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.

Commitment to a Collective Output of the Learning

Our Unconference differentiates itself through the commitment to a collective output of the learning to the CIS Ontario community through a post-conference infographic and the sharing of session slides. Learn more about CIS Ontario's Connects Unconference model by reviewing the Impact Reports from past events. See below for all unconference resources by year.

The ultimate goal is to capture new opportunities for student experience.

Session Slides, Resources & Impact Reports by Year

Connects Unconference 2025
Rethink. Measure. Connect.
This year’s theme tied together the exploration of evolving assessment practices, fostering belonging, tailoring communication across generations, and leveraging data to create meaningful and personalized learning experiences. It emphasized the balance between human connection and technological innovation, urging schools to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
1. The Evolution of Assessment & Academic Integrity in a Gen-AI World
2. The Metrics of Belonging and Inclusion
3. Communicating with Purpose: Message Received
4. Measuring What Matters: Using Metrics to Elevate Learning and Define Success
Connects Unconference 2024
Exploring the Impact of AI on K-12 Teaching and Learning and School Operations
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.
1. AI in the Classroom
2. AI for Student Assessment & Feedback
3. The Positionality of the Educator in the Era of AI
4. AI and School Operations
Connects Unconference 2019
A powerful day for faculty to accelerate research and learn from others in four compelling strands, selected by CIS Ontario curriculum leaders
1. Building and Measuring Learning Skills and Executive Functions
2. Capturing and Assessing Observation and Conversation
3. Fostering and Integrating STEAM & Design Thinking with students and faculty
4. Enriching & Augmenting learning through experiential technologies (AR, VR, XR)
Connects Unconference 2018
A dynamic day of learning and sharing as the expertise of CIS Ontario educators was leveraged in four compelling areas of pedagogical inquiry that will shape our schools today and in the future.
1. STEAM/Makerspace Teaching and Learning Opportunities
2. Sharing Student Learning: Digital Portfolios
3. Classroom Spaces of the Future
4. Inquiry Models

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