The New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is hosting an AI in Education Think Tank on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Fredericton Inn.
This day-long event promises to be a dynamic exploration of the transformative role that artificial intelligence plays in shaping education and the New Brunswick workforce.
The think tank brings together a diverse group of professionals, fostering a collaborative environment to share ideas, experiences, and strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the learning experience in our education system.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, industries and educational leaders while exploring cutting-edge technologies, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the future of education.
Location: Fredericton Inn, 1315 Regent St, Fredericton NB
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration and Networking
Location: Main floor conference hall concourse area
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr. Tiffany Bastin
Assistant Deputy Minister
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Location: Salon A/B/C
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Keynote: Further Together – The Arts of the Possible for the Future of Learning
Dr. Elka Walsh
Associate Vice President: Learning & Education, Microsoft Canada
As AI continues to shape our future, how can we make sense of the opportunities and challenges to design the art-of-the-possible for the future of learning and student experience? In a tour de force of the key factors that are shaping this emerging environment, Dr. Walsh takes participants on a journey to understand how our world is shifting from the future of work to designing accessibility in learning to realizing student achievement with the power of technology. At the heart of how education can be re-imagined is the learner and ensuring the transformative power of learning is available to everyone. Dr. Walsh helps us make sense of the changing landscape for education and what it means for our learning communities including students, teachers and families.
Location: Salon A/B/C
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Break
Location: Salon A/B/C
10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
Breakout Session A
The Ripple Effect: Artificial Intelligence in Society and its Impact on Education (Bicentennial Room)
Katina Papulkas
Senior Education Specialist, Dell Technologies
This enlightening overview on AI for education leaders is designed to demystify the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential in the educational sector. Tailored for leaders, the session aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to AI technologies, showcasing practical applications that can enhance teaching methodologies, personalize learning experiences, and streamline administrative tasks. Attendees will gain insights into the ethical considerations of AI deployment in education and discuss strategies for preparing students and staff for an AI-augmented future. This engaging overview promises to equip education leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions on integrating AI into their curricula and administrative processes, ultimately leading to more effective and innovative educational outcomes.
Empowering Educators: Crafting an AI Roadmap for ASD-North (Salon D)
Krista Cabel
Subject Area Coordinator, K-12 Literacy, ASD-North
Adam Hayward
Experiential Learning and Technology Lead, ASD-North
With support from the Anglophone School District North Generative AI Working Group
This session will explore how one school district has used a shared leadership approach to craft a vision for AI that empowers both educators and learners. We will also share our curated resource bundle, which includes tips sheets for ethical student use of AI, approaches to designing assessment with AI in mind, and our AI skills continuum and lesson plans.
New Brunswick Teachers Created AI App for Education: Unveiling the Future (Salon E)
Mallory Cunningham
Co-Founder and Educational Specialist, Pongo
SPR English and English as an Additional Language, Saint John High School
Tori Roberts
EAL and Essential Skills Achievement Pathway Educator, Saint John High School
Brea Giffin
Head of Business Innovation and Operations, Pongo
Did you know that a New Brunswick homegrown AI application is already revolutionizing education in our province? From personalized and authentic learning experiences to improved assessment practices, this bilingual AI digital portfolio solution is already reshaping education for all learners. Join us to discover how this AI tool is already simplifying and enhancing teaching and learning in our schools
Unpacking the Black Box (Salon F)
Matthew Johnson
Director of Education, MediaSmarts
Whether it’s how a search engine sorts query results or how a video site decides what videos to recommend to you, algorithms have become a central part of our lives. This session will explore how our online experiences are shaped by algorithms, how those algorithms make decisions based on our personal information, and how students can take control of their online identity and experience.
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM
Break / Transition
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Session B
Upskilling with IBM SkillsBuild (Bicentennial Room)
David Itoafa
Digital Success Coordinator, McKenna Institute
Jhanvi Joshi
Digital Success Coordinator, McKenna Institute
Tusher Samadder
Digital Success Coordinator, McKenna Institute
Join us for an enlightening session on IBM SkillsBuild. Discover how this innovative platform offers a robust pathway for educators and educational professionals to enhance their skills. Learn about the tangible benefits of upskilling with IBM SkillsBuild and how it can empower our educators, drive excellence in teaching, and shape the future of education in the digital age.
How to Empower Every Learner with Personalized Learning and AI (Salon D)
David Kozera
Microsoft 365 for Education Country Lead, Microsoft Canada
Creating inclusive learning means leveraging Universal Design and Learning as well as tools that remove barriers and empower every learner to engage and love learning. In this session we’ll explore the tools and strategies that can enhance student achievement in literacy, numeracy as well as how we can design accessible experiences for every student. To fully experience how we can create more inclusion, participants are encouraged to bring a laptop.
Navigating the AI Frontier: Implications for Wellness and Education (Salon E)
Kelly Harris
Learning Specialist, Personal Wellness & Business and Work Ready, Learning and Achievement Branch, EECD
Leanda Bruijns
Learning Specialist, English Language Arts 5 – 12, Learning and Achievement Branch, EECD
Nick Good
Digital Resource Manager, Learning and Achievement Branch, EECD
In our educational think tank, we delve into the multifaceted implications of AI in classrooms, particularly in Personal Wellness. We explore its role as a self-diagnostic tool, pondering its potential benefits and risks. Additionally, we scrutinize educators’ reactions, ranging from fear of AI’s encroachment on their expertise to embracing it as a valuable educational resource, sparking a dynamic dialogue on the future of education.
Implication of a Future World of You and AI (Salon F)
Jason Grossman
Executive Partner, Gartner
By 2026, over 100 million people will engage robo-colleagues (synthetic virtual colleagues) to contribute to their work. In this session we’ll look at the implication of the rise of robots in education. Then, with a more institutional lens, we’ll consider a world of you and AI, and what that means for the future of education across many disciplines and contexts. We’ll also dig into the increasing demands and challenges for education and look at the actions we’ll need to consider as individuals and organizations.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
Location: Salon A/B/C
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
AI Literacy for the Discerning Educator
Trevor Goertzen – NBCT
Director of Regional Growth, SchoolAI
Adjunct Professor of Education, Harding University
Explore how educators can navigate AI literacy with a discerning mindset in the ever evolving technology world. Learn to develop personalized plans, leveraging current technologies for positive change. Discover your niche in technology leadership while emphasizing ethical considerations. Additionally, uncover how AI can effectively address educational challenges, optimizing learning experiences and administrative tasks. Don’t miss this chance to empower your leadership skills in today’s digital era with insights into AI literacy and its transformative potential in education.
Location: Salon A/B/C
1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
AI Frontiers: Transformative Insights from Industry Innovators
- Cathy Simpson – CEO, TechImpact
- Zach Kilburn – Interim Vice President Professional Services, Horizon Health Network
Location: Salon A/B/C
1:50 PM – 2:00 AM
Break / Transition
2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Breakout Session C
Girls Who Game (Bicentennial Room)
Katina Papulkas
Senior Education Specialist, Dell Technologies
Girls Who Game provides girls and other underserved groups with a unique platform: video games as a medium for learning. This year, we’re taking our mission to the next level by offering more opportunities for students to learn how to navigate the complexities of misinformation, disinformation, and the emerging realm of Generative AI. Join us for an engaging and inspiring session on the GWG initiative. Leave empowered to address equity in both a meaningful and fun way, all while arming the next generation with the critical thinking skills needed in today’s digital landscape.
Refocusing on teaching and learning by finding time with AI and Microsoft Copilot 365 (Salon D)
David Kozera
Microsoft 365 for Education Country Lead, Microsoft Canada
How might we find more time in busy days to refocus on helping students? It would mean having an assistant that can help us do so many of the tasks that eat up our time. Imagine a copilot to help you design lesson plans or create tasks for students, maybe draft replies to emails, create a PowerPoint or write a summary for you, or even better free up time from meetings by providing summaries and follow-ups. This is not science fiction; this is all possible. In this workshop, we will explore how to leverage AI tools and Microsoft 365 Copilot to free up time and focus back on empowering students. To fully experience the ways in which Copilot can be used, participants are encouraged to bring a laptop.
AI and Its Transformative Impact on Education (Salon E)
Aditya Agarkar
VP Product Management, Data and AI, PowerSchool
Educators today grapple with numerous challenges, from limited resources to diverse learning gaps among students. This presentation delves into how recent advancements in AI can tackle these challenges, paving the way for improved educational outcomes while ensuring the protection of privacy and equity. We will explore the varying maturity levels of AI technologies and their potential to customize learning experiences, thereby making education more accessible and engaging on a global scale. The critical importance of responsibly navigating AI innovations will be highlighted, alongside discussions on how educators can assess AI applications through the lens of responsible AI guidelines.Furthermore, we will outline the fundamental guiding principles underpinning PowerSchool’s AI solutions, both now and looking ahead, ensuring a future where education is enhanced through ethical and effective AI integration.
The Impacts on GenAI on the Future of Work, and How To Create a Culture That Embraces It (Salon F)
Jason Grossman
Executive Partner, Gartner
In this session we’ll explore the impacts of Generative AI on the Future of Work and how to use 5 phases of culture change to move from planning to success.
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
Location: Salon A/B/C
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Panel discussion: AI Policy Creation
Moderator: Sarah Rankin – Learning Specialist, Digital Learning and Design
Panelists:
- Rebecca Blight – Information Access & Privacy Strategist, Office of the Chief Information Officer, GNB
- Dave Barr – Assistant Deputy Minister & Chief Information Officer, Finance and Treasury Board, GNB
- Josh Waite – Director of Development, McKenna Institute
- Dr. Matthew McGuire – Associate Professor, University of New Brunswick
Location: Salon A/B/C
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing Comments and Wrap-Up
Mike Cusack
Director of Digital Learning and Design
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Location: Salon A/B/C