Introducing Contact North | Contact Nord’s Four FREE, Easy-to-Use AI-Powered Apps for Education and Training |
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Can/Am Report Vol. 19 Issue, No. 3
May 13, 2026
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The Evolution of Teacher Training in the Age of AI
Featuring Geordie Hyland, CEO, @ American Collage of Education,
fellow Canadian, Harvard MBA & Varsity Hockey Player |
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Dear MindShare Community Member,
Having just returned from beautiful North Vancouver inspired and hopeful for the future of education, I’m reminded that some of the most powerful innovations begin with courageous conversations and a shared sense of purpose.
This year’s C21 Canada CEO Academy Summit brought together education leaders from across the country to explore a fundamental question:
What kind of education do our learners need for the future ahead?
What made this Summit especially powerful was that while our focus was AI, the experience remained deeply human, mirroring what schools of the future need to evolve toward. Appropriately, our theme, “The Future of Assessment in an AI World,” sparked rich dialogue, reflection, and bold thinking around the future of learning, leadership, and human flourishing.
Amid the breathtaking natural surroundings (at the SD #44 Cheakamus Outdoor Learning Centre) and meaningful conversations on wellbeing, innovation, and AI-informed learning, one message resonated deeply: technology alone will not define the future of education, people will.
A particularly heartfelt moment during the Summit was honouring my C21 Canada colleague, Karen Yamada, Chief Learning Officer, who announced her retirement after nearly 50 years of extraordinary impact in education. Karen’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to learners and educators alike have inspired countless colleagues across Canada and beyond. Her legacy will continue to shape the future of learning for generations to come.
This month’s CanAm Report captures that momentum & challenges shaping K-12 and post-secondary learning ecosystems, from responsible AI adoption and cybersecurity resilience to student AI literacy, future-ready skills, and reimagined assessment models. Across classrooms, campuses, and boardrooms, we are witnessing education move beyond experimentation toward purposeful transformation, demonstrated by our C21 Dell AI Use Case Project, with Round 3 just wrapping up and soon to be released!
This Month’s Highlights
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C21 Canada’s CEO Academy Summit announces launch of a National AI Education Network
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WRDSB expanded GenAI access for students in Grades 7–12 with a strong emphasis on ethical and responsible use
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The global Canvas cyberattack disruption reinforced the growing importance of digital trust and cybersecurity readiness
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Universities across North America are accelerating AI innovation through new learning platforms, AI agents, and workforce initiatives
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The launch of the C21 Student AI Micro-Credential marks an exciting milestone in empowering students with future-ready competencies, inspired by the KPMG study
- Engage your students in the 18th Canadian Schools of the Future Student AI For Wellbeing Challenge!
As always, thank you for being part of this extraordinary community of educators, innovators, and lifelong learners helping shape a more human-centered, inclusive, and inspiring future for education.
In closing, we should never miss the opportunity to share our stories, celebrate innovation, and stay connected as a learning community. I invite you to join us at ISTE26 as we prepare to host our 35th CanAm Celebration of Excellence Meetup, a special gathering dedicated to honouring the remarkable educators, leaders, and changemakers shaping the future of learning across North America.
I encourage you to explore this month’s stories, share your reflections, and continue leading with curiosity, courage, and optimism.
Stay connect, inspired! And keep the learning curve steep!
Best, R.
Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
Founder & President, MindShare Learning
CEO & Co-Founder, C21 Canada
Chief Digital Publisher,
The MindShare Learning Report™
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P.S. We have a full court press on the planning of our 17th Canadian EdTech & AI Summit October 28-29, UofT. DM me to discuss how we can engage you as a delegate, speaker, or sponsor!
Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
Founder & President, MindShare Learning Media & Consulting
Chief Digital Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report™
Chair, 17th 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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The 18th Schools of the Future AI For Student Wellbeing Challenge OFFICIAL LAUNCH
@ Dell Technologies Education Summit on AI
Supporting Student Mental Health & Well-Being |
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In recognition of Mental Health Month, MindShare Learning is proud to officially launch the 18th Canadian Schools of the Future: AI for Student Wellbeing Challenge at the Dell Technologies Education Summit on AI. This national challenge empowers K-12 students to explore how artificial intelligence can support student mental health, well-being, and future-ready learning through innovative, ethical, and human-centered solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health & Well-being and 4: Quality Education. |
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MindShare Learning is Proud to partner with the University of Toronto Mississauga (MScSM) & the Institute for Management & Innovation for the upcoming 17th Canadian EdTech AI Summit, October 28-29, 2026.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are dedicated to exploring how AI can support student well-being and shape a healthier future of learning.
Save the Date! New Sponsors & Speakers Welcome! Use code Super30 for 30% off!
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Announcingour New DIAMOND Sponsor
NELSON | edwin |
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C21 Canada Convenes National Education Leaders in Vancouver for CEO Academy Summit on “Assessment in an AI World |
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Member Blog Reflection
Still thinking about last week’s C21 Canada Summit in beautiful North Vancouver, on the unceded traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Over two days we asked, “What kind of education for what kind of world – to what end?” and dug into human flourishing, mental wellbeing, AI-informed assessment, and what we should be measuring now to reflect the world our learners are entering, not the one we came from.
One of the most powerful moments for me was our time at the Cheakamus Centre: Walking through the rainforest among towering trees
Learning from the salmon hatchery and releasing salmon fries back into the water; Reflecting on balance in nature as a metaphor for how we design learning, assessment, and accountability that truly support human flourishing in an AI world
Huge thanks to C21 Canada, and our incredible host team – Pius Ryan, Chris Kennedy, Mark Pearmain, and colleagues – for creating space to think deeply, learn together, and reimagine what’s possible for our students, educators, and communities.
Proud to be part of this national conversation and excited to keep exploring how we can harness AI and new metrics to support wellbeing, global competencies, and inclusive futures for all learners.
Congratulations also to Karen Yamada on her retirement... she will be sincerely missed, but hopefully, she will still share her amazing knowledge.
-- Katina Papulkas,
Senior Education Strategist, Dell Technologies - C21 Canada Board of Advisors Member |
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Reimagining Assessment in the Age of AI
Pan Canadian |
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Round 3 Coming Soon!
This week we celebrated the culmination of our third round of C21 Canada and Dell Technologies AI in Education Use Case journey with a powerful showcase of stories from across Canada. Each team shared their final story through ignite talks and engaging presentations, highlighting how they conducted deep inquiry into responsible, meaningful uses of hashtag#AI in education.
The work from all of the groups is truly fantastic — thoughtful, future-focused, and grounded in Canadian values for public education for both K12 and Post Secondary. A huge congratulations to every educator, leader, and partner involved. Your time, effort, and collaboration shine through in these use cases, and we’re excited to see how they will scale across Canada to support innovative, equitable, and human-centred learning.
The full collection of AI use case stories will be posted soon on our website. In the meantime, you can learn more about the initiative below. |
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C21 Canada Launches Student AI Micro-Credential, Supporting Student Well-Being in the Age of AI
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"Done right, AI in health care means shorter wait times. AI in education means every child is met where they are. AI in government means a government that works for you."
-- Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and Leader of the Liberal Party |
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AI Tool of the Week: Brisk Teaching
Brisk Teaching is an AI-powered platform designed to help educators save time, personalize learning, and support students more effectively. From lesson building and feedback to student-facing AI experiences, Brisk is built with the everyday classroom in mind.
Why it matters: With Canadian school systems exploring safe and scalable AI adoption, Brisk stands out as a practical tool for reducing teacher workload while supporting more responsive, student-centred learning. Its work with Ottawa Catholic School Board gives it added Canadian relevance.
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Tech for Teacher Wellness: Strategies for a Healthy Life and Sustainable Career |
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Get practical strategies for using technology to reclaim more personal space and time; connect with colleagues; and make positive changes in your life, in the classroom and on campus.
by Meredith Masar Boullion EdTech Facilitator, Former Educator, ISTE Certified |
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1. Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will enable access to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools
WRDSB | May 4, 2026
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The Waterloo Region District School Board has announced that students in Grades 7 to 12 will now have access to approved generative AI tools, including Gemini Chat and NotebookLM, through their school accounts. The initiative is designed to help students build future-ready digital skills while ensuring AI use remains secure, private, and guided by educators. WRDSB also introduced comprehensive student guidelines covering topics such as ethical AI use, misinformation, privacy, and the impact of AI chatbots, alongside resources for parents and caregivers to support learning at home. School officials emphasize that AI remains an optional educational tool, with teachers deciding when and how it is appropriate to use in the classroom.
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2. Manitoba to ban social media, AI chatbots for youth, premier says
CBC | April 25, 2026
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Canada’s conversation around artificial intelligence is increasingly shifting beyond innovation to questions of safety, mental health, and youth well-being. In a first-of-its-kind move, Manitoba announced plans to ban youth access to social media platforms and AI chatbots, reflecting growing concerns about addiction, misinformation, anxiety, and harmful online influence. The proposal follows similar international efforts in countries like Australia and signals a broader national debate about how governments, educators, and families should respond to the rapid rise of AI-powered technologies in young people’s daily lives. As AI becomes more integrated into society, Canada is now balancing two priorities at once: preparing students for an AI-driven future while also protecting them from its potential risks. |
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3. Amii Partners with Alberta Government to Bring AI Literacy to K-12 Classrooms
Amii News | April 29, 2026
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Canada’s push toward AI literacy is accelerating across K-12 education, with organizations like Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute partnering with the Government of Alberta on a $2.7 million initiative to bring AI learning kits into classrooms province-wide. The program aims to equip teachers with the tools and training needed to help students understand not only how to use AI, but how it works, while emphasizing responsible, ethical, and age-appropriate adoption. Building on a growing national movement around AI readiness, the initiative reflects increasing recognition that AI literacy is becoming as essential as digital literacy for the future workforce. As schools, governments, and industry leaders collaborate more closely, Canada is positioning itself to prepare students for both the opportunities and responsibilities of an AI-driven economy.
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4. These kids are using Minecraft to fix New York City
Polygon | May 7, 2026 |
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Polygon released a new documentary titled Battle of the Boroughs: The Kids Who Build New York City in Minecraft, showcasing how New York City students are using Minecraft Education to reimagine and solve real urban challenges. The documentary follows the 2025 Battle of the Boroughs competition, where public school teams design creative solutions for issues like sustainability, transportation, and food access while developing teamwork, coding, and civic planning skills. Educators involved in the program emphasize how the competition empowers students to think critically about their communities and confidently present their ideas in public. The film highlights how gaming and education can combine to inspire creativity, leadership, and optimism about the next generation’s ability to shape the future. |
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5. CoSN 2026: How K-12 Districts Are Tackling Responsible AI Adoption
EdTech Magazine | April 20, 2026 |
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K–12 schools are moving from fear of AI to actively adopting it with a focus on responsible and ethical use. Districts are creating guidelines that align with existing policies, emphasizing human decision-making, transparency, and student learning. Schools are also using practical systems, like clear rules on when AI can or cannot be used, to guide students and teachers. At the same time, there are concerns about a growing digital divide, so districts are working to ensure equal access to AI tools and teach all students how to use them effectively. |
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6. Canvas system is online after a cyberattack disrupted thousands of schools
AP| May 8, 2026 |
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Tens of thousands of students studying for final exams around the world Friday regained access to a key online learning system after a cyberattack had earlier knocked it offline, throwing schools and universities into turmoil.
Elizabeth Polo was in a creative writing class at the University of Maryland late Thursday afternoon when a classmate shouted, “Canvas got hacked.” A message from a hacking collective flashed on her computer screen.
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7. Rasmussen University Selects D2L Brightspace to Deliver Inclusive AI in Education
PR Newswire| April 20, 2026 |
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D2L announced that Rasmussen University is adopting its Brightspace learning platform to replace Blackboard, expanding the use of AI-powered tools across teaching, course design, and student support. The system includes AI features like personalized study assistance, automated feedback, and analytics to track student progress and improve retention. Rasmussen plans to roll it out across all programs, with a strong focus on healthcare education and more personalized learning experiences. The move reflects a broader shift in higher education toward integrating AI to improve engagement, efficiency, and student success outcomes. |
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8. AI Agents in Education: What’s Working and What’s Missing
Gov Tech | May 1, 2026 |
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Universities are beginning to experiment with AI agents, mainly using them for administrative tasks like advising, scheduling, and processing data more efficiently. These systems can automate complex workflows and save time, but their use in teaching and learning remains uncertain. Experts caution that while AI can support education, it should not replace the “productive struggle” that is essential for student learning. Moving forward, institutions must focus on reliability, ethical risks, and proper training to ensure AI is used effectively and responsibly. |
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9. AI job-takeover fears sending worried Americans back to school: study
NY Post | April 25, 2026 |
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Fears of AI replacing jobs are driving a surge in adults returning to education, with over 52% of people aged 25+ worried about job loss and 64% pursuing further schooling for better pay. The study shows growing interest in fields like healthcare, tech, and skilled trades, seen as more secure in an AI-driven economy. At the same time, an estimated 9 million jobs could be at risk of displacement in the next few years. Despite this shift, experts warn that many schools are still unprepared to adapt quickly to the pace of AI change. |
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10. Wright State University leads $2.5 million federal initiative to bring AI education to rural Ohio
U Wright State | April 23, 2026 |
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Wright State University has received a $2.5 million federal grant to expand AI education across rural Ohio and Kansas, focusing on building AI literacy from high school through college and into the workforce. The four-year project will develop a new AI curriculum, train teachers, and create tools that help students understand both how AI works and how to use it responsibly. It brings together engineering, education, and external university partners to strengthen instruction and evaluate outcomes. The initiative also emphasizes rural access, aiming to close the gap in AI education and prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven job market. |
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Professional Learning Events |
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ECNO Conference
May 29 - June 2 2026
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10th Canadian International Conference on Education, Teaching and Technology 2026
June 4 - 5 2026
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EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
September 29 - October 2, 2026
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ISTE Conference
June 28 - July 1 2026
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17th Canadian EdTech AI Summit
October 28 - 29 2026
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The April 2026 Issue of the edWeb Voice is out now, covering timely topics of Curriculum Implementation, AI, Literacy, PLCs, Student Well-Being, Data Privacy, Career Pathways, and Writing, with video recordings, podcasts, and articles for convenient access.
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Teacher/Parent Resources Corner
Essential Edtech Tools
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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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