Deep Learning Dialogues

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinlay and Katrina Gouett sit down with Dr. Adam Pacton to unpack the controversial practice of "prompt injection" or hiding invisible text in assignments to catch students using generative AI. Moving past the initial "ick" factor or ethical intuition that such tactics turn classrooms into policing environments rather than spaces of mutual trust, the conversation explores the concrete legal, technical, and pedagogical failures of these traps. Dr. Pacton explains how hidden instructions act as an accessibility nightmare under regulations like the ADA Title II and Ontario's AODA, because screen readers accidentally surface the invisible text, confusing students who rely on assistive technology. Rather than relying on flawed detection mechanisms, the episode advocates for a systemic paradigm shift toward "process over product," urging institutions to provide teachers with the cover and resources needed to meaningfully redesign assessments and foster relational intelligence. You can read the episode summary here.Dr. Adam Pacton is an associate teaching professor and Dean's fellow for AI literacy and integration at the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University. Working at the intersection of pedagogy, ethics, and emerging technology, he focuses on institutional AI governance while helping educators move away from fear-based compliance toward thoughtful, human-centered classroom integration. With a PhD in rhetoric and composition, Dr. Pacton brings a deeply grounded perspective to language practices, change management, and student agency in the age of artificial intelligence. Outside of his academic and administrative leadership roles, he rounds out his human perspective as a father, an avid video game player, and a passionate fan of fantasy and sci-fi literature.Episode Link:-ASU Guidance on Hidden-Text/Prompt Injection Techniques in AssignmentsWant to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett explore the practical steps required for educators to move from being "AI aware" to "AI fluent". Guest Meghan Hargrave discusses how to bridge the digital divide by integrating generative AI into K-12 classrooms with a focus on purpose and pedagogy rather than just buzzwords. The conversation covers actionable strategies for using AI as a "thought partner" for tasks such as creating formative assessments and brainstorming for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Listeners will also learn about the importance of establishing a shared language for AI use within school systems and maintaining a balance between technology and the development of students' authentic personal voices.Read the full summary here.Meghan Hargrave is an educational consultant, coach, and former teacher who specializes in literacy and instructional practices. She is the owner of Meghan M. Hargrave, LLC, where she works with K-12 schools and systems to translate complex research and board demands into practical classroom strategies. As an expert in educational technology, Meghan is the co-author of The Artificial Intelligence Playbook and Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically and Responsibly. Her work focuses on helping educators and caregivers navigate the noise of modern educational technology to support student learning through purposeful, research-grounded tools.You can find Meghan on LinkedIn, Instagram @letmeknowhowitgoes and on her website https://www.meghanhargrave.com/ Want to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.

In this episode, hosts Katrina Gouett and Whitney McKinley welcome Jennifer Addison, Project Manager for the AI for Good Lab at Mila, Quebec’s artificial intelligence institute. Jennifer details the lab’s mission to equip women and gender-diverse individuals with the skills to build machine learning projects, fostering a more inclusive tech culture and inspiring leaders to use AI for social good. The conversation explores the power of curiosity-driven learning and the importance of creating safe, grade-free environments where students feel empowered to ask questions, collaborate rather than compete, and challenge the status quo. They also discuss how K-12 educators can adopt these principles by becoming co-learners alongside their students to navigate the evolving AI landscape together.Jennifer Addison is the Project Manager for the AI4Good Lab at Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. The Lab is a 7-week program that equips women and gender diverse people with the skills to build their own machine learning projects. The program is designed to open doors for those who have historically been underrepresented in the AI industry, contribute to a more inclusive and diverse tech culture and to inspire the next generation of leaders to use AI as a tool for social good.Prior to Mila, Jennifer worked in Human Resources at the Business Development Bank of Canada where she contributed to the development and advancement of the corporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility strategy. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, in the US and Canada, she specializes in developing and implementing programs designed to address and disrupt structural inequities and discrimination experienced by equity-deserving communities.You can find Jennifer on LinkedInWant to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.

In this conversation, we explore how Indigenous governance and cultural frameworks can guide ethical technology use in education. Sheri Cecchetto introduces the Medicine Wheel as a holistic lens for approaching AI in K–12 classrooms—emphasizing reflection, relationship-building, and responsibility over speed and profit. Together, we unpack themes of digital sovereignty, environmental impact, and the importance of slowing down to make intentional choices about technology. This episode challenges educators to rethink AI literacy by centering Indigenous values and collective care.Sheri Cecchetto is Anishinaabe Kwe from Wabigoon Lake Ojibwe Nation and a field coordinator and sessional instructor in the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University. Her work focuses on Indigenous social work, emergent learning, and decolonizing education. A passionate advocate for Indigenous governance and digital sovereignty, Sherri brings a unique perspective on how cultural teachings can inform ethical AI use. Beyond the classroom, she is an avid beadworker whose art reflects her deep connection to land and community.You can find Sheri on LinkedInLink to "Theory of Water" by Leanne Betasamosake SimpsonWant to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.

In this powerful episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, we continue our conversation with Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, Director of the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University. This episode explores how educators can ethically and respectfully integrate AI into K–12 classrooms while honoring Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Moeke-Pickering shares insights on land-based learning, trauma-informed pedagogy, and the importance of “showing up” with intention and care. This episode is a call to rethink how we teach with technology—grounded in values of sustainability, justice, and self-determination. Whether you're new to AI or deeply immersed, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance for educators navigating the AI twilight zone.Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering is the Director of the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University. With roots in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and tribal affiliations to Ngāti Pūkeko, Tūhoe, and Ngāti Awa, Dr. Moeke-Pickering brings a deeply relational and global Indigenous perspective to her work. Her research focuses on Indigenous methodologies, decolonization, women’s empowerment, and food sovereignty. She is known for integrating participatory approaches like PhotoVoice and for developing educational frameworks rooted in Indigenous knowledge and self-determination. A passionate educator and advocate, Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering is committed to transforming education through heart work, cultural safety, and community-led innovation.Want to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Katrina Gouett and Whitney McKinley welcome award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson to explore the urgent challenges of student disengagement and the transformative potential of generative AI in education. Drawing from her book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, Jenny shares insights into the four dynamic modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—and how educators can help students shift toward deeper engagement. Through real stories, audience questions, and practical strategies, this conversation offers a hopeful and actionable roadmap for fostering curiosity, agency, and meaningful learning in an AI-integrated world.Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist and author whose work focuses on student engagement and learning science. After spending a decade covering finance at the New York Times, she made a deliberate shift to what matters most: how young people learn. Her new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, addresses the youth mental health crisis and unprecedented rates of student disengagement. She continues to write for publications including The New York Times, TIME, and The Atlantic, and shares insights with thousands of education leaders through her Substack newsletter, How to Be Brave.You can also find Jenny on LinkedIn.Want to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.

Join us as we welcome educator and game creator Blaise Patterson to discuss the innovative Minecraft EDU Cyber Safe AI Dig Deeper World. Discover how this interactive experience helps students build AI literacy, digital citizenship, and critical thinking skills through engaging, age-appropriate gameplay. Learn about the challenges of designing meaningful AI education, strategies for supporting teachers, and practical classroom resources for fostering safe and responsible technology use. Blaise Patterson is an Education Content Creator with Cleverlike Studios, where he creates immersive learning experiences using popular video games like Minecraft and Fortnite. With a deep passion for games-based learning, Blaise has developed several Minecraft Education worlds featured in the in-game library and numerous scholastic esports programs. He and his team of learning experience designers and game developers work to transform students from players to creators, equipping them with digital competencies for career readiness. As Director of Industry Partnership with the Ontario School Esports Association, Blaise also builds connections between schools and organizations, supporting teachers in implementing esports programs from daily instruction to district-wide competitions across K-12 and post-secondary education.Want to know more?You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here 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 for more information.