In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, WCDSB Director of Education Annalisa Varano explores the intersection of faith, leadership, and generative AI within the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Adopting a human-centered vision, Varano emphasizes that AI is a tool designed to enhance the sacred relationship between educators and students. The conversation delves into how WCDSB uses Catholic Social Teachings as a "litmus test" for new technology, ensuring every innovation honors human dignity, promotes the common good, and fosters equity. From reimagining authentic assessments to leveraging AI for administrative efficiency, Varano outlines a strategic roadmap where technology serves the mission of the "whole child," grounding the board’s upcoming Multi-Year Strategic Plan in the pillars of learning, serving, and belonging.

You can read the full episode summary here.

Annalisa Varano is the Director of Education for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, bringing over 27 years of distinguished experience in Catholic education to the role. Her extensive career includes 23 years with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and global teaching experience in Australia and South Korea. A former President of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, she has led at the provincial level and overseen diverse portfolios including K–12 student success, virtual learning, and experiential programming. Annalisa is a practicing Catholic and strategic leader dedicated to navigating the future of education through a lens of discernment, equity, and innovation.

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett explore the practical steps required for educators to move from being "AI aware" to "AI fluent". Guest Meghan Hargrave discusses how to bridge the digital divide by integrating generative AI into K-12 classrooms with a focus on purpose and pedagogy rather than just buzzwords. The conversation covers actionable strategies for using AI as a "thought partner" for tasks such as creating formative assessments and brainstorming for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Listeners will also learn about the importance of establishing a shared language for AI use within school systems and maintaining a balance between technology and the development of students' authentic personal voices.

Read the full summary here.

Meghan Hargrave is an educational consultant, coach, and former teacher who specializes in literacy and instructional practices. She is the owner of Meghan M. Hargrave, LLC, where she works with K-12 schools and systems to translate complex research and board demands into practical classroom strategies. As an expert in educational technology, Meghan is the co-author of The Artificial Intelligence Playbook and Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically and Responsibly. Her work focuses on helping educators and caregivers navigate the noise of modern educational technology to support student learning through purposeful, research-grounded tools.

You can find Meghan on LinkedIn, Instagram @letmeknowhowitgoes and on her website https://www.meghanhargrave.com/

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinley and Katrina Gouett engage with Giancarlo Brotto, an educator and AI advocate, to explore the intersection of education, artificial intelligence, and ethics. They discuss the importance of viewing AI as a gift that should serve humanity, the varying perspectives of students and educators on AI, and the need for moral discernment in its use. The conversation emphasizes the role of educators in guiding students through the complexities of AI, the necessity of integrating AI into the curriculum, and the importance of vulnerability and co-learning in the classroom. Brotto calls for a collective effort to ensure that faith-based institutions lead the way in navigating AI's challenges and opportunities.

Giancarlo Brotto is a dynamic Canadian educator, strategist, and keynote speaker with over two decades of experience helping schools and ministries harness technology to better serve students. A former university and secondary mathematics teacher, he transitioned into leadership roles and founded PAVE EDU, a company that guides school systems, governments, and businesses through AI adoption. His work focuses on preparing educators and families to thrive in an AI-infused world by grounding innovation in ethics and social-emotional learning. Within the Catholic community, he is known for his presentation Navigating Faith and Wisdom, where he encourages using a moral compass to encounter AI as a gift that aligns with Catholic social teachings.

You can find Giancarlo on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Show Links:

Encountering Artificial Intelligence pdf

https://paveedu.org/

http://aireadyschools.ca

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.