13- AI to Deepen (not to bypass) Students’ Learning (Afternoon 1-3:30) Vanier

Presenter:  Mona Haraty
Time: 1:00 – 3:30  

Grades: K – 12
Max # participants:  50 in-person
Location: G.P. Vanier
(bring a Wi-Fi-connected device) 

What happens when students are guided to construct their own understanding instead of being told the answers?

In this session, participants will engage with JoySchooler’s Socratic AI tutor to explore a science question, experiencing firsthand how discovery-based learning fosters deeper reflection and critical thinking. Afterward, we’ll discuss how this approach compares to learning through a traditional lecture on the same topic.

Participants will reflect on their own experience, consider the potential impact on their students, and explore how to incorporate this approach into their teaching. By the end of the session, educators will walk away with a practical understanding of how AI can create opportunities for curiosity-driven learning and empower students to uncover their own excellence.

Mona Haraty holds a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, a field within computer science focused on understanding human behaviors and designing technologies that support those behaviors. Currently, Mona’s work centers on fostering deeper learning by connecting with students’ interests and curiosities. She firmly believes that, as parents and educators, we should do everything we can to nurture the excellence within each child—helping their natural curiosity and passions shine brightly as they enter school and continue to grow throughout their lives.