Learning with AI - Opportunities and Ethical Challenges in Education

Dr. Amanda Cooper

Dean and Professor, Frazer Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University

Dr. Amanda Cooper champions a human-centred approach to integrating AI into learning environments, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with values of equity, integrity and social responsibility. She explores how to prepare students with the AI skills they need to succeed in evolving labour markets by developing training, curriculum and resources to support responsible use of AI as a teaching tool at every stage of education.

Her conference presentations examine the fast-changing role of AI in education, addressing the opportunities and challenges it introduces across all levels of learning. She highlights:

• The need for AI literacy among educators and students.
• The importance of safeguarding academic integrity.
• The potential of generative AI to enhance learning.
• The lack of AI-specific policy guidelines in Ontario school districts.
• The need to move beyond isolated efforts in individual classrooms or schools to a co-ordinated, strategic approach that prepares the entire education system to engage with AI in a thoughtful, ethical and effective way.

Jennifer Flanagan

Co-founder and CEO, Actua

Jennifer Flanagan is a visionary leader dedicated to preparing Canada's youth for the demands of the future workforce through impactful STEM engagement. Recognizing the importance of equipping young Canadians with critical future skills such as AI-readiness, Jennifer has been instrumental in Actua's growth, enabling the organization to annually engage 500,000 youth in transformative STEM experiences. Actua's impact is amplified through programs that train educators and engage parents and caregivers, fostering a supportive ecosystem for STEM learning. Under her leadership, Actua's network of over 40 university and college members across Canada prioritizes ensuring equitable access to these vital skills for all youth, particularly those often underrepresented in STEM, including Indigenous youth, girls, Black youth, and those in underserved communities. Jennifer is a respected advocate for STEM education and future skills development, sharing her insights through various national platforms and media, and contributing to boards like the University of New Brunswick. Her impactful contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame, the RBC Women Entrepreneur of the Year, Top Forty Under 40 by the City of Ottawa, Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot, Top 25 Women of Influence award, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Concordia University.

Dr. Qusay Mahmoud

Assistant Dean, Engineering Outreach and Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University

Qusay H. Mahmoud, Ph.D., P.Eng. (Dr. Q) is a Professor of Software Engineering and Assistant Dean for Engineering Outreach. His work focuses on intelligent software systems, AI integration and preparing engineers for an AI-driven world, including how AI is reshaping software development, research workflows and learning.

Dr. Mahmoud co-led the Thriving in the Age of Artificial Intelligence project, a free online course for high school students and educators that provides an introduction to AI, covering its foundational concepts, generative AI applications, societal impacts and how to succeed in the age of AI. He also contributes to public understanding of AI and its impact through his blog, DrQwrites.com, where he shares insights into how AI is transforming engineering, education and the way we build and interact with technology.

Sheri Williams

Managing Director, Accenture Industry X, Canada

Sheri Williams is a Managing Director at Accenture and a senior Industry X and Supply Chain executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale transformation across manufacturing, engineering and operations. Her career spans the full lifecycle of industrial innovation—from hands-on engineering and manufacturing system delivery to executive leadership roles shaping global digital and AI-driven strategies for complex, asset-intensive industries.

At Accenture, Sheri leads digital engineering, smart manufacturing and supply chain initiatives for clients across consumer goods, energy and nuclear sectors. She has been at the forefront of deploying advanced analytics and agentic AI into real-world manufacturing environments, helping organizations modernize operations, improve resilience and prepare their workforce for rapidly evolving technologies. Previously, she held executive roles at Callisto Integration, where she led global delivery, P&L and capability development for manufacturing technology programs worldwide.

A Professional Engineer with a degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Sheri brings a practitioner’s perspective to the intersection of AI, industry and education. She is particularly focused on how education systems must evolve— from engineering curricula to skilled trades and lifelong learning, to ensure the next generation is equipped for AI-enabled manufacturing, digital engineering and sustainable industrial growth. Sheri is a frequent speaker and moderator on the future of manufacturing, digital transformation and workforce readiness, and is deeply committed to mentoring emerging leaders and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Brian Gallant

CEO, Space Canada

Brian Gallant is the CEO of Space Canada and was the thirty third Premier of New Brunswick. Brian is a Special Advisor to the President of Ontario Tech University. He also frequently provides business and political analysis as a media commentator for CTV and Radio Canada. Prior to elected office, Brian practiced corporate commercial law. He has university degrees in business and law from the Université de Moncton as well as a Master of Laws from McGill University.

Brian is supportive of many causes and initiatives including the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Foundation.