What does it mean to be a lifelong learner in the teaching profession? In this episode of Popular Pedagogy, newly appointed Associate Dean of Teacher Education, Holly Ogden, reflects on the power of relationships, curiosity, and growth in teaching and learning. She shares insights from nearly 25 years in education and discusses how these experiences will shape her vision for teacher education at Queen's University. _______________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Holly Ogden (PhD, Queen’s University) is Associate Dean, Teacher Education and an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, Queen’s University. Holly is a teacher, researcher, and musician who has taught in the ConEd, BEd and Professional Master of Education programs. Holly began her career teaching grades one through six with the Limestone District School Board and her classroom experience informs her research interests. She lives in Sydenham with her husband and two children.

This episode explores how integrative thinking helps students navigate tensions instead of choosing between opposing ideas. Nogah Kornberg shares practical tools like the pro-pro chart and a five-stage problem-solving journey that builds creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. The conversation highlights how embracing “creative friction” in classrooms can empower students to generate innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Resources

• I-Think website
• I-Think Challenge Kits
• I-Think Case Studies
• Creating Great Choices by Roger Martin and Jennifer Riel
• Email: connect@i-thinktogether.org

About Nogah Kornberg

As strategist, facilitator and coach, Nogah’s work sits at the intersection of thought leadership and action. She is a trusted partner to leaders and educators navigating complex, system-level challenges. As Co-Executive Director of I-Think, she creates solutions that translate aspirations into lasting impact.

Nogah wrote the first textbook in Integrative Thinking, I-Think Facilitator Notebook. She also led the team designing I-Think’s first board game, I-Think Different: About Social Media, the Well-being Mini Kit and Challenge Kits. With school boards, Nogah has designed School Improvement Frameworks used by every leader in the Board, worked with Indigenous Education Teams to co-create their strategy and identify areas for action, and facilitated the Vision, Mission and Strategy with students for Central Technical School. She is currently working on a podcast with them.

Nogah received her Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. She holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts from Trent University in History and Indigenous Studies.

In this episode of Popular Podagogy, host Chris Carlton sits down with educator Heidi Siwak for a thought-provoking dive into what students really think about artificial intelligence. Drawing on insights from over 5,000 Ontario students from Grades 6-12, the conversation explores everything from AI as a tool for inclusion and creativity to concerns about trust, surveillance, and bias. The big takeaway: students aren’t just passive users of tech. They want guidance, ethical guardrails, and a real say in how AI shapes their learning and future.

Resources

• AI Student Voice Report
• I-Think AI Challenge Kit
• I-Think

Heidi is an award-winning Ontario educator passionate about fostering student voice and agency and equipping students with the skills they need to shape the future of AI. As a Teacher-Coach at I-Think, Heidi has guided over 5000 Ontario students and their teachers through I-Think’s Artificial Intelligence Challenge and leads I-Think’s AI Readiness workshops for educators and parents, helping schools and families navigate the AI era. Heidi’s work as an educator has been featured in articles, books, and podcasts. She is an experienced conference presenter and TEDx speaker. Heidi has an MEd in Education Leadership and Policy with 25+ years of K-8 teaching at the Hamilton-Wentwork District School Board and at the Ontario Ministry of Education. Heidi is an alumna of Mila-Quebec Institute for Artificial Intelligence Summer School on Responsible AI and Human Rights, 2025.