Can/Am EdTech Summit November Special Edition 2024
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Unpacking the 15th Canadian EdTech Summit with Thanks to All Delegates

Dear Thought Leader, 

 

Happy Friday! It is with immense pride and gratitude that I welcome you to this special edition of the Post-Canadian EdTech Summit Celebration Report, highlighting our Best-Ever Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit delegate accounts!

 

This year’s Summit exceeded expectations on many levels, thanks to the inspiring ideas and transformative conversations we shared. Our theme, Navigating the Future of Education in an AI-Inspired World, brought together thought leaders from Canada and beyond, sparking discussions about the role of AI in reshaping education and creating equitable opportunities for all learners. The positive energy and commitment to change were palpable, making it our most insightful and engaging summit yet.

 

Highlights and Reflections

• Andreas Schleicher’s Inspiring Welcome [Recording featured in this report!]: Our opening session set a powerful tone, with Andreas Schleicher urging every stakeholder to embrace digital transformation in education. His challenge resonated deeply, encouraging us to rethink how we approach teaching and learning in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

• Keynotes and Provocative Discussions: Chris Kennedy, Alana Winnick, and Steve Brown each shared unique insights, exploring the promise and responsibility of AI in education. Their thought-provoking sessions were a reminder that while innovation is crucial, we must remain grounded in fostering equity, accessibility, and support for every learner.

• A Surprising Insight into Student Preferences: A startling statistic from KPMG presented a new reality: 70% of students prefer to seek help from AI rather than a teacher. This echoes the early days of Google, initially met with resistance but ultimately embraced as an invaluable tool. Today, we find ourselves at a similar crossroads with generative AI. We must move forward with care, providing teachers, professors, and students with the support they need to use AI responsibly and to its full potential.

• Expanding the Summit Experience: Our hands-on STEAM and AI Showcase highlighted the incredible potential of STEM, AI, and eSports, while panels like the Cross Canada Checkup allowed us to explore AI's impact from coast to coast and beyond with our many International guests. Together, we explored ways to support all learners in achieving their fullest potential.

• Kudos to our Canadian EdTech Award Winners & Dragaon's Den Startup Winners! 
• C21 Canada Dell Technologies AI in K12 Use Case National Projects Site goes Live! A 'Sneak Peek' access in this report!

 

This year, I also challenged the delegates to consider, What’s Next? As we continue to embrace AI, I pose the same question to you, our readership. How are you navigating the changes AI brings to education? I would love to hear your thoughts on this transformative journey. We are launching a national community in the very near future. Drop me a note if you are interested in being part of it?

 

Looking Forward: The CanAm International EdTech Leadership Summit

To maintain momentum, today we are announcing that we are permanently situating our main Canadian EdTech Summit in the Greater Toronto Area and renaming it the  CanAm International EdTech Leadership Summit in response to the growing International attendees and the need to think globally. This new title reflects the Summit’s expanding scope and its mission to embrace innovation and the future of learning in an AI-inspired world. We're excited to introduce regional MindShare Summits in Western and Eastern Canada to meet the needs of those unable to travel to Toronto. We are open to forging strategic partnerships with provinces, colleges & universities, school districts, edtechs, and nof for profits that represent the K20 ecosytem to expand our reach far and wide across our vast and beautiful country. 

 

Special thanks to my conference co-chair, Dr. Steve Joordens from UofT Scarborough, as well as to our incredible speakers, sponsors, delegates, volunteers, and my colleague Hanan Mousa. Each of you played an essential role in making this year’s Summit our most successful yet! We also greatly appreciate the input from our Summit advisory committee: Maxim Jean-Louis, Katthy Hurley, Peter Singh, Zelia Capatao-Tavares, Ron Sedran and Debbie Michailidis

 

Thank you for your continued commitment to the advancement of education through 'tech infused' pedagogy. The future of learning is not without complex challenges, however,  together, we can ensure it empowers every learner by harnessing what's most impactful, the Human Connection (HC).

 

Until next time keep the 'Digital Learning' curve steep! 

P.S. More exciting News inspired by the Summit: MindShare - Cebra Architects Design Thinking Exchange Denmark 2025

We’re thrilled to share one more inspiring outcome: we’re planning a MindShare - Cebra Architects Design Thinking Exchange to Denmark in 2025! This tour will explore Cebra’s exceptional educational building designs and the Future of Learning. As a fun fact, Cebra is one of the renowned firms behind Lego’s Innovation Complex, a building that, from an aerial view, mirrors Lego blocks—an inspiring blend of architecture and imagination. This is a truly world-class opportunity, and we’re excited to bring this global perspective back to our community.

 

Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech

Chair, 15th Canadian EdTech Summit on AI
Founder & President, MindShare Learning Technology™
Chief Digital Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report™
Founder, MindShare Workspace--Your Place to Work & Learning
CEO & Co-founder, C21 Canada--Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation
Follow us on Twitter @MindShareLearn @c21can @mindsharework
https://mindsharelearning.ca/

At the 15th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit, attendees were inspired by a special greeting from Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD. His inspiring message offered invaluable insights into the future of education, global trends, and the transformative possibilities for Canadian learning. Schleicher's words challenged and motivated us all, leaving a lasting impact on our vision for what education can be. Relive this moment and catch up on key takeaways from this exclusive address that continues to inspire and shape the journey of educational innovation!

A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible speakers who shared their expertise, insights, and passion at the 15th Annual Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit. Your contributions brought fresh perspectives, ignited inspiring discussions, and empowered us to reimagine the future of education together. We are grateful for your commitment to advancing EdTech and supporting the growth of this community. Here’s to continuing the journey towards innovation and excellence in education!

Stay tuned for upcoming video footage of our panellists!

Kicking off the Summit with the always insightful Fireside Chat with Chris Usih, Supt, Richmond School District B.C. on the mic

Honoured to have Andy Shaw, Canva, North American Education Lead, Partner & Present at the Summit. Did you know that Canva is currently the #1 app in edu globally.

That's a wrap til next year back in Toronto 2025! 

Thank you to our C21 Canada Board of Advisors for joining us at the Summit team gathering. Special thanks to guest speaker, Randolph J. MacLEAN, Superintendent/CEO Anglophone East School District

 

Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI for Beginners: The Complete Guide is a must-read for EdTech leaders eager to harness the power of AI in education. This guide demystifies AI and generative technologies, providing a clear, comprehensive overview that's accessible to beginners yet rich with insights for strategic implementation. From understanding AI’s core principles to exploring its transformative potential in learning environments, this book empowers leaders to drive innovation, enhance student engagement, and prepare for an AI-driven future in education. Perfect for those looking to make informed decisions about the next frontier of EdTech.

Introducing Contact North | Contact Nord’s Four FREE, Easy-to-Use AI-Powered Apps for Education and Training

Ottawa Catholic School Board has been named K-12 District of the Year in the Mindshare EdTech Awards! This prestigious honour celebrates their innovative use of technology to transform education, enriching the lives of students and setting a high standard in EdTech.

Students from Piapot First Nation near Regina recently dove into the world of filmmaking, creating their horror movie trailers in an intense two-day film production workshop. Now, their chilling creations are competing in an online film festival against trailers from other communities, showcasing their unique talent and creativity.

In a scenario reminiscent of a TV sitcom, Alaska’s education commissioner Deena Bishop used an AI text generator in her presentation to the state board on limiting cellphones in schools—without realizing it had fabricated citations. This misstep highlights the risks of AI misuse and raises pressing questions about digital literacy for both leaders and students. Read on to discover the lessons in AI education we should take seriously to avoid such embarrassing mishaps at all levels.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is making history with the upcoming Smart Campus Integrated Testing Hub (SCITHub), the world’s most advanced smart building research facility. Slated to open in fall 2025, SCITHub will be the first fully digitally enabled building, seamlessly integrating HVAC, lighting, security, IT, and communications systems. This cutting-edge hub will empower researchers to pioneer sustainable solutions for decarbonizing buildings, a critical step toward Canada’s net-zero emissions goal.

7. New AI chatbot could be the ‘door’ to mental health

uwaterloo.ca | 6 November 2024

Introducing the new University of Waterloo chatbot: a supportive digital companion designed to make mental health resources more accessible and approachable for students. This chatbot provides an anonymous, round-the-clock space for students to express themselves and find guidance on mental well-being, self-care, and university life. By blending compassionate responses with helpful information, it fosters a safe environment for students to seek support or simply connect when they need it most. Whether you're curious about how it works or want to explore its mental health tools, the chatbot is here to help you thrive—learn more and take the first step toward a healthier, happier university experience.

8. RDP Launches Two New Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics Programs

kelownacapnews.ca | October 24, 2024

The University of Victoria has become the first in B.C. to offer students contactless digital ID cards, enhancing convenience with the new mobile ONECard. Available on both Apple and Android devices, the ONECard allows users to access campus services like buying food, borrowing books, and gym entry via smartphone or smartwatch. Faculty and staff can also benefit from this streamlined, modern technology.

9. Google Granted Exemption in Canada’s Online News Act

thedeepdive.ca | October 29, 2024

The CRTC has granted Google the first-ever exemption under Canada’s Online News Act, allowing the tech giant to contribute an impressive $100 million annually to Canadian news organizations. This landmark decision, marking the first approval under the Act's new Application and Exemption Regulations, establishes a fresh funding model designed to bolster Canada’s struggling media industry. As the digital landscape reshapes, this move promises essential support to ensure the survival and growth of Canadian journalism amidst persistent financial challenges.

10. Memorial University Launches Online Hub for Continuing Education

 

 

 

 Leading Innovation in Education

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