Connects Unconference

Time to consult the experts? It’s a little different here. The purpose of the annual Connects Unconference is to bring CIS Ontario educators together, of varying levels of experience and expertise. It's a powerful way for faculty and administrators to accelerate their research and learn from each other. Table facilitators have a critical role, as they work to generate dialogue around four topics of group interest, pre-selected and voted upon by all participants. You could be discussing the integration of design thinking, experiential technologies or digital portfolios. The ultimate goal is to capture new opportunities for student experience. 


2024 Connects Unconference

UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL

Exploring the Impact of AI on K-12 Teaching and Learning and School Operations

CIS Ontario welcomed 160 participants from 33 member schools and three guest schools on Monday, January 29, 2024, at BMO IFL for a full day of professional learning focussed on Generative AI and related topics. In this dynamic and collaborative event, educators, administrators, technologists, and AI enthusiasts came together to delve into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence and its implications for K-12 education.

Traditional conference structures were replaced by organic discussions, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge sharing among participants. Seasoned AI experts and beginners alike explored its potential in education. This unconference offered a unique platform for exchanging ideas, insights, and best practices, ignited thought-provoking conversations and inspired innovative approaches to K-12 teaching, learning, and school management.

Learning was deepened as participants explored and researched our four unconference strands. 

STRAND 1: AI in the Classroom: Enhancing Instructional Practices
Guiding Question: How might we leverage AI in order to enhance instructional practices?

  • Explore the use of AI tools and technologies to support personalized learning experiences and differentiation
  • Discuss strategies for integrating AI into curriculum design and lesson planning
  • Showcase successful case studies and best practices for implementing AI in the classroom

STRAND 2: AI for Student Assessment and Feedback
Guiding Question: How might AI be implemented into the cycle of assessment and feedback meaningfully?

  • Examine the role of AI in formative and summative assessment
  • Discuss AI-powered feedback mechanisms and their impact on student learning
  • Share innovative approaches to leveraging AI for data-driven decision-making in assessment

STRAND 3: Teacher Positionality and Professional Learning in the Age of AI
Guiding questions: What elements of the educator need to be unlearned, repositioned, supported, and amplified in the age of AI? How might this alter school practices and programs?

  • Explore AI-powered tools and resources for professional learning
  • Discuss strategies for upskilling teachers to effectively integrate AI into their pedagogy
  • Share insights on the future of teacher training and professional learning in an AI-driven world

STRAND 4: AI as a Personal Assistant: Educational Administration and School Operations
Guiding question: In what ways might we leverage AI in order to support school administration and operational excellence?

  • Explore how to leverage AI to support school communications
  • Discuss how to use AI responsibly for report card writing and editing
  • Review tools and strategies to support school planning and events

Focus on AI in Education – Connects Unconference 2024


Unconference Impact Reports

Learn more about CIS Ontario's Connects Unconference model by reviewing the Impact Reports from our 2018, 2019 and 2020 events.  The Connects Unconference 2024 Impact Report will be shared with both the CIS Ontario and CAIS communities a few weeks later. 

Impact Report 2024

Coming soon!

Impact Report 2020

Impact Report 2019

Impact Report 2018


You may also be interested in:

🔥 2024 Tech Fest
Dive into the future of technology at TechFest 2024 on February 15, hosted by Upper Canada College. This exciting event addresses the unique needs of technology & data teams, such as staff working within the IT departments, data-centric roles, and technology infrastructure and integration staff and leadership positions of our CIS Ontario member schools. Join us for a series of unconference-style sessions, exploring topics such as "The Tech Tango" and "Data Dialects." Tailor your experience with role-based strands and engage in insightful conversations facilitated by industry experts.


Members, this is the best way to stay up-to-date.

To receive timely information on our professional learning events, student programs and news relevant to our community of educators, educational staff and administrators, please ensure you are listed as a member in our database. All employees of our member schools are automatically entitled to CIS Ontario membership.

You are in our database as a member if you have a login to our member portal and CISO Connect.

If you do not, please fill out this brief membership form

CIS Ontario Connects Unconference

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Co-Leads

Justin Medved, The York School

Garth Nichols, Havergal College

Committee Members

Ryan Archer, Upper Canada College

Lisa Bettencourt, Ashbury College

Myke Healy, Trinity College School

Lara Jensen, The York School 

Joe McRae, Lakefield College School

For additional information, please contact:

Jeremy Barr
Event Manager
jbarr@cisontario.ca
613-449-0226

You may also be interested in TechFest 2024.