Dear MindShare Community,

I’m thrilled to welcome you to this Special MindShare CanAm ISTELive25 Report, capturing insights, connections, and key trends from my recent trip to San Antonio for my 27th International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference.

As an official ISTE media partner, MindShare Learning had the unique privilege of being on the ground, amplifying the voices of educators and EdTech leaders shaping the future of learning. From engaging MindShareTV podcasts, to our lively CanAm community reception, in partnership with Advancing GlobalEdu to dozens of hallway conversations and social learning moments with friends, leaders & legends of EdTech — this year’s conference reaffirmed that human connection remains at the heart of meaningful innovation.

It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since first championing the role of AI and human-centered learning three years ago at our CanAm reception in Philadelphia. Fast forward to ISTELive25, and the energy was palpable — educators and EdTech companies are collaborating like never before to build sustainable, equitable learning models that put students first.

This special edition also brings you my Top 10 ISTELIve25 Takeaways, spotlights on big announcements (like Google’s free AI tools, Canva Magic Studio, and Microsoft Copilot), and reflections on the powerful partnerships that will shape how we build the future — together.

Some special highlights in this edition:
✨ Announcing the Schools of the Future Challenge Winners — we’re proud to celebrate students’ inspiring ideas for culturally relevant, sustainable future cities.
🤝 MindShare Learning and Logics Academy Announce a Strategic Partnership — unveiled at ISTELive25, expanding access to leading AI and STEM solutions.
🎙️ Featured MindShareTV Podcasts — including an inspiring conversation with ISTE keynoter Dr. Sabba Quidwai on the future of AI in education; a global perspective with BETT delegates; and a Canadian perspective with Dr. Devon Caldwell on empowering classrooms with practical AI.

🌎 CoSN Canadian School District EdTech IT Leader Survey — closing soon! Your insights will help shape future research and strategic planning for school boards nationwide. Click here to complete.
🚀 Announcing our Opening Keynote for the upcoming 16th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit, October 29-30, Toronto — a gathering to tackle the big questions of human-centered, sustainable learning in an AI-inspired world. Don't miss the early bird special offer! 
📦 Unboxing Generation Faraday — a sneak peek at a transformative new solution set to empower schools with next-generation AI literacy and design thinking.

📌 We’re also thrilled to highlight our continued commitment to advancing AI in education through our C21 Canada Dell AI Use Case Project Spotlight Round Two, showcasing how schools across the country are implementing responsible AI with an equity lens. If you missed it, be sure to check out our Recorded C21 Canada Back to School AI Webinar for Upskilling, which features practical strategies and insights to help educators confidently embrace AI tools this school year.

I invite you to read, share, and discuss what resonates with you. Together, we can keep building human-centered, future-ready learning — across Canada, the U.S., and beyond.

Thank you for being part of our growing MindShare Learning community.  Special thanks to Richard Culatta & team at ISTE + ASCD for our much valued media partnership. See you in Orlando in 2026! 

In closing, having just been in Texas last week, my heart goes out to all the families and communities impacted by the recent flash floods. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected and send our thoughts and support during this challenging time.

Until next time, keep the learning & innovative curve steep!

Trisha Haldar, a Grade 8 student from École Bellewood Elementary in Windsor, has been named Canada’s top youth scientist after winning four major awards at the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair in New Brunswick including the prestigious Platinum “best-in-show” prize. Inspired by concerns for her grandmother, Trisha created the Visual Drug Interaction Checker, a tool that helps users assess potential risks when taking multiple medications. Her innovative project impressed judges and peers alike, earning national recognition and sparking her future plans to study biotechnology.

The Grand Erie District School Board has partnered with Conestoga College to launch Ontario’s first AI micro-credential in the public education sector, offering all Grand Erie employees a 10-hour, online, self-paced course starting this September. Designed to reflect the board’s strategic priorities and diverse staff roles, the course covers AI fundamentals, ethics, tools, and custom learning pathways. Participants will earn a certificate upon completion. This groundbreaking initiative not only supports professional growth but also equips educators and staff with essential knowledge to navigate the future of teaching and learning in an AI-driven world.

Thanks to a $2.3 million grant from Alberta Education, high school students in the Lakeland region will soon gain early access to careers in education, health care, and the skilled trades through the new Northeast Alberta Collegiate Institute (NACI). This collaborative initiative—led by Northern Lights Public Schools alongside St. Paul Education, Conseil scolaire Centre-Est, Lakeland Catholic, and Portage College—will offer students the chance to earn both high school and post-secondary credits. With flexible online courses and hands-on training in areas like early childhood education, nursing, welding, and heavy equipment, NACI is designed to align student interests with real-world workforce needs, opening new doors for future-ready learning right in their communities.

FNASA, the team from William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute in North York, Ontario, captured first place at the ICTC’s CyberTitan VIII National Competition Finals, held May 7–8, 2025. The high school division runners-up were Username Taken (West Vancouver, BC) in second and Team Poseidon (Edmonton, AB) in third. In the middle‑school division, Firewall Fighters of Fredericton’s Nashwaaksis Middle School claimed the top spot, while DROP TABLE of William Lyon Mackenzie CI earned the “Defender of the Year” title. Over six months, nearly 190 Canadian teams vied for a place in the finale, solving simulated cybersecurity challenges on a fictional city’s critical infrastructure. With support from major sponsors—including the Communications Security Establishment, Mastercard Canada, Field Effect, Cisco, and CyberAlberta—ICTC continues to foster the next generation of cyber defenders through this premier youth competition .

6. York University Student Wins Apple Award For Offline Learning App

Nahom Worku, a fourth-year York University engineering student originally from Ethiopia, won a Distinguished Award in Apple’s 2025 Swift Student Challenge for creating AccessEd, an offline-first learning app that converts handwritten notes into flashcards and offers task reminders through on-device AI—an innovation he showcased at Apple Park and even demoed to Tim Cook.

Rayan, Mouaid, and Mogtaba Alim—three siblings who each earned computer science degrees from the University of Toronto—are using artificial intelligence to tackle real-world challenges in health care, equity, and global development. From machine-learning tools for transplant care and cancer research to ethical AI projects recognized by the UN, the trio has made an impressive impact during their time at U of T. Their work has earned them leadership awards, research fellowships, and roles at top institutions like CAMH, Amazon, and the Vector Institute. Now pursuing graduate studies and launching a startup to improve 911 response with AI, the Alims exemplify how a shared commitment to innovation can create meaningful change.

The University of Alberta has been named Canada’s top university for artificial intelligence and ranked 53rd globally by U.S. News, recognizing its world-class research, innovative AI applications, and strong industry partnerships. From AI-powered tools improving emergency care to accessible tech for people with disabilities, U of A’s work spans health, climate, and mobility. With support from initiatives like Amii and the AI + Health Hub, and recognition of leading researchers such as A.M. Turing Award winner Richard Sutton, the university continues to drive AI breakthroughs that shape society and industry.

9. Airbus and McGill University are driving innovation in aerospace with an agreement for experiential learning and research 

McGill University and Airbus have launched a strategic partnership to advance innovation, research, and training in aerospace, reinforcing Montréal’s global reputation as a hub for the industry. The collaboration focuses on key areas like sustainable aviation, AI, and alternative fuels, offering McGill researchers direct access to Airbus expertise. Students will benefit from internships, applied projects, and hands-on learning, while Airbus gains a pipeline of top talent and cutting-edge research. With a shared commitment to shaping the future of aviation, this alliance bridges academia and industry to drive meaningful impact in Canada and beyond.