Connects Unconference 2025
Connects Unconference 2025
A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the CIS Ontario Connects Unconference 2025 on February 3, 2025.
We truly appreciate you joining us to Rethink, Measure, and Connect. A special thank you to Manny Kandola, CTO Ontario Tech University and CAIO, AiB Ventures for his insightful opening keynote and to Myke Healy from Trinity College School for his engaging closing keynote. We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated session facilitators and our co-organizers, Garth Nichols, Havergal College and Justin Medved, The York School for their hard work in making this event so valuable.
Theme: 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.
Keynote Speakers
Opening Keynote
Manny Kandola
CTO, Ontario Tech University & Chief AI Officer, AiB Ventures
Manny Kandola is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer with over 24 years of experience, known for driving business growth through transformative leadership and strategic technology investments. Currently, Manny heads Technology at Ontario Tech University, leading its AI strategy to enhance education and research, and at AiB Ventures Inc., he drives AI strategy, identifies high-potential investments, advises portfolio companies on scaling AI products, and fosters IP protection. Manny also consults as a fractional CTO, accelerating organizations' AI aspirations and growth.
Closing Keynote
Myke Healy
Assistant Head-Teaching & Learning, Trinity College School
Myke Healy is the Assistant Head of Senior School – Teaching & Learning at Trinity College School (TCS) in Port Hope, Ontario. He is an incoming doctoral student at the University of Calgary and holds both a Master of Education and a Concurrent Education degree from Queen’s University. Since joining the TCS faculty in 2004, Myke has held several academic leadership roles. In his current position, he oversees faculty professional development, hires and supervises new teachers, facilitates Ministry inspections, manages academic budgets, and leads the School’s online program. He also oversees the summer academy and teaches within the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma program.
Connects Unconference Strands
In 2025 we reviewed the four strands below and explored these areas for learning using the unconference model. Participants had an opportunity to participate in two of the four strands.
Graphics created with AI art generator – Midjourney Bot, Discord
STRAND 1
The Evolution of Assessment & Academic Integrity in a Gen-AI World
Guiding Question: In the age of AI, how might we rethink assessment and academic integrity to value creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful collaboration in an age where AI automates traditional academic tasks?
STRAND 2
The Metrics of Belonging and Inclusion
Guiding Question: How might we effectively measure, assess and report on belonging, inclusion, and connection within our school communities?
STRAND 3
Communicating with Purpose: Message Received
Guiding Question: How might schools adapt communication and admissions strategies to align with evolving parenting trends and bridge generational divides, ensuring they resonate with today’s families and students?
STRAND 4
Measuring What Matters: Using Metrics to Elevate Learning and Define Success
Guiding Question: How might the metrics we track reshape educational experiences, inform smarter instructional strategies, and redefine success in the classroom?
