Dear Thought Leader, 

As we embrace another week filled with innovation, insights, and inspiration, I'm thrilled to present to you the latest edition of the Canadian EdTech Top 10 Newsletter. This week, we dive deep into a blend of celebrations, forward-thinking initiatives, and the unwavering spirit of learning that defines our vibrant learning community across Canada and beyond!

Be sure to tune into our latest MindShareTV Student Corner podcast featuring our newly selected high school co-op students as they share their, hopes dreams and vision of the future beyond high school.

The world continues to get smaller as I was on zoom conversations this week with the Canadian trade commissioner from Uruguay and a potential EdTech collaborator from Vietnam! Canada's leadership in the EdTech space certainly bodes well for our next generation leaders.

One of the Highlights of the Week: Don't miss the opportunity to tune in tomorrow at 4 pm EST for a Special Black History Month conversation. Join me, and Randy Osei, the celebrated Canadian EdTech Startup of the Year winner, as we share invaluable insights and celebrate excellence in the realm of education technology and supporting athletes in developing essential skills to thrive beyond their athletic careers.

Featured GenAI Innovation of the Week:

This week, we spotlight aiEDU, a non-profit dedicated to creating equitable learning experiences through foundational AI literacy. Their work exemplifies our shared commitment to accessible and inclusive education for all, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy in today's digital world.

Upcoming Events & Challenges:

Community Highlights:

A heartfelt thank you to the MindShare Workspace for hosting DPCDSB SHSM Business Students from St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Secondary School. The collaborative design thinking workshop, led by our team, was a testament to the power of entrepreneurship education and the creative potential of our youth.

C21 Canada shines this week with a special C21 Canada Leadership Series Podcast featuring New CEO Academy Member Randy MacLEAN @RandolphMacLEAN
Superintendent/CEO, Anglophone East School District. Randy shares his leadership journey including his time as the VP of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and how he coped with the tragic bus accident and how it impacted him personally and professionally. It was one of the most moving and inspirational podcasts I've done to date. Be sure to tune it. 

Reading Recommendations:

In the News:

Professional Learning Opportunities:

Resources for Teachers and Parents:

Please don't hesitate to reach out with news, research, jobs, or upcoming events! Or, drop me a note to learn more about our digital media and consulting services!

Special thanks to our awesome team, board of advisors and valued clients and partners, who help make this report possible on a weekly basis.

Until next time, stay healthy, stay safe, and keep the digital learning curve steep!

The province is being called on to help navigate the uncharted territory of artificial intelligence in schools, as educators worldwide grapple with how to responsibly use these rapidly evolving technologies.

As we reflect on the best moments of 2024’s National Future of Education Technology Conference, one observation stands out: The future of education is artificial intelligence. So, to welcome this inevitable force, what better way to break down the event than through AI itself?

Step into Holy Redeemer Catholic School, and you’ll find more than just classrooms bustling with eager minds; you’ll discover a heartwarming initiative that epitomizes our students’ compassionate spirit and creative spark. It is spearheaded by the dynamic Mme. Babineau. She works with a group of Grade 4 and 5 students immersed in the Social Entrepreneurs Program on a mission to spread joy to the young patients at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Ottawa. The “RMH Gaming Cart” is more than just a project; it symbolizes the hope that brightens the days of young patients residing at Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa.

Dr. Anju Bajaj is mentoring and advocating for hundreds of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) across schools in Manitoba.

Bajaj, who has four master’s degrees and a PhD, says she could teach anywhere but it’s crucial to get interested in STEM at a young age.

Today’s K-12 students live in symbiosis with AI more than previous generations could have imagined. Algorithms permeate almost every facet of their lives, from Google searches to the algorithms that select their music, films and TikTok videos — influencing the choices they make and the way they see the world.

York University and the Treefrog Accelerator have partnered with The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) to give businesses led by international talent and women entrepreneurs a JumpSTART in York Region with funding of more than $1 million.

York Regional Council has committed $1.08 million in funding from the York Region Innovation Investment Fund over three years for Project JumpSTART to continue strengthening York Region’s business economy through fostering innovation with a focus on international and women-led tech entrepreneurs.

As Black History Month comes to a close, we reflect on the rich contributions Black people have made to our community and country.

The Faculty of Science is celebrating Black History Month with an event that shines a spotlight on the creativity and innovation of Black people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine (STEMM).

As well as highlighting the brilliance of Black people in STEMM, the Freedom Dreaming event will help untangle the challenges racialized communities currently face in these fields. The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the MacEwan Hall Ballroom. "Freedom Dreaming is going to be a wonderful event," says organizer Dr. Jennifer Adams, PhD, a professor in chemistry and Canada Research Chair in Creativity and STEMM.

Getting individuals to adopt sustainable habits sometimes means finding a community-based solution. A group of McMaster students learned that lesson last semester, helping both elementary school students adopt greener modes of transportation, and creating a platform for campus community members to give unwanted items a second life.  

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2024 – Seneca Polytechnic announced it is bringing the power of Microsoft Azure AI technology to students and employees through several new initiatives designed to prepare students for the workforce of the future.