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!
Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building 1050 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1G9
Shaping Tomorrow: Student Perspectives on AI and the Future of Education
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.
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!
Robert Martellacci, Founder & Conference Co-Chair
Steve Joordens, Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Dr. Chris Kennedy
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.
The State of EdTech Gain Valuable Insights From Canadian and Global Experts on The State of EdTech in Canada
Moderator: Robert Martellacci
Alana Winnick
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.
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.
Moderator: Karen Yamada
Moderator: Kathy Hurley
Moderator: Dr. Bonnie Schmidt
Moderator: Dr. Steve Joordens
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.
Steve Brown
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.
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.
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