pair-AI Share [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hgIDljRhfK7axmU8g57hrSxCGJcE-j8f6895VBT-VLA/edit?tab=t.0] Dr. Alec Couros is a Professor of Educational Technology and Media at the University of Regina and a globally recognized leader in open education and digital citizenship. Throughout his career, he has explored the intersection of technology and pedagogy, recently focusing on the ethical and cognitive implications of generative AI in the classroom. Through his research and popular Substack, Alec advocates for "protecting the human in the loop," emphasizing the importance of preserving the "friction of thinking" and the integrity of the student’s first draft in an increasingly automated world. You can follow his work on Substack or on social media at @courosa. Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/] Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here  [https://forms.office.com/r/NS47eA7Jvn] Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Levity and Learning: AI Leadership at St. Benedict CSS

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 [https://stbenedict.wcdsb.ca/]. 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" effect of innovation and how to establish the psychological safety necessary for educators to move from "shadow use" of AI to shared, open practice. From leveraging "lead learners" in staff meetings to using AI "Gems" for analyzing student achievement data, Jordan illustrates how a human-centered approach to technology can actually amplify relationships and professional practice in a large secondary school. Jordan Figueiredo is the Principal of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge Ontario. Known for his commitment to building a culture of openness and innovation, Jordan focuses on supporting both student and adult learning through collaborative leadership and professional trust. He is an advocate for "being vulnerable on purpose and out loud," encouraging his staff to experiment with new tools like AI without the fear of failure. Beyond his administrative duties, Jordan is active on Instagram (@jordangfigueiredo), where he shares reels aimed at bringing levity and joy to the role of school leadership. He is currently exploring the potential of AI assistants to streamline school operations and better align with strategic system goals. Episode Resource Links: -WCDSB Zero to Infinity Scale [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ai/ai-assessment/] -Tutorial Video: How to create a Gem [https://youtu.be/zRfBsHOA0LA] -Webinar: AI-Resistant Assessment: the ADAPT Framework [https://youtu.be/DnaWpnM3snU?si=4xW9zqSBeS7hOAEF] Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/] Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here  [https://forms.office.com/r/NS47eA7Jvn] Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Students Leading the Way with Benny's Innovator Group

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 workshops. The conversation explores the importance of peer-to-peer learning, where students act as "translators" to help both their classmates and teachers understand how to use generative AI tools effectively and ethically. From discussing the "zero to infinity" mindset to sharing the nerve-wracking but rewarding experience of leading a classroom, students highlight how this program is building essential global competencies and fostering a culture of curiosity and human connection in the age of AI. You can read more about the episode here. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s2NNnLuBHdaW9SuXgpn1APAs1PZEmhqT/view?usp=drive_link] ABOUT OUR GUESTS * Lindsay LeBeau: A teacher at St. Benedict who entered the profession after a 15-year career in nursing. She brings her passion for teaching and healthcare to the school and co-founded BIG to empower students to lead through innovation. * Lisa Wollziefer: A teacher at St. Benedict who recently transitioned from elementary to secondary education. With a background in the tech and fitness industries, she co-facilitates BIG and is dedicated to using AI to free up time for deeper human connections with her students. * Aliaa, Taha, and Umar: Grade 11 students at St. Benedict and leading members of the Benny’s Innovator Group. Driven by interests ranging from software engineering to a general love of learning, these student leaders facilitate workshops that bridge the gap between complex technology and classroom practice, helping their peers and teachers navigate the ethical use of AI. Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/] Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here  [https://forms.office.com/r/NS47eA7Jvn] Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

An AI Dialogue with Student Voice at the Center

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 describe a sketch note lesson about the illusion of an assignment [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZG9k0Aowt9W5o9orP_qPV90aF7g35QBp/view?usp=drive_link] that helps frame the conversation around AI and academic integrity. The conversation then moves into the development of the "Zero to Infinity" assessment framework, created with student and teacher input to provide clear boundaries and examples of appropriate AI use for specific assignments. The episode explores how involving student voices helps bridge the gap between adult policies and the reality of how these tools are used, ultimately framing education as a journey where AI can support, rather than bypass, the vital struggle of learning. Rosie Curie is a secondary school teacher at St. Benedict Secondary School who is recognized for a practice that prioritizes authentic learning. She is an innovative educator who utilizes creative methods, such as hand-drawn sketch notes, to spark deep reflections with her students about the purpose of school and the nature of deep learning. Her collaborative work with Savannah, Dani, and Lilly was instrumental in refining the "Zero to Infinity" AI framework, ensuring the language and visuals were accessible and meaningful for all learners. Rosie’s approach centers on building trust and empathy, helping students navigate the ethical line between AI as a helpful tool and as a replacement for human thought. You can read the full summary article here. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFeNsRt2Va3Ha2ten-sDqC3C2wF1BFeg/view?usp=drive_link] Additional resources: * The AI Assessment Scale (AIAS): A Framework For Ethical Integration Of Generative AI In Educational Assessment [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FO721V9doDbWtA4JO_hqaUi_m8L2u2r_/view?usp=drive_link] * Generative AI Acceptable Use Scale Adapted by Vera Cubero [https://openspace.infohio.org/courseware/lesson/3162/overview] * WCDSB Zero to Infinity Information [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ai/ai-assessment/] * WCDSB GenAI Guidelines [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ai/] Want to know more? You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ [https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/] Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here  [https://forms.office.com/r/NS47eA7Jvn] Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.