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.”
This past week while at the ICDE World Conference in Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to reflect on and process the memorable and powerful professional learning that took place at the 14th Canadian EdTech Summit.
What’s crystal clear to me from participating in both the #ICDEWC23 and #CDNEdTech23, while the focus was on tech-infused pedagogy, delegates truly value the human connections that catalyze learning and communities of practice.
It was so great to meet up with long-time friends and colleagues, and make new friends too! I love the collegial aspect of the education community that is unlike any other sector that binds us together because of our life’s working in making a meaningful impact on the lives students.
As we strive to accelerate the shift away from the archaic ‘industrial model of learning,’ it’s the evolving teacher-student relationship has never been more essential given the increasingly complex fast moving world students are facing today. Hence, we need to support and value educators like never before to keep and attract the best and the brightest to the profession. For they carry the key to unlock the full potential in students, to become agile and resilient globally minded leaders and learners.
While the Summit was a success on many levels, now the real work begins in collectively address BIG challenges ahead of us in education given the unprecedented rise of generative AI, daily threats from cyber hackers, student-wellbeing and overcoming the digital inequities and sustainability that continue to plague systems.
It truly takes a collective village, and one that not only embraces AI, but more importantly HI (Human intelligence) to keep us grounded.
The Summit demonstrated to me that we have the collective knowledge and will across Canada and beyond to make change happen in an accelerated pace. We need to continue to share success stories like Ethan’s, our grade four student presenter, who received a standing ovation for his innovative award-winning SDG invention project. Ethan and other students (and educators) I meet in my travels give me hope for the future!
MindShare is pleased to share the recipients of 8th Annual Canadian EdTech Awards Honouring Excellence in Innovation in Education announced annually at the Canadian Edtech Summit. In no particular order,
K12 Educator of the Year – Dean Vendramin, Archbishop M.C. O’Neill Catholic High School
Post Secondary Educator of the Year – Andy Hargreaves, Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa
K12 District of the Year – Louis Riel School Division
EdTech Company of the Year – LEARNstyle
EdTech Startup of the Year – Athlete Tech Group – Training Ground
Special thanks to our host partners, OCSB, U of Ottawa Faculty of Education, Algonquin College, speakers, sponsors, delegates and our team for helping make our 14th Canadian EdTech Summit our best ever!
See you in Toronto at CDNEdTEch24!
Until next time, keep the digital learning curve steep!
Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
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
https://mindsharelearning.ca/
Superintendent of Learning Technologies Ottawa Catholic School Board
Geoff Edwards was appointed as the Superintendent of Learning Technologies since 2019. Previously, he served as a teacher at St. Mark and St. Mother Teresa, as a Vice-Principal at St. Paul and Sacred Heart and as a Principal at St. Paul and at St. Mother Teresa.
Geoff has been a facilitator for the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network (EOSDN) Leadership Academy and he has taught the Principal Qualification Program (PQP) with the Catholic Principals Council of Ontario. (CPCO) Through CPCO, Geoff has also written a curriculum for the Technology Enabled Leading Learning Mentorship component of the PQP. He is currently on the board of the Education Collaborative Network of Ontario, known as ECNO.
Geoff has been the recipient of the Director’s Commendation award for his work in improving numeracy practice and for enhancing his schools’ protocols for tracking and planning for at-risk students. Geoff has his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Memorial University.
Geoff is married to Rebecca; a gifted Contemporary Studies teacher at Holy Trinity High School, and he has two wonderful daughters, Sophie and Hillary.
Geoff has been coaching various sports for over 30 years which has made him passionate about the role of extracurriculars in adolescent development. He is equally passionate about the role of technology to accelerate academic growth and to increase engagement. For students with learning challenges, learning technologies can be the vehicle through which these students can equitably access the curriculum and thus thrive as students.
He is also passionate about his work in leading and coordinating support for students in low socio-economic status situations. This work has been a cornerstone of his career and shapes his education worldview.
Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto, Co-Director of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning
Dr. Michael Fullan, Order of Canada, is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative (www.deep-learning.global).
Fullan served as Premier Dalton’s Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His ‘interim autobiography’, Surreal Change, covers his pre-Covid-19 Pandemic period to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. The goal of this work focuses on the ‘humanity paradigm’ —a deep care and commitment to all living things including equity and equality in the service of helping all humans cope and thrive in complex societies of the 21st century.
Michael Fullan’s latest books are: Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration (with Mark Edwards, 2022), The Principal 2.0 (2023), and The Drivers (with Joanne Quinn, 2023).
Superintendent of Learning Technologies at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Responsibilities for the St. Joseph and Notre Dame Families of Schools.
Michael Fullan, Order of Canada, is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative (www.deep-learning.global).
Fullan served as Premier Dalton’s Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His ‘interim autobiography’, Surreal Change, covers his pre-Covid-19 Pandemic period to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. The goal of this work focuses on the ‘humanity paradigm’ —a deep care and commitment to all living things including equity and equality in the service of helping all humans cope and thrive in complex societies of the 21st century.
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Explore All Trends & Tools For Future Proofing Education From the World Class Speakers and EdTech Industry Experts!
Rashmi Swarup
Topic: Empowering students, staff, and community: Human Centred Leadership in an AI-Inspired Era
Director of Education and CEO, PDSB • Member of the C21 CEO Academy
Moderators: Robert Martellacci & Katina Papulkas
The Panellists:
Steve Brown
Topic: Intersection of Human and Artificial intelligence
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Judges:
Please Select one of the options below
Topic: Outcomes and Insights on Framing the Future of AI in Canadian Education
Moderators: Robert Martellacci, Karen Yamada
The Panellists:
Description: Join the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) for a panel discussion with two inspiring EdTechs – Gibbly and English Islands – to learn how the TCS empowers Canadian companies to scale internationally. Learn how the global TCS network delivers market intelligence, strategic advice, and vital connections to help you navigate new markets and unlock export opportunities. This session will also highlight key TCS programs like funding supports and the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) that can accelerate your growth. Hear firsthand from EdTech entrepreneurs about their CTA journeys and the impact of TCS support on their global success. Whether you’re an emerging startup or an established company looking to expand, this is your chance to gain insights, make connections, and explore the possibilities of going global with TCS.
Moderator: Amna Khan
The Panellists:
Topic: Empowering Modern Learners: From Access to Agency in the Age of AI
Moderators: Tony Moscone
The Panellists:
Topic: 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. 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. 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.
Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization that offers free, curriculum-aligned, online educational programs and resources in K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects for both students and educators in English and French.
Presenters:
Topic: Step into the future of teaching and leadership with this hands-on workshop designed for educators and school leaders who want to become more AI-savvy. Together, we will explore how Microsoft Copilot can be a game-changer in your daily work by saving you time, sparking creativity, and opening new doors for student engagement.
You will learn practical prompting strategies, insider tips and tricks, and discover innovative ways to use AI that go beyond the obvious, whether it is streamlining your workload, enhancing communication, or creating more engaging learning experiences for your students.
By the end of this session, you will not only feel confident using AI in your role, but you will also leave with a Logics Academy/Microsoft Certificate of Completion to recognize your new skills.
Presenter:
Corissa Tymafichuk
Topic: Spark Inspiration and Save Time with Canva's AI Tools
Description: Unlock creativity in your classroom with Canva’s AI tools! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore Canva AI features designed to support efficient teaching and spark inspired classrooms. Discover how these tools can help you plan lessons faster, engage students in new ways, and bring fresh ideas to life!
Presenter:
Please Select one of the options below
Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva
Topic: AI as a Partner, Not a Substitute
Presenter:
Evidence-informed Key Opinion Leader (KOL) | Cognitive Science | Teaching & Learning | (Keynote) Speaker | Educational Technology Specialist
Topic: Announcing the Key Results of the Report
Presenter: Carla Wade
Topic: Insights and Trends on Navigating the Future of Post Secondary in an AI Inspired World
Moderator: Maxim Jean-Louis
Panellists:
Topic: 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. 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. 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.
Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization that offers free, curriculum-aligned, online educational programs and resources in K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects for both students and educators in English and French.
Presenters:
Topic: Step into the future of teaching and leadership with this hands-on workshop designed for educators and school leaders who want to become more AI-savvy. Together, we will explore how Microsoft Copilot can be a game-changer in your daily work by saving you time, sparking creativity, and opening new doors for student engagement.
Presenter:
Topic: This special EdTech Canada Industry Panel Session is your opportunity to gain insider insights from global market leaders, explore real AI use cases, and co-create strategies to thrive in the age of disruption.
Moderator: Robert Martellacci
The Panellists:
The Panellists:
Topic: The Global Future of AI in Education: Closing Reflections & Insights
Moderators: Robert Martellacci & Kathy Hurley
The Panellists:
Conference Chairs, Closing Reflections and Call to Action.
33 Can/Am EdTech Reception
Peel District School & University of Toronto Mississauga Campus & Mindshare Workspace
Locations:
1. Elm Drive Public School, Address: 3492 Kariya Drive, Mississauga
The visit to Elm Drive PS will showcase how AI and innovative technologies are integrated into inquiry-based learning, fostering student engagement, inclusion, and future-ready skills. Participants will see how educators use these tools to enhance teaching, learning, and ethical, responsible practices.
2. Judith Nyman Secondary School, Address: 1305 Williams Pkwy, Brampton
The visit to Judith Nyman Secondary School will highlight how trade programs use simulators and hands-on tools to build technical skills, readiness, and confidence. Attendees will see how students in trades learn in immersive, practical settings that mirror real-world work.
3. University of Toronto Mississauga, Address: 3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga
4. MindShare Workspace, Address: 5100 Erin Mills Pkwy, Suite I3, Mississauga
The visit to MindShare Workspace will highlight Canada’s first shopping mall-based coworking and innovation hub, where startups, educators, and business leaders collaborate. Participants will see how the space fosters creativity, digital literacy, and future-ready skills through a flexible, tech-enabled environment.
April Burkholder
Description: Explore how advances in AI are transforming literacy instruction through evidence-based design
grounded in neuroscience and linguistics. This session highlights how Amira Learning’s voice
AI delivers real-time reading assessments and tutoring aligned with the Science of
Reading—helping educators scale personalized reading support without compromising
instructional quality.
Participants will:
● Examine the research foundations behind AI-driven literacy tools.
● See how voice AI supports accuracy, fluency, and comprehension growth.
● Learn how educators are integrating Amira into daily literacy routines while maintaining
professional judgment and instructional agency.
Presenter:
The Panellists:
Fireside Chat Panel:
Charting the Course on AI & Humanity
Building Trust, Equity & Sustainability in Education
Moderator: Robert Martellacci & Dr. Brett Caraway
The Panellists:
