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Thank You to Our Valued Sponsors & Partners

4 REASONS TO JOIN OUR SUMMIT Why and Who should Join

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insights

Gain valuable insights & best practices to future proofing learning through evidence based research

1

EdTech Trends

Gain valuable insight on emerging global & national trends driving innovation in education through real world case studies

3

Networking

Network with top education and industry thought leaders in person and virtually

2

Who Should Attend?

Senior 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

4

Robert Martellacci

Founder & Conference Chair

Dear Distinguished Education Colleagues,

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.

Call to Speakers, Delegates, and Sponsors

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

Additional Highlights

  • NEW this Year! Expanded Teacher & Student STEM AI Innovation 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.
  • Canadian EdTech Awards: Celebrate excellence in educational technology by nominating outstanding individuals, teams, or organizations for the Canadian EdTech Awards. This is your chance to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the field.
    Click Here To Nominate
  • Dragon’s Den Startup Challenge: Do you have an innovative EdTech startup? Enter the Dragon’s Den Startup Challenge to pitch your idea to a panel of expert judges. Gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and compete for prizes that can help take your startup to the next level.
    Click Here to Enter

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.

Registration and Venue Information:

  • Date: October 31 – November 2
  • Location: Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building, University of Toronto Scarborough

Together, let’s navigate the future of education in an AI-inspired world.

Dr. Steve Joordens

Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough

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.

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Summit Agenda

Hosted by University of Toronto Scarborough

Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building

1050 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1G9

2:00 - 5:00 PM

SITE TOURS of the "NEW" Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building Newly Renovated State of the Art Faculty of Education Resource Centre and David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute, TDSB School Tours (Optional)/ Registration

For Site Tours:

UTSC: Sam Ibrahim Building
1050 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1G9

David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute (GR. 09-12), TDSB
125 Brockley Dr, Scarborough, ON, M1P 0E1

5:00 - 6:00 PM

WELCOME/ LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/ FIRESIDE CHAT

Summit Welcome
  • Robert Martellacci, Founder & Conference Co-Chair
FireSide Chat Panel : Charting the Course: Education in the Age of AI

Moderator: Dr. Steve Joordens

speaker-1

Maxim Jean-Louis

speaker-2

Katina Papulkas

speaker-3

Dr. Steve Joordens

speaker-4

Diego Magalhaes

speaker-5

Dr. Lesley Wilton, OCT

6:00 - 7:30 PM

30th CAN/AM NETWORKING RECEPTION

Hosted by University of Toronto Scarborough

Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building
1050 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1G9

8:00 - 8:30 AM

REGISTRATION, LIGHT BREAKFAST & EXPLORE EDTECH SHOWCASE

8:30 - 8:45 AM

WELCOME, FIRST NATIONS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND OFFICIAL GREETINGS

Robert Martellacci, Founder & Conference Co-Chair

Steve Joordens, Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough

speaker-1

Andreas Schleicher

speaker-2

Dr. Susan McCahan

8:45 - 9:30 AM

OPENING KEYNOTE

Dr. Chris Kennedy

Superintendent of Schools / CEO at West Vancouver School District

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.

Topic: AI in Action: Sparking Classroom Innovations

speaker-1

Dr. Chris Kennedy

9:30 - 10:30 AM

CROSS CANADA CHECK UP PANEL: “Empowering Every Learner: Technology as a Catalyst for Equitable Education Across Canada"

The State of EdTech Gain Valuable Insights From Canadian and Global Experts on The State of EdTech in Canada

Moderator: Robert Martellacci

speaker-1

Randy Osei

speaker-2

Christina Raso

speaker-3

Peter Singh

speaker-4

Ryan Donaghy

speaker-5

Keith Krueger

speaker-6

Tom D'Amico

10:30 - 11:00 AM

HEALTH/ NETWORKING BREAK/ EXPLORE EDTECH SHOWCASE

11:00 - 11:30 AM

SPOTLIGHT KEYNOTE

Alana Winnick

Author • Podcaster (The Generative Age) • Speaker • Ed Tech Director • NYSCATE Board of Directors

 

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.

 

Topic: Leading in The Generative Age: Preparing Students for Success in an AI-Driven World

speaker-1

Alana Winnick

11:30 - 12:30 PM

LUNCH TIME & NETWORKING & EXPLORING EDTECH SHOWCASE

12:30 - 1:00 PM

DRAGON'S DEN STARTUP CHALLENGE

The 9th Dragon Den's Start-Up Challenge—inspired by the hugely popular TV show Dragon's Den. This challenge is an opportunity for EdTech startups across North America to showcase their innovative solutions. In this competition taking place at the 14th Canadian EdTech Summit 2023, each participant can give a 2-minute pitch to showcase their innovative EdTech solutions and impress our expert panel of judges, comprised of North America's leading EdTech thought leaders. The winning startup will get the opportunity to be mentored by MindShare Learning in their EdTech Incubator Program for a year and receive exclusive booth space at FETC. Please complete this form to enter your EdTech start up into this year's challenge!

EXPERT PANEL PRESENTATIONS

1:30 - 3:30

Option1: Canadian IT Leader Summit Track presented by CoSN and ECNO, 'An Interactive Forum on Key Trends and Strategies'

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.

speaker-1

Keith Krueger

speaker-2

Chris Dale

speaker-3

Geoff Edwards

speaker-4

Evelyn Giannopoulos

speaker-5

Francis Mailloux

1:00 - 1:30

Option 2: C21 Canada and Dell Technologies’ AI Use Case National Project Panel Presentation & Update from the C21 Task Force on AI

speaker-1

Katina Papulkas

speaker-2

Karen Yamada

speaker-3

Dr. Chris Kennedy

speaker-4

Dr. Ron Owston

speaker-5

Zelia Capitao-Tavares

speaker-6

Randolph MacLEAN

1:30 - 2:00 PM

Embracing AI and HI: A CanAm Perspective on Empowering Leadership for Sustainable & Equitable Digital Transformation in Education

speaker-1

Kathy Hurley

speaker-2

Jennifer Ferrari

speaker-3

Lisa Schmucki

speaker-4

Julia Fallon

speaker-5

Jennifer Womble

speaker-6

Dr. Kari Stubbs

2:00 - 2:30 PM

HEALTH / NETWORKING BREAK / EXPLORE EDTECH SHOWCASE

2:30 - 3:00 PM

STEM Classroom of the future learning environment panel

speaker-1

Dr. Anju Bajaj

speaker-2

Benjamin Kelly

speaker-3

Dr. Chris Kim

speaker-4

Katrina Gouett

speaker-5

Whitney McKinley

speaker-6

Rahmatullah Arman

3:00 - 3:30 PM

Bridging Innovation: Design Thinking with Architect Insights and U of T’s Sam Ibrahim Building

speaker-1

Andrew Arifuzzaman

speaker-2

Dr. Steve Joordens

speaker-3

Klaudio Muca

speaker-4

Dr. Karen McCrindle

3:30 - 4:00 PM

HEALTH / NETWORKING BREAK / EXPLORE EDTECH SHOWCASE

4:00 - 4:45 PM

CLOSING KEYNOTE

Steve Brown

President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON

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.

Topic: Adapting education to a rapidly changing world

speaker-1

Steve Brown

4:45 - 5:00 PM

PRESENTING The 9th CANADIAN EDTECH AWARDS

We are thrilled to announce our 9th Annual Canadian EdTech Awards Honouring Excellence in Innovation in Education (Nominate Here!).

5:00 - 6:00 PM

WRAP UP & CLOSING REFLECTIONS

Conference Chairs, Closing Reflections and Call to Action.

Hosted by University of Toronto Scarborough

Sam Ibrahim Active Learning Spaces Building 1050 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1G9

TEACHER STEAM AI E-Sports Symposium Makerspace Showcase

8:00 - 9:00

Registration

9:00 - 10:00

Opening and Kickoff with a Special Students Panel

Shaping Tomorrow: Student Perspectives on AI and the Future of Education

speaker-1

Adila Liu

speaker-2

Siddhanth Nittala

10:15 - 11:45

Session 1

Option 1: Decoding AI: Helping Students Look Beyond (Gr. K-12)

Room: TBD

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.

Option 2: Digging into Design Thinking Strategies (Gr. 4-9)

Room: TBD

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.

Option 3: Esports Coaching for Minecraft Education (Gr 4 - 9)

Room: TBD

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!

Option 4: Teaching Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with CyberPi (Gr 4-12)

Room: TBD

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!

Option 5: Coding for Littles (K-3)

Room: TBD

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!

11:45 - 12:45

Lunch & Showcase

12:45 - 2:15

Session 2

Option 1: Promoting Digital Wellbeing with Students (Gr. 7-12)

Room: TBD

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.

Option 2: Makerspace Mindset: Designing and Building Solutions in Any Space (Gr. 4-9)

Room: TBD

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.

Option 3: AI tools for Educators (K-12)

Room: TBD

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.

Option 4: From Blocks to Bots: Hands-on Coding with CyberPi (Gr 4-12)

Room: TBD

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.

Option 5: Elementary Coding with Dash & Dot (K-5)

Room: TBD

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!

2:30 - 3:00

Closing Remarks

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299.99

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Teachers (3 Days)

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Teachers (3 Days)
‘NEW‘ Saturday Teacher STEAM AI E-Sports Symposium Makerspace Showcase(1 Day)

‘NEW‘ Saturday Teacher STEAM AI E-Sports Symposium Makerspace Showcase(1 Day)

99.00

‘NEW‘ Saturday Teacher STEAM AI E-Sports Symposium Makerspace Showcase(1 Day)

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