UB2026 | Real-World AI Learning Experiences in K–12 and Post-Secondary (Panel Discussion)
Amii7 July 2026Watch on YouTube
Description
At the Upper Bound 2026 AI conference, senior education strategist Katina Papulkas (Dell Technologies) moderates an inspiring panel on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in Canadian classrooms, showcasing real-world use cases from a three-year national initiative by C-21 Canada. Steve Joordens (University of Toronto at Scarborough) kicks off the discussion with his "death to multiple-choice" campaign, demonstrating how conversational AI can execute highly personalized oral assessments at scale for thousands of students. Clarke Hagan (Louis Riel School Division) addresses teacher burnout and wellness by sharing how his division developed custom AI co-pilots within a secure data governance sandbox to streamline the grueling report card comment writing process. Finally, Tara-Lynn Scheffel (Wilfrid Laurier University) shares insights from co-creating "Pen to Prompt," an AI writing companion built with Merlin AI that acts as a classroom coach to revitalize student writing stamina and critical thinking. Together, the panel explores the delicate balance between innovation and risk management, the necessity of rigorous data strategies, and a shared vision for shifting AI from a simple shortcut to an ecosystem that enhances pedagogy, supports educators, and drives deep, mastery-based student learning. SPEAKERS: Katina Papulkas | Sr. Education Strategist, Dell Technologies Tara-Lynn Scheffel | Associate Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University Clarke Hagan | Director of Information Systems, Louis Riel School Division Steve Joordens | Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Scarborough ORIGINAL SESSION DESCRIPTION: Join education leaders from Canadian K–12 and postsecondary institutions as they share practical insights from their participation in the C21 Dell Technologies AI Use Case Project. This panel brings together diverse perspectives from across the learning continuum to highlight how the education ecosystem is building responsible, scalable foundations for AI adoption. Through real-world examples, the panelists will explore how they are approaching data governance, assessment with AI, and ethical AI implementation in ways that enhance teaching, learning, and institutional operations. Whether you’re beginning to assess your data landscape, experimenting with early AI tools, or designing governance frameworks, this session will provide actionable takeaways and lessons learned from educators who are doing the work. This panel is ideal for leaders interested in AI strategy, data-readiness, and evidence-based innovation. This session will help you envision what thoughtful, sustainable AI integration can look like in your own educational context. SESSION DETAILS: Upper Bound 2026 | Day 3 | Main Stage 2 ABOUT UPPER BOUND: Upper Bound 2026, powered by Amii, was our biggest, boldest event to date! Learn more about Upper Bound and get your pass for 2027: https://www.upperbound.ai/
What you'll learn
- AI enables personalized oral assessments at scale, eliminating multiple-choice testing and supporting deeper learning outcomes.
- Custom AI co-pilots reduce teacher workload on repetitive administrative tasks like report card writing, addressing educator burnout.
- AI writing companions like 'Pen to Prompt' act as classroom coaches to strengthen student writing stamina and critical thinking.
- Secure data governance frameworks and ethical guidelines are fundamental to responsible and sustainable AI adoption in education.
- AI should function as a pedagogical ecosystem that enhances teaching and mastery-based learning, not as a shortcut for processes.