This episode of Deep Learning Dialogues explores the seismic shifts in education and global power triggered by the "step change" in agentic AI. Dr. Mark Daly introduces the "Tower of Abstraction," a metaphor for how technology evolves to hide complexity, and argues that teaching foundational skills like coding and essay writing remains essential, not for the final product, but to build the mental "muscles" required to think and structure logic. The conversation moves from the classroom to the global stage, framing "compute" as a strategic national resource akin to oil or steel and highlighting Canada’s potential as an energy and AI superpower. Ultimately, Daly offers a deeply optimistic vision for the future of K-12 education: as machines automate cognitive labor, the human "value proposition" shifts from being "smart" to being kind, authentic, and connected through the arts and community. You can read the full article summary here.

Dr. Mark Daley is Western University’s first-ever Chief AI Officer and a Scholar in Residence in AI at NSERC. A respected researcher in neural computation, his career includes serving as Vice-President Research at CIFAR, where he helped lead Canada’s national AI strategy. Mark is a remarkably multidisciplinary scholar, holding cross-appointments in departments ranging from Computer Science and Biology to Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A frequent "guiding voice" for educators , he is known for his early clarity on why AI detection is mathematically impossible and for his Substack, Noetic Engines, where he explores the intersection of technology and humanity. Recently trained in international mediation in Paris , Mark combines high-level executive leadership with a deep commitment to helping students find "mattering" and purpose in an automated world.

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 complex intersection of artificial intelligence and human values with Father Philip Larrey. Under the title "The Alignment Problem: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Tradition," the conversation delves into the philosophical distinction between a machine's ability to "select" and a human's capacity to "choose". Father Larrey shares insights from his extensive work with Silicon Valley leaders and the Vatican, addressing critical issues such as the "black box" of AI decision-making, the ethical implications of the European AI Act, and how ancient wisdom from thinkers like Aristotle can provide a necessary framework for navigating the future of generative AI. Read the summary here.

Fr. Philip Larrey, Ph.D., is a Catholic priest and professor of philosophy at Boston College, where his work focuses on the philosophy of knowledge and the impact of the digital era on society. He previously spent over 20 years in Rome, serving as the Chair of Logic and Epistemology and Dean of the Philosophy Department at the Pontifical Lateran University in the Vatican. As the chairman of Humanity 2.0—a non-profit collaborating with the Vatican to promote human flourishing—he is a leading voice in global discussions on AI ethics and has authored several influential books, including Connected World and Artificial Humanity. Based in Boston, Fr. Philip continues to engage with industry giants and international organizations like the United Nations to bridge the gap between technological advancement and ethical responsibility.

Find more information about Father Philip Larrey:

• https://philiplarrey.com/
• LinkedIn

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, Patricia Kosseim discusses the landmark Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act (EDSTA). The conversation explores the shifting landscape of student privacy in the age of generative AI. Commissioner Kosseim shares use cases regarding unauthorized "Shadow AI" and offers a roadmap for educators to empower students with the data hygiene skills necessary to navigate a transparent digital future. You can read the article here.

Patricia Kosseim is the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. She is a lawyer by profession and has extensive experience as a senior executive working in complex, inter-disciplinary environments, across public, private and health sectors. Through integration of legal practice, public policy and academic research, she has led large teams and major strategic initiatives to address ethical, legal and social implications of emerging technologies. She connects people and creative ideas to advance critical reflection, converge around common goals and work towards practical solutions. In March 2025, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, in recognition of her valuable contribution to Ontario and to Canada.

Find further information at:

• ipc.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipc.ontario/

Resources Mentioned:

• 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network sweep focuses on the protection of children’s privacy
• Privacy Pursuit! Lesson Plans
• A Guide to Privacy and Access to Information in Ontario Schools
• Digital Privacy Charter - 12 commitments supporting teachers and students
• Youth ambassador tool kit
• Youth advisory council

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.