Gain valuable insights & best practices to future proofing learning through evidence based research
1Gain valuable insight on emerging global & national trends driving innovation in education through real world case studies
3Network with top education and industry thought leaders in person and virtually
2Senior Level Leadership K-12, Post secondary & EdTech Industry Partners, Policymakers, Teacher Leaders, Investors, Students, Parents & EdTech startups, who are passionate about refining the future of learning to help all students thrive
4Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
Welcome to the official announcement of the 15th Annual Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit, co-hosted by MindShare Learning and the University of Toronto Scarborough! We are thrilled to invite you to join us from October 31 to November 2 in the state-of-the-art Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building. This year’s summit promises to be our most dynamic and engaging yet, featuring an expanded format and a special Saturday STEAM AI Teacher E-Sports Symposium Showcase.
Our theme, “Navigating the Future of Education in an AI-Inspired World,” reflects the transformative times we live in. As co-chairs, we believe this summit will illuminate the profound changes AI brings to education and empower you with the tools and insights needed to lead these changes in your own communities.
This event is a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across Canada and beyond. Our carefully curated sessions, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions are designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaborative solutions. We are particularly excited about our keynote speakers and presenters, who are at the forefront of educational technology and innovation.
A highlight of this year’s summit is our expanded Saturday STEAM AI Teacher E-Sports Symposium Makerspace Showcase, where we will celebrate and learn from the creativity and ingenuity of educators and students pioneering new approaches in STEM and the arts. This showcase embodies our commitment to fostering a holistic and inclusive vision of education that prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
We are honored to partner with the University of Toronto Scarborough, a beacon of excellence in education and innovation. Their beautiful, newly designed Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building provides the perfect environment for the collaborative and forward-thinking spirit of our summit.
We invite speakers who are passionate about transforming education through technology to share their insights and experiences. If you are a thought leader, innovator, or practitioner with a compelling story or groundbreaking research, we want to hear from you. Click here for Speaker Opportunities
Delegates, your participation is crucial to the success of our summit. Join us to engage in rich dialogues, network with peers, and gain valuable knowledge that will drive your work forward.
We are thrilled to announce our ‘New’ Platinum sponsor in Canada’s leading education publisher.
“I think with the ever changing educational landscape with the onset of enhanced
technology. This summit will bring together, industry leading thought leaders to discuss
solutions to ensure Canada stay at the forefront of education globally,” says Steve Brown,
CEO, Nelson.
Sponsors, your support enables us to create an impactful event that reaches a broad audience. Partner with us to showcase your brand and contribute to the advancement of educational technology in Canada. Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Your participation and contributions are what make this summit a vibrant and impactful event. We look forward to learning, sharing, and growing together over the next few days.
“The Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit is more than just a conference—it’s a movement that empowers educators and innovators to shape the future of education. Together, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment.“
— Robert Martellacci, Co-Chair, Founder & CEO, MindShare Learning
“This summit is a unique platform for collaboration and inspiration. It’s a place where we can collectively explore the possibilities of AI in education and work towards a future where technology enhances every aspect of learning.“
— Dr. Steve Joordens, Co-Chair, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough
We would like to thank and recognize our committee members: Steve Joordens, Peter Singh, Maxim Jean-Louis, Debbie Michailidis, Kathy Hurley, Tim Gard, Chris Kim, and Aman Sahota!
We eagerly anticipate your presence and participation in what promises to be a landmark event in the evolution of educational technology in Canada.
Together, let’s navigate the future of education in an AI-inspired world.
Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Steve was initially trained as a Cognitive Psychologist who performed research related to human memory and the distinction between conscious and unconscious influences. More recently though, his research has shifted to focus on the effective use of educational technologies in general, and especially to support the develop or core “Skills of Success” like critical and creative thought, effective two way communication and collaboration, and metacognitive awareness. Some of the research is laboratory based, but a lot of it occurs in the context of real classes. The Advanced Learning Technologies Lab that he directs also does research on third party technologies, assessing their efficacy and usability.
I teach Introduction to Psychology and am the Director the Advanced Learning Technologies Lab (www.altlab.ca) at the University of Toronto. Our goal in the lab is to create and assess educational technologies that have research proved effects while being easy to use. Our technologies focus on the development of core cognitive skills like critical thought, and our most used technology, peerScholar, is now used the world over (see vision.peerScholar.com). I teach both within my university, and as a Gates-sponsored Massive Open Online Course on Coursera.org.
My teaching has been recognized by a number of awards including a Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award, a President’s Teaching Award, and twice making the final round of TVOs Best Lecturer competition. Two of my awards are national level, the 3M National Teaching Fellowship and, most recently, the Canadian Post-Secondary #EdTech Leader of the Year Award (Mindshare Learning).
I am also a very active researcher with my research focussing on Educational Psychology. I primarily research issues related to peer-assessment, critical thinking, engagement, and the effective use of technology for education, and in addition to research I also help create technologies that mobilize effective educational practices.
GET EXPERIENCE
Explore All Trends & Tools For Future Proofing Education From the World Class Speakers and EdTech Industry Experts!
Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building
For Site Tours:
Moderator: Dr. Steve Joordens
Maxim Jean-Louis
Katina Papulkas
Dr. Steve Joordens
Dr. Lesley Wilton, OCT
Dean Shareski
Christopher Usih
Robert Martellacci, Founder & Conference Co-Chair
Steve Joordens, Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Andreas Schleicher
Dr. Susan McCahan
Chris Kennedy is the Superintendent of Schools & CEO, West Vancouver School District, BC
Dr. Chris Kennedy is a renowned educator and leader in the field of educational technology, currently serving as the Superintendent of West Vancouver Schools. With over 25 years of experience in K-12 education, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to fostering innovative learning environments that leverage technology to enhance student engagement and achievement.
He has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into educational practices, advocating for the ethical and effective use of AI tools to support personalized learning and improve educational outcomes. Dr. Kennedy is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his insights on the transformative potential of AI in schools and emphasizing the importance of equipping educators and students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
His commitment to collaborative leadership and continuous improvement has made him a key figure in shaping the future of education in Canada.
Dr. Chris Kennedy
The State of EdTech Gain Valuable Insights From Canadian and Global Experts on The State of EdTech in Canada
Moderator: Robert Martellacci
Randy Osei
Christina Raso
Peter Singh
Keith Krueger
Tom D'Amico
Dr. Tiffany Bastin
Alana is an award-winning leader and both the author and host of The Generative Age, a book and podcast that explores the rapidly evolving world of generative artificial intelligence and its impact on education.
Alana Winnick
The 9th Dragon Den's Start-Up Challenge—featuring VIP Judging Panelist, Sam Ibrahim, President of Arrow Group of Companies, and inspired by the hugely popular TV show Dragon’s Den—offers EdTech startups across North America the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions. Taking place at the 14th Canadian EdTech Summit 2023, participants will deliver 2-minute pitches to impress our expert panel of judges, comprised of North America's leading EdTech thought leaders.
The winning startup will receive 1 year of mentorship through MindShare Learning's EdTech Incubator Program and exclusive booth space at FETC. Please complete this form to enter your EdTech start up into this year's challenge!
Moderator: Keith Krueger
AI and Beyond in K-12
How are Canadian school districts/boards thinking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), including the policies and guidance they are doing around the new opportunities and risks? Hear the trends from the US around AI, as well as other urgent priorities such as cybersecurity and digital equity, from CoSN’s 2024 State of K-12 Ed Tech annual survey. Explore new K-12 AI tools that CoSN and the Council of the Great City Schools have developed to assist districts in their thinking around their readiness and maturity. Hear from key Canadian IT leaders on their priorities and engage in a discussion around innovation in K-12 that addresses the key Hurdles, Accelerators and Tech Enablers right now.
Keith Krueger
Chris Dale
Geoff Edwards
Evelyn Giannopoulos
Francis Mailloux
Moderator: Karen Yamada
Katina Papulkas
Karen Yamada
Dr. Chris Kennedy
Dr. Ron Owston
Zelia Capitao-Tavares
Randolph MacLEAN
Annie Slater
Moderator: Kathy Hurley
Kathy Hurley
Jennifer Ferrari
Lisa Schmucki
Harry Zarek
Julia Fallon
Jennifer Womble
Dr. Kari Stubbs
Moderator: Dr. Bonnie Schmidt
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt
Dr. Anju Bajaj
Benjamin Kelly
Dr. Chris Kim
Rahmatullah Arman
Moderator: Dr. Steve Joordens
Andrew Arifuzzaman
Dr. Steve Joordens
Klaudio Muca
Dr. Karen McCrindle
Sam Ibrahim
Explore how AI-powered tools in Canva, the world’s leading visual communication platform, transform school leadership by streamlining collaboration, enhancing stakeholder communication, and simplifying complex tasks. This session provides practical strategies and real-world examples to empower educators to create, connect, and engage with ease, supporting their role as innovators. Attendees will learn to leverage AI to optimize workflows, boost engagement, and drive meaningful conversations about AI with outcomes rippling across their educational communities.
Scott Nunes
Steve Brown has made his mark in Canada and Internationally by leading organizations through digital transformation. His career spans a diverse mix of industry and technology experience from multi-media entertainment, logistics services, automotive, and now to learning solutions. Steve’s passion and commitment to transforming education, and the student learning experience, continues to fuel the innovation pipeline at NELSON.
Steve Brown
We are thrilled to announce our 9th Annual Canadian EdTech Awards Honouring Excellence in Innovation in Education (Nominate Here!).
Conference Chairs, Closing Reflections and Call to Action.
Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building 1050 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1G9
Shaping Tomorrow: Student Perspectives on AI and the Future of Education
Ramy Ghattas
Adila Liu
Ethan Luong
Siddhanth Nittala
Simran Iqtidar
Elle Thompson
Artificial intelligence has the potential to be both transformative and disappointing, depending on the who, what, where, how, when, and why of its use. As educators and leaders move through the hype cycle and as AI tools become ubiquitous, it will become increasingly important to identify for ourselves what it means to add value through the use of AI, and even more so, to convey these principles and guidelines or such use to students, those newer to their careers, and those newer to the technology. Andy Shaw, K-12 North America lead for Canva for Education, will offer thoughts and a framework for what it means to use AI in value-adding ways in our classrooms, schools, and school boards.
Andy Shaw
Speaker: Let's Talk Science
Description: Support students in making smart choices about using technologies driven by artificial intelligence (AI). This Let's Talk Science session will also show you how AI can be used in math, making learning more contextual. You will also learn how to use AI responsibly, encouraging critical thinking and helping students become responsible digital citizens in a world where AI is everywhere.
Speaker: Let's Talk Science
Description: The Design Thinking process allows students to develop many skills that are transferable across curricula. In this Let's Talk Science session, you will explore the process in detail and have the opportunity to examine various learning strategies and scaffolds at various stages in the Design Thinking process.
Speaker: Logics Academy
Description: A bootcamp for new esports coaches! Learn the ins and outs of competitive Minecraft. In this session, you'll get hands on time with the game so you can understand how it plays. Time will include a chance to learn more detailed gameplay strategies to help you coach your teams! Game on!
Speaker: Logics Academy
Description: ** EACH PARTICIPANT WILL GET A KIT TO TAKE TO THEIR CLASSROOM ** Learn how to bring AI to your classroom with Makeblock. Learn how to use the Machine Learning extension of the mBlock 5 software to teach artificial intelligence (AI) to students. You'll learn how to program the CyberPi to recognize and react to different types of objects using AI - the future of today's generation!
Speaker: Logics Academy
Description: In this interactive session, participants will explore foundational coding concepts through hands-on activities with the Matatalab Coding Set. Designed to align with early learning objectives, participants will have the opportunity to understand how early learners gain problem-solving, sequencing, and critical thinking skills while navigating their Matata-Bot robot using simple coding blocks. Through engaging, age-appropriate activities, this session blends early learning milestones with coding basics, helping spark curiosity and foster creativity in young minds - all screen-free!
Speaker: Let's Talk Science
Description: Do you feel your students have the skills and strategies to be digitally literate? In today's increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever to equip your students with the skills and strategies they need to navigate online environments safely and effectively. This Let's Talk Science session will prepare you to help students become digitally literate by developing effective strategies for maintaining physical and mental health in the context of digital technology use.
Speaker: Let's Talk Science
Description: Is your Makerspace currently sitting unused? Is it difficult in current times to incorporate hands-on learning in your classroom? Join this Let's Talk Science session to explore how the development of a Maker Mindset can help students build on skills and competencies associated with Makerspaces, in any space. Learn how integrating the Design and Build process, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, can provide a supportive framework for Makerspaces or similar classroom/virtual spaces.
Speaker: Logics Academy
Description: Join us for this workshop where we will explore the strategic implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your school or district, focusing on tools within the Microsoft environment. We'll discover how Microsoft Copilot is helping to simplify workflows and reimagine education and uncover the AI-powered features built into the M365 tools such as Word, PowerPoint and Teams, demonstrating how they can enhance student engagement, efficiency and productivity.
Speaker: Logics Academy
Description: ** EACH PARTICIPANT WILL GET A KIT TO TAKE TO THEIR CLASSROOM ** Designed for every student to learn about Computer Science and STEAM, CyberPi is a single-board computer fully packed with advanced electronic sensors, actuators, and communication modules. It is one of the best tools for teaching Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Networks, and the Internet of Things. In combination with our impressive mBlock coding editor, it supports Block-based coding language and the text-based programming language Python. With activities aligned to curricular expectations for all provinces, this workshop will help you discover the many ways you can use CyberPi in your classroom.
Speaker: Logics Academy
Description: In this session, participants will dive into the world of coding using Dash robots. Through interactive challenges and creative problem-solving, participants will explore fundamental coding concepts like sequencing, loops, and events. As they program Dash to complete tasks, participants will understand how students can build their essential skills in logical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance by coding with Dash. This hands-on session offers an engaging introduction to coding in a playful and accessible way for elementary-aged teachers and their students!
Click here to Read
