Introducing Contact North | Contact Nord’s Four FREE, Easy-to-Use AI-Powered Apps for Education and Training |
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Top10 EdTech Report Issue No. 351
June 20, 2025
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A Special MindShare Tv Podcast Edition
Honouring Ontario’s Top K-12 IT Leaders Chris Demers, Chief Information Officer, Waterloo Catholic District School Board: Inspiring the Future of EdTech |
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Dear MindShare Community Innovator,
Happy Friday!
As we embrace the summer season, we’re energized by the momentum building across the Canadian education landscape. From groundbreaking AI integrations in K–12 and post-secondary institutions to inspiring student innovation and global recognition, it’s clear that Canada is stepping boldly into a future shaped by responsible digital transformation. And kudos to you for helping nurture this journey!
We also take a moment to celebrate the many students graduating across the country, embarking on their post-secondary journeys with hope, purpose, and passion. C21 Canada colleague, Superintendent Chris Kennedy’s thoughtful graduation blog beautifully captures the spirit of the season and reminds us of the profound impact educators have in shaping future-ready citizens. Read Chris Kennedy’s Graduation Reflections
Issue highlights:
1. In this special edition, we spotlight
Ontario’s Top K–12 IT Leader, Chris Demers, CIO of Waterloo Catholic DSB, on
MindShareTV. His visionary leadership and commitment to student-centered innovation continue to shape the future of digital learning across Ontario.
2. We’re also thrilled to announce our strategic media partnership with ISTELive25 in San Antonio. If you’re attending, we warmly invite you to join us for our
CanAm EdTech Experts Networking Breakfast, co-hosted with Advancing Global EDU, on Canada Day – July 1 at 8AM, just steps from the ISTE venue. Let’s strengthen cross-border connections over great conversation and collaboration. Do DM if you'd like to connect regarding Canada and how we can support your digital transformation.
3. Looking ahead, we’re proud to co-host the 16th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit, October 29–30 at the University of Toronto Mississauga, in partnership with the Peel District School Board and MScSM Program. New sponsors and speakers are welcome as we explore the theme:
Human-Centered Sustainable Learning in an AI-Inspired World. Register now to take advantage of Super Early Bird pricing!
4. In our featured C21 AI Use Case, the University of Regina is leveraging GenAI to enhance briefing note writing in public administration—just one example of how Canadian institutions are upskilling leaders and learners alike. Don’t miss our Pan-Canadian AI for Back to School Webinar, June 26 @ 1 PM ET, moderated by yours truly.
5. Product Review. Be sure to check out the Edsby Teacher AI Assistant, our AI Tool of the Week, reviewed by Timothy Gard. It’s a game-changer for streamlining teacher workflows and amplifying impact in the classroom.
6. Our Book of the Week,
The EdTech Playbook by Mark Anderson, is a must-read for educators navigating the evolving digital classroom. Packed with real-world strategies, it’s a timely resource for the summer.
Thank you to our 17th Canadian Schools of the Future Student Innovation Challenge entrants! Winners to be announced next week!
As always, we invite you to please comment, share your news, books, research, and suggestions to improve future editions!
Special thanks to our team, partners & sponsors and our board of advisors for inspiring us to lead innovation in education.
Until next time, keep the digital learning curve steep! |
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P.S. Going to ISTELive25 in San Antonio? Join us for a CanAm Education Industry Experts Networking Breakfast in partnership with our friends at Advancing GlobalEDU, July 1, 8am, Click here to register. And do DM me to explore CanAm initiatives!
Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
Chair, 16th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit
Founder & President, MindShare Learning Media & Consulting
Chief Digital Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report™
Founder, MindShare Workspace--Your Place to Work & Learn
CEO & Co-founder, C21 Canada--Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation
Follow us on Twitter @MindShareLearn @c21can @mindsharework
https://mindsharelearning.ca/ |
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Pleased to announce MindShare Learning Media has forged a Strategic Partnership with ISTE25 Live in San Antonio as an Official Media Partner |
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MindShare Learning is Proud to co-host
The CanAm EdTech Experts Networking Breakfast
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🚨 Super Early Bird Special!
MindShare Learning is Proud to partner with the University of Toronto Mississauga MScSM & the Peel District School Board for the upcoming 16th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit,
October 29–30, 2025.
Register Today! New Sponsors & Speakers Welcome! |
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"
We often assume that students are diving headfirst into new technologies without considering the implications. What I heard instead was a desire to better understand how to use AI responsibly and a strong awareness of its potential and its limits. What was also clear to me was a desire for our current and past students to have clear guidelines/expectation(s) of how AI can/could be used in class/work environments. This feedback has been provided to our team working AI in Surrey Schools."
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Mark Pearmain
Superintendent / CEO at Surrey School District, LInkedin Blog on Student/Alumni Advisory Council Meeting (includes 'must watch' video) |
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C21 AI Phase II Spotlight |
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Enhancing Briefing Note Writing Skills Through Generative Al Integration in Public Administration Education
University of Regina, Saskatchewan
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Join us for an Pan-Canadian Live Webinar:AI for Back to School
Moderated by Robert Martellacci M.A. EdTech, CEO & Co-founder of C21 Canada. This national AI Use Case conversation will feature diverse education leaders from across the country: Dr. Keri Ewart Wilfrid Laurier University, Christopher Fuzessy, PhD Foothills School Division, AB, Bernadette Smith, Peel District School Board, ON, and Geoff Edwards Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board ON. These K20 thought leaders will explore how AI is being thoughtfully integrated across Canadian classrooms and districts to enhance leadership, instruction, and student success heading into the new school year.
Thursday, June 26 at 1 PM ET. |
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Edsby Teacher AI Assistant Review
By Timothy Gard, Chief Learning Strategist |
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Edsby is making waves once again in the realm of educational technology. Known for its rapid rise as a leading student learning management system and recognized with multiple industry awards, Edsby has now taken a significant step forward by introducing an innovative feature: the Teacher AI Assistant. This addition reinforces Edsby’s status as a comprehensive K–12 learning management and analytics platform, catering to educators, students, administrators, and parents’ varied needs.
The Teacher AI Assistant represents Edsby’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence within the educational landscape. This tool enhances teaching practices, streamlines administrative processes, and creates a more productive learning environment. By automating routine tasks and providing actionable insights, the AI Assistant empowers educators to focus on what truly matters—engaging with students and fostering their academic growth.
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OECD: PISA 2029 Media and Artificial Intelligence Literacy |
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The PISA 2029 Media & Artificial Intelligence Literacy (MAIL) assessment will shed light on whether young students have had opportunities to learn and to engage proactively and critically in a world where production, participation, and social networking are increasingly mediated by digital and AI tools.
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The EdTech Playbook is your go-to guide to using EdTech in evidence-informed ways to help you work smarter, transform your teaching and enrich students' learning. Whether you're an experienced educator or newly qualified, this book is packed with practical strategies and real-life examples from fellow teachers you can benefit from.
About the author: Mark Anderson is an award-winning blogger, author, former teacher, middle and senior leader and distinguished thought leader in education. Specialising in effective ways to implement and ensure effective uses of technology in education, including with AI, he blends more than two decades of teaching and leadership expertise with nine years as a sought-after consultant, trainer and keynote speaker. His profound impact on tech integration in education spans decades, guiding thousands of educators and school leaders worldwide towards innovative and effective practices. |
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Celebrating Student Innovation & Ingenuity at McMurrich P.S. Business Day |
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Robert always loads up his pockets with cash to purchase the wares created by innovative grade 4 students in this annual McMurrich Business Day project led by teachers, Ms Capatao-Tavares & Ms. Rambaran. Kudos for inspiring next generation entrepreneurs while embracing the SDGs! |
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1. Nelson launches Edwin Academy, providing educators with a one-stop shop for teaching resources, help and 24/7 support
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The Academy helps educators overcome common teaching and learning challenges
As teachers across Canada are having to do more with less and bear more responsibilities in and outside of the classroom, they need vetted and curriculum-aligned resources so they can build their lesson plans to accommodate individualized education needs of students. When trusted resources are readily available, teachers can focus on helping students succeed by making learning more engaging and effective. Enter Nelson’s online learning platform, Edwin. |
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2. Esquimalt High School student awarded $100K S.T.E.M. scholarship
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Lottie Campbell is the first Grade 12 student from Esquimalt High School to be awarded the Schulich Leader scholarship. The $100,000 prize is for students who show excellence in S.T.E.M. in their academic and extracurricular accolades.
She’s one of only 100 students in the entire country to receive the award. Campbell will be using it towards her studies in chemistry at the University of Victoria this coming fall. |
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3. Project aims to give high school students a peek at how AI can be harnessed for use in health care
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UPEI is teaming up with the University of Toronto this summer to talk about how to create and use artificial intelligence systems in health care. The program they come up with will be for high school students. CBC's Sheehan Desjardins (left) talks to Gemma Postill (right), representing the U of T's Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine; and Christopher Power (middle), the associate dean of Graduate Studies and Research with UPEI's Faculty of Science. |
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4. Second Annual Science Technology Application Centre Showcase: A Celebration of Innovation
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The Peel District School Board’s second annual STAC Showcase, held on May 15, 2025, brought together over 260 Grade 7 and 8 students from 15 schools to present innovative STEAM projects. Hosted at Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, the event featured hands-on exhibits in coding, robotics, sustainable design, and water analysis. Students engaged in a gallery exhibition, a STEAM inquiry challenge, and a skilled trades panel, connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. The showcase celebrated student creativity, identity, and future career pathways in science, technology, and skilled trades. |
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The Superior-Greenstone District School Board’s 2025 Skilled Trades & Tech initiatives brought hands-on learning to life from Kindergarten to high school. Highlights included a visit from trades advocate Jamie McMillan, who inspired over 300 secondary students with her journey in skilled trades, and an Early Years House-Building Challenge where young students designed and constructed cardboard homes. Through interactive presentations, creative projects, and real-world connections, students explored careers in skilled trades while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and design skills—reflecting SGDSB’s commitment to joyful, experiential learning and future pathway exploration. |
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Join us on July 15 at 2 PM for the
EdTech Canada Charity Golf Tournament
at Royal Woodbine Golf Club.
Support student scholarships in EdTech while networking with industry leaders. |
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6. York wins national award for in-house AI platform
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Vidur Kalive and Patrick Thibaudeau from York University’s IT Innovation team developed YU-AURA, an in-house generative AI platform that streamlines research, teaching, and administration. The platform recently earned a 2025 CAUBO Quality and Productivity Award, recognizing York’s leadership in AI innovation and its commitment to making AI tools accessible and socially responsible across the education sector. |
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7. Becoming ‘AI-ready’: U of T’s task force on artificial intelligence releases recommendations
https://www.utoronto.ca/| June 17, 2025 |
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Susan McCahan and the University of Toronto’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence released a report outlining key steps to make U of T an “AI-ready” institution. The recommendations include creating AI infrastructure, supporting AI literacy, and integrating AI into research, teaching, and operations—while maintaining ethical, human-centered values. From AI tutors and virtual assistants to research-enhancing tools, the university aims to lead in responsible and innovative AI adoption across higher education. |
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Dani Dilkes and the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Western University launched the Generative AI Challenge, a free eight-week initiative aimed at helping participants explore the impact of AI through weekly lessons and creative exercises. With global engagement and topics ranging from AI bias to emotional connections with chatbots, the challenge encourages thoughtful conversations about how generative AI shapes education, relationships, and society. |
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9. Delivering AI’s promise of better health care
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Dr. Raymond Ng and Dr. Anita Palepu are leading UBC’s new AI and Health Network, launched with a $22.5 million gift to harness artificial intelligence for faster, more effective healthcare. The initiative is already accelerating breast cancer triage and drug development, with AI tools designed to reduce clinician burnout, improve patient care, and advance Canada’s leadership in ethical, data-driven health innovation. |
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10. Can we trust generative AI to know and tell us when it doesn’t know the answer?
https://ontariotechu.ca | June 17, 2025 |
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Dr. Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy AI at Ontario Tech University, urges caution in blindly trusting generative AI. In a recent interview, he highlights the risks of overconfidence in AI systems and advocates for "Reflective AI"—tools that can assess their own uncertainty and limitations. His research emphasizes the need for transparency, accessibility, and ethical design, encouraging a rational skepticism that balances innovation with responsibility in high-stakes applications like healthcare and law. |
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Professional Learning Events |
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ISTE Conference
June 29-July 2, 2025
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EduTeach 9th CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN EDUCATION, TEACHING & TECHNOLOGY 2025
October 4-5, 2025
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EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
October 27-30, 2025
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16th Canadian EdTech Summit -- New Sponsors, Speakers Welcome!
October 29-30, 2025
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Teacher/Parent Resources Corner
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Fresh Ideas for Summer School: Sparking Literacy & Numeracy Skills!
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Logics Academy’s free 2025 Summer School Series offers hands-on, engaging lessons to boost literacy and numeracy through coding, music, and robotics. Designed for Grades 1–8, the three programs—Codingville, Your Voice is Power, and Explore Learning with Robotics—blend storytelling, problem-solving, and cultural exploration with real-world STEM skills. Educators can join live, use recordings, or assign activities for self-directed learning, making it a flexible and enriching option for summer classrooms across subjects like Language Arts, Social Studies, and Indigenous Studies.
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The First & Only
Teacher-Created AI Workspace.
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Eduaide.Ai is an AI-powered workspace created by teachers, for teachers, to reduce burnout and streamline lesson planning, resource creation, and feedback. With over 110 customizable tools, Eduaide helps educators save time, differentiate instruction, and generate classroom-ready content in just a few clicks—no AI expertise required. Its assistant, Erasmus, supports all learners by adapting content to varying needs, while its affordable pricing and school-wide options make it accessible for individual teachers and districts alike. |
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Book Creator is a user-friendly, multimedia platform that empowers K–12 students and teachers to create, share, and publish digital books—incorporating text, images, audio, video, and interactive elements—all within a simple browser or iPad app. With features like real-time collaboration, accessibility supports (e.g. text-to-speech, translation, dyslexia-friendly fonts), and seamless LMS integration, it promotes student engagement, creativity, and differentiated learning. Whether for portfolios, storytelling, research, or language learning, Book Creator offers a robust toolkit and free tier for individual educators (up to 40 books), with paid upgrades available for schools seeking unlimited libraries and administrative controls |
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Leading Innovation in Education
Advertise your not-for-profit organization or EdTech company, sponsor a Webinar or Canadian EdTech Summit!, share your press releases, career opportunities, and more! To inquire about our EdTech strategy consulting services,
Contact us at robert@mindsharelearning.com
MindShare Learning Digital Marketing & EdTech Strategy Playbook.
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About MindShare Learning
MindShare Learning is Canada’s Leading EdTech Media, Marketing & Strategy Consulting Company. We offer expert insight to the learning technology sector to help leaders and learners thrive in the 21st Century global knowledge-based digital economy.
The MindShare Report Mission
Our goal is to keep you current and at the forefront of innovation in Canadian education through our weekly eMag. Be sure to connect with us:
- Contribute a story, or suggest a MindShareTV podcast
- Feedback, or suggestions on how to improve this report
- Advertise, sponsor, or strategic partnerships
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The MindShare Learning Report team consists of the following individuals:
Robert Martellacci, M.A. Ed Tech., Founder & Chief Digital Publisher
Dr. Ron Owston, PhD., Research Associate, University Professor Emeritus, Former Dean of Faculty, York University
Chris Kim, PhD., Research Associate, Software Engineer, software studio, Fresco Industries
Timothy Gard, B.Ed., OCT, M.A, Chief Learning Strategist
Hanan Mousa, M.B.A, B.C. S. Digital Media Specialist
MindShare Advisory Board
The MindShare Report is grateful for the guidance and support provided by our esteemed advisory board. Members include:
Laurent Burman, M.B.A., Chief Commercial Officer, Sound Commerce
Kevin Custer, Founding Principal, Arc Capital Development
Chip Fesko, Principal, Chip Fesko & Associates
Ian Fogarty, Educator, Riverview High School | MindShare National Video Challenge Award Winner
Dr. GuyTetrault, Award Winning Sun West School Division, Director & CEO (Retired)
Michael Furdyk, Co-Founder, TakingItGlobal
Dr. Eric Hamilton, Associate Dean of Education, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Maxim Jean-Louis, CEO, Contact North/Contact Nord,
Gary Kern, Principal, St. George's School
Dr. Susanne Lajoie, Professor, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University
David Marsi, Senior Manager Training Initiatives, ScotiaMcLeod
Mirella Rossi, Superintendent of Education, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Sandra Chow, Award Winning Teacher, Toronto District School Board (On Leave serving as a Director of Technology & Instruction at a School in China
Ron Sedran, MD, Equity Capital Markets, Canaccord Adams
About The MindShare Learning Report™
Canada's Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Our mission is to provide insight and inspiration to K12 and Post-Secondary education and industry leaders by sharing the latest trends and innovative best practices and success stories in the Canadian education market space and beyond.
Editorial content is welcomed for our weekly and monthly EdTech Reports.
Please forward your news releases as web links to
info@mindsharelearning.com
Advertising opportunities are available, please contact,
robert@mindsharelearning.com
Consulting opportunities are available, please contact:
robert@mindsharelearning.com
Annual subscriptions to the MindShare Learning Report can be purchased at $99 CDN
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Our Valued Clients and Partners |
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