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

Registration

Opening and Kickoff with a Special Students Panel

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

Making AI “Better than Average” in Schools and Classrooms. Hosted by Canva for 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.

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!

Lunch & Showcase

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!

Closing Remarks