At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, AI is helping both students and teachers unlock new ways to learn and create. Educators like Tara Potter, Erin Doak, and Heather Bilder are using AI to amplify student voices, support diverse learning needs, and boost digital literacy. This blog series will share how Google Gemini is making classrooms more inclusive, engaging, and innovative. Stay tuned to see the real impact it’s having!
When the first popular AI tools launched in late 2022, they shook up education. While many focused on plagiarism and quick fixes, Erin Doak noticed something deeper: a major shift in how students learn and how teachers teach.
“To me, AI wasn’t a tech trend—it was a turning point in education.”
At the time, Erin was the OCSB’s 7–12 English, Literacy, and Contemporary Studies Consultant. She partnered with the Math and Learning Technologies teams to launch Navigating Assessment and Evaluation in an AI Era—a learning series that helped educators across Ontario explore how AI was reshaping classrooms. While completing her Master’s in Education and Principal’s Qualification, she focused her research on Leading Secondary Schools in an AI Era.
“Understanding AI on paper is one thing. Using it meaningfully with real students is something else entirely.”
That’s exactly what she set out to do when she returned to the classroom in Fall 2024.
From Theory to Practice
Now teaching geography and religion at Sacred Heart High School, Erin is committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice. She blends traditional teaching strategies with AI tools like Google Gemini. Her goal is to help students think more deeply, express themselves more clearly, and engage fully, while building essential skills for a rapidly changing world.
“In a time of rapid technological change, the most powerful tool we still have in education is each other. That’s why I’ve leaned into collaboration—earning my OCSB AI Certification, and working alongside colleagues through Sacred Heart’s Critical Thinking & AI Committee.”
Reframing AI in the Classroom
When students first encounter tools like Gemini, Erin says many view them as shortcut machines—quick and convenient, especially when a deadline looms. But that’s where her teaching steps in.
She introduces students to a framework shared by the Board that redefines AI as a Thought Partner, Enhancer, and Innovator. With this, students move from seeking quick answers to asking better questions, testing ideas, and creating new ones.
“We use AI to help us think, not to think for us,” Erin explains.
She also engages her students in creating classroom AI contracts—clear, student-driven guidelines that build digital citizenship, ethical awareness, and shared accountability. “They’re not just following rules; they’re shaping classroom culture.”
Real-World Impact
One of Erin’s most memorable projects is the ISTE AI Challenge, where students tackled real-world issues using AI and design thinking. She ensured that every student had an accessible and meaningful way to participate.
The outcome? A wave of creativity, collaboration, and engagement that extended well beyond the classroom. One parent even wrote:
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen my child this excited about a project before… It’s been wonderful to see him so engaged, especially watching him take the lead and pour himself into it.”
For Erin, it was a clear sign that AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a catalyst for deeper learning and student empowerment.
Boosting Confidence and Digital Literacy
In another classroom activity, Erin helps students craft their own professional elevator pitches using Gemini. After reflecting on their goals and strengths, students generate personalized intros they can use for job interviews or networking.
“They’re not just copying what Gemini gives them—they’re using it to build on what they already know about themselves. It’s a great confidence booster.”
To make learning more accessible, she also uses AI to transform content into formats like podcasts, and surveys students regularly to get feedback on their experience. One response stood out: “AI helped me answer questions I was too embarrassed to ask the teacher.”
“That was a turning point for me,” Erin says. “That kind of anonymity and low-pressure interaction can be transformational—especially for students who might otherwise stay silent.”
Challenges and Growth
Of course, bringing AI into the classroom hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Erin admits that not every tool works perfectly, and it’s normal for both students and teachers to feel unsure at first.
“There’s definitely a learning curve,” she says. “But when AI is used alongside traditional teaching, it can actually strengthen the basics—like building strong relationships, encouraging critical thinking, and giving students a voice.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next? Erin sees huge potential—not just in new tools like Google Gemini but also in how we use them.
“I’d love to see more AI support on the operational side—things like attendance tracking or real-time translation in multilingual classrooms. Imagine the time we’d free up for connection and creativity!”
But at the heart of her vision is one consistent thread: using AI with purpose.
“As long as our starting point is learning, I think Google Gemini [and other forms of AI] can continue to improve student outcomes, strengthen teacher practice, and help make school a more engaging, inclusive place for all.”
