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.