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Top10 EdTech Report Issue No. 360
March 24, 2026
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Canada’s #AILiteracyDay is this Friday:
Teachers Take Note! |
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Dear MindShare Community Member,
Happy Tuesday & Happy Spring!
Spring marks an exciting new beginning as we officially kick off Canada’s 18th Schools of the Future – Student AI for Well-being Challenge next Tuesday at the Dell Education Summit. Edleaders, it's not too late to register! This national initiative empowers educators and students to explore how AI can support wellbeing, inclusion, and ethical innovation in learning.
Top Highlight: Teachers Take Note! National AI Literacy Day Webinar
Join us this Friday, March 27 at 1 PM ET for our National AI Literacy Day Webinar, aligned with the pre-launch of the 18th Schools of the Future Challenge. Get a 'Sneak Peek' of the C21 AI Student Microcredential! Special guest presenter, Dr. Steve Joordens, Award Winning UofT Psychology professor.
What you’ll gain:
- Practical strategies to integrate AI for student wellbeing
- Clear guidance on how to participate in the national challenge
- Approaches to foster ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI learning
- Real-world applications to engage students in meaningful AI innovation
🎧 Featured Recorded Webinar Spotlight:
Be sure to watch our powerful session with Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, where he explores:
- The importance of digital media literacy in the age of AI
- How students can develop critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills
- Practical approaches for educators to support safe, responsible AI use in classrooms
This conversation is especially timely as we prepare for this Friday's National AI Literacy Day, reinforcing that AI literacy starts with strong digital literacy foundations
C21 Canada Spotlight
We are proud to highlight C21 Canada’s Dell AI Use Case AIME Project
This initiative is advancing:
- Ethical and inclusive AI integration in teacher education
- New models for preparing educators as AI-ready leaders
- Practical frameworks connecting policy, pedagogy, and innovation
C21 Canada proudly welcomes Rob Long, Partnership Lead, SchoolAI to the C21 Canada Board of Advisors.
Pleased to share fellow Pepperdine University alumni, Dr. Kip Glazer, Principal, Mountain View High School, Silcon Valley, is featured with the Book of the week: Ready to Lead With AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders
Top Highlights This Week
- Canada’s AI Strategy: National momentum toward ethical, inclusive AI adoption
- Digital Literacy Leadership: Schools advancing online safety and responsible AI use
- Mental Health Summit Podcast, Lead the Wellbeing Shift:Final Summit Preview
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Increasing focus on data protection in education
- Post-Secondary Innovation: AI breakthroughs in cybersecurity, housing, and healthcare
- MindShare is proud to announce we are a media partner, CoSN2025, Chicago April 13 - 15 2026
- Balanced Learning: Tech-free classroom models improving engagement and focus
As we move forward, the opportunity is clear:
to lead AI integration with purpose grounded in human connection, wellbeing, and equity.
Thank you for being part of the MindShare community. As always we welcome you to reach and connect with us to share your stories, news, careers and events!
Stay inspired, stay connected, and as always, keep the learning curve steep!
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Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
Founder & President, MindShare Learning Media & Consulting
Chief Digital Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report™
Chair, 16th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit
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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Teachers Take Note! Canada's #AILiteracyDay
this Friday, March 27, 1pm!
Join the 18th Canadian Schools of the Future AI for Student Wellbeing Expert Webinar
WIN Awesome Prizes!
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You are invited to register for an upcoming Zoom webinar!
🎯 Topic:
18th Canada’s Schools of the Future – Student AI for Well-being Challenge
🌐 Special Launch: Celebrating National AI Literacy Day
📅 Date: March 27, 2026 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join educators from across Canada for the official teacher webinar launch of the 18th Canada’s Schools of the Future Student AI for Well-being Challenge. This session will introduce the challenge, participation guidelines, and how teachers can engage students in meaningful AI-powered learning focused on well-being and innovation.
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"
Dear EdTech Companies,
I want to talk to you about something that is at the top of all school leaders' minds: budget shortfall.
As I wrote in my previous post, you have added GenAl to your products. But there is a consequence to that label that I do not think you have fully thought through.
I want to be clear: I do not think most of you are building tools with the intention of leaving schools behind. I think you are moving fast, building for what is technically possible, and assuming the infrastructure will catch up. But in schools, it hasn't.
Al requires more of a lot of things: processing power, memory, energy, and bandwidth. A lot more!"
Dr. Kip Glazer, Doctor of Education, Pepperdine University
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Lead the Wellbeing Shift:
Final Summit Preview
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AIME: Advancing Ethical, Inclusive AI Integration in Teacher Education
Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
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Welcoming Our New C21 Board Advisor |
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Reimagining Teacher Education with AI | Laurier U AIME Project |
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Ready to Lead With AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders |
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Ready to Lead with AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders offers practical guidance for educators wrestling with how best to use AI effectively in our schools. Author Kip Glazer shares her story, key lessons, and specific steps to help school leaders on their journey to developing and refining AI policies and practices. This book serves as the roadmap school leaders need to prepare for the future of AI while keeping student success at the forefront of AI-related work.
Ready to Lead with AI makes the case that effective leadership in an AI-driven world is about working with all school community members to successfully navigate one of the most timely and important shifts facing educators today. Whether you are an educator, a school leader, or a parent, you will gain valuable knowledge about AI and how best to lead the way forward. |
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1. Canada Publishes Report Summarizing Input Received for its Renewed National AI Strategy
Government of Canada | 2026
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Canada’s consultation on its next AI strategy gathered input from over 11,300 participants, highlighting the need to balance innovation with ethics, public trust, and national sovereignty. Respondents emphasized investing in AI talent, strengthening research collaboration, and ensuring Canadian ownership of data and intellectual property. There was strong support for expanding real-world AI adoption in sectors like healthcare and public services, alongside concerns about privacy, job displacement, and overhyped technologies. Overall, Canadians called for transparent governance, improved infrastructure, stronger security, and widespread AI education to ensure responsible and inclusive growth. |
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2. Meet the MacBook Neo, Apple’s colorful answer to the Chromebook, starting at $599
Tech Crunch | March 4, 2026 |
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Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a new budget-friendly laptop starting at $599 aimed primarily at students and everyday users. The device features a 13-inch display, up to 512GB storage, and runs on the A18 Pro chip, enabling solid performance for basic tasks and on-device AI capabilities. Designed as a competitor to Chromebooks, it offers up to 16 hours of battery life, a fan-less silent design, and comes in multiple colors. Overall, the MacBook Neo targets users who want an affordable Apple laptop without needing high-end performance for intensive tasks. |
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3. Surrey Schools explores online safety, privacy and citizenship through Digital Literacy Series
Surrey Schools | March 11, 2026 |
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Surrey Schools launched a Digital Literacy Series to help students in Grades 4–9 understand online safety, privacy, AI, and responsible digital citizenship. The program includes interactive workshops delivered via livestream, covering topics like digital identity, privacy, and media literacy, with more advanced discussions on AI use planned. Thousands of students have already participated, with sessions tailored by grade level and supported by classroom activities and student facilitators. The initiative aims to build critical thinking and help students make intentional, informed decisions about how and when to use digital tools, including AI. |
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4. B.C. school district opens dialogue with parents about AI in the classroom
Agassiz Harrison Observer | March 12, 2026 |
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A school district in British Columbia has begun engaging parents in discussions about how artificial intelligence should be used in classrooms after introducing tools like Microsoft Copilot. The district hosted a community event to explain AI, gather feedback, and explore how it can support learning while emphasizing responsible and ethical use. Educators highlighted that AI can act as a collaborative tool but stressed the growing importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the AI era. Moving forward, the district plans to use parent input to shape guidelines, focusing on transparency, student safety, and balancing technology with human creativity and connection. |
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5. Winnipeg School Division catches ‘breach’ containing student report cards in mass email
CTV | March 19, 2026 |
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The Winnipeg School Division is warning families that a link containing student report cards was sent out in a mass email Tuesday afternoon.
The division said it noticed a “breach” around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday containing a file for all kindergarten, elementary and middle school report cards.
“Our technology department quickly worked with our software provider to disable the link,” a spokesperson said in an email to CTV News. “WSD was successful in containing the breach immediately which significantly minimized the number of families who could open the file.”
The division sent out a letter to families explaining the breach and said they were advised to delete the file.
Moving forward, the division is recommending schools send home paper copies of report cards.
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6. Understanding hidden bias in generative AI systems
BCIT | March 13, 2026 |
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A British Columbia Institute of Technology article explains that generative AI tools can introduce subtle, “hidden” biases by automatically suggesting content and shaping users’ thinking without them realizing it. While obvious errors like false information are easy to spot, these design-driven influences affect attention, decision-making, and how users complete tasks. The article argues that constant AI intervention can shift control away from users, encouraging them to accept suggestions rather than think independently. It concludes that strong AI governance and critical thinking are essential to ensure these tools support learning instead of quietly steering it. |
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7. Hitting rewind: UTM prof runs '90s-themed class, sees rise in engagement
U of T | March 12, 2026 |
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University of Toronto Mississauga professor experimented with a ‘90s-style, tech-free class where students used only pen and paper instead of devices or AI. The result was increased engagement, stronger participation, and improved focus, with students reporting better retention and more meaningful discussions. The professor introduced the approach after noticing reduced interaction and originality in tech-heavy classes. He now plans to continue occasional tech-free sessions and explore their potential benefits for learning through future research. |
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8. The University of Windsor is using 3D printing to help address the housing crisis
CBC | March 10, 2026 |
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Researchers at the University of Windsor are exploring 3D printing as a solution to Canada’s housing crisis by developing a multi-unit residential building to study its real-world performance. Experts say the technology can speed up construction, reduce costs, minimize waste, and address labour and material shortages in the housing sector. However, adoption in Canada has been slow compared to places like Europe and the United States, partly due to building codes that do not yet fully account for 3D-printed homes. While promising, wider use of the technology will depend on further data, testing, and regulatory updates. |
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9. Ontario Tech researcher exploring how AI can help keep connected technologies secure
Ontario Tech| March 9, 2026
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A researcher at Ontario Tech University, Dr. Li Yang, is exploring how artificial intelligence can strengthen cybersecurity for connected systems like smart cities, IoT devices and electric vehicle charging networks. His work focuses on AI models that can detect unusual activity, adapt to new threats and operate efficiently in real-world environments, even on low-power devices. A key application is securing EV charging infrastructure, where multiple connection points create vulnerabilities, with lightweight AI systems being tested to monitor and respond to threats in real time. The research also supports training students in AI and cybersecurity while contributing to safer, more reliable digital infrastructure. |
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10. AI bridging the gap between health-care visits
Oshawa | March 3, 2026
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Waterloo alum develops AI tools that help health-care teams gain clearer visibility into patient well-being and emerging needs
Modern health care supports patients at crisis points: during a visit, around a procedure and after discharge. However, the gaps between care can fuel readmissions, emergencies and preventable decline. Velocity startup Doro is developing clinically guided AI tools to ensure that connection with patients continues long after appointments end, filling the gap health practitioners do not have the capacity to reach. |
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Professional Learning Events |
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2026 Global Education Coalition Annual Meeting & Country Engagement Day
March 23 - 24 2026
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National Day of Learning – Powered by Let’s Talk Science
March 28 2026
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Dell Technologies Education Summit
March 31 2026
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ASU + GSV Summit: Learning at the Speed of Light
April 12 - 15 2026
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CoSN2025, Chicago
April 13 - 15 2026
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Mental Health Summit
April 17 - 18 2026
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ULead: The Summit of Educational Leadership
April 19 - 21 2026
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Toronto Tech Week
May 25 - 29 2026
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ISTE Conference
June 28- July 1 2026
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17th Canadian EdTech AI Summit -- New Sponsors, Speakers Welcome!
October 28 - 29 2026
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Teacher/Parent Resources Corner
Essential Edtech Tools For Back To School
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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 Strategy Playbook 2026.
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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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