In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, hosts Whitney McKinlay and Katrina Gouett sit down with Dr. Adam Pacton to unpack the controversial practice of "prompt injection" or hiding invisible text in assignments to catch students using generative AI. Moving past the initial "ick" factor or ethical intuition that such tactics turn classrooms into policing environments rather than spaces of mutual trust, the conversation explores the concrete legal, technical, and pedagogical failures of these traps. Dr. Pacton explains how hidden instructions act as an accessibility nightmare under regulations like the ADA Title II and Ontario's AODA, because screen readers accidentally surface the invisible text, confusing students who rely on assistive technology. Rather than relying on flawed detection mechanisms, the episode advocates for a systemic paradigm shift toward "process over product," urging institutions to provide teachers with the cover and resources needed to meaningfully redesign assessments and foster relational intelligence. You can read the episode summary here.

Dr. Adam Pacton is an associate teaching professor and Dean's fellow for AI literacy and integration at the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University. Working at the intersection of pedagogy, ethics, and emerging technology, he focuses on institutional AI governance while helping educators move away from fear-based compliance toward thoughtful, human-centered classroom integration. With a PhD in rhetoric and composition, Dr. Pacton brings a deeply grounded perspective to language practices, change management, and student agency in the age of artificial intelligence. Outside of his academic and administrative leadership roles, he rounds out his human perspective as a father, an avid video game player, and a passionate fan of fantasy and sci-fi literature.

Episode Link:

-ASU Guidance on Hidden-Text/Prompt Injection Techniques in Assignments

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Deep Learning Dialogues, explore the "messy middle" of artificial intelligence in education with guest Jessica Rizk, PhD, OCT. Moving past the polarizing narratives of absolute tech adoption versus complete avoidance, the conversation examines how generative AI is actively reshaping the classroom from the ground up. Rizk highlights the urgent need for foundational AI literacy beginning in kindergarten, illustrating through personal anecdotes how young children form implicit relationships with technology long before formal instructions begin. Together, they explore the critical shift from viewing AI merely as a baseline productivity tool to utilizing it as a human springboard for deeper critical thinking, assessment restructuring, and meaningful conversation. The discussion culminates in a powerful look at public policy, evaluating Canada’s current ranking in AI literacy training and addressing the crucial systemic tension between maintaining agile institutional structures and empowering educators with a coherent, standardized, and supportive framework.

Dr. Jessica Rizk is a senior research associate at Signal 49 Research, a pan-Canadian nonprofit applied research organization dedicated to tackling some of Canada’s largest systemic challenges. Deeply rooted in the education sector, she serves as an instructor at both Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo, and previously a former K–8 elementary classroom teacher. Jessica is a prominent voice in educational policy and tech literacy, authoring the impactful January op-ed, "Canada’s AI Strategy is missing kids," which champions the creation of a national, comprehensive AI education strategy. Melding her extensive academic research with her firsthand experience as an educator and a parent, she provides a uniquely well-rounded perspective on what it truly means to build sustainable human agency and foundational skills in an AI-driven world. You can follow and learn more about Jessica on LinkedIn.

Want to know more?

You can check out our: WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, infographics, and Innovation website: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/

Feedback? You can ask your questions or give us feedback on the show here

Want to get in touch? Contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.