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!
At the OCSB, the future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build with intention. At the heart of our evolving approach to technology in education is a passionate team of educators who lead with innovation and integrity.
Among them is Heather Bilder, a K-12 Learning Technologies Consultant whose work is helping shape the OCSB’s bold and compassionate vision for AI in the classroom. For Heather and her colleagues in the Learning Technologies (LT) department, it’s not just about bringing cutting-edge tools to schools—it’s about ensuring those tools reflect our values, enhance learning, and empower every student and educator.
Building an AI Strategy That Works for Everyone
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools began making waves in education in late 2022, Heather and the LT team recognized a clear need for a proactive approach. What emerged was a board-wide commitment to ensuring AI is used ethically, accessibly, and meaningfully—anchored by the OCSB’s Guiding Principles for AI.
“In collaboration with my colleagues in the LT department and other departments, we developed a streamlined method for responding to AI,” says Heather. “This includes contributing to the development of our guiding principles, creating lesson plans, and integrating AI literacy into our digital citizenship curriculum—Samaritans on the Digital Road.”
The team explored, tested, and piloted a range of AI tools, selecting options that support differentiation, accessibility, and student engagement. Today, tools like Google Gemini are helping educators personalize learning, translate content, and support diverse learning needs across classrooms.
AI Literacy with Heart and Intention
Heather’s work goes far beyond tool selection. Through hands-on workshops, one-on-one coaching, and professional development sessions like “Lunch and Learns,” she helps educators understand how AI can support—not replace—their teaching practice.
“AI literacy empowers students to effectively and ethically use AI to solve real-world problems,” she explains. “It’s not just about giving students access to AI tools. It’s about teaching them to think critically, use AI responsibly, and reflect on their digital choices.”
Collaborating with Google: A Case Study in Innovation
The OCSB’s strong partnership with Google for Education played a key role in the adoption of Gemini, an AI tool that integrates seamlessly with the Google Suite. Gemini’s emphasis on privacy, data protection, and security aligns closely with the OCSB’s guiding principles and commitment to safe, equitable digital learning.
Through regular meetings with Google, Heather and her team provide feedback, explore new features, and ensure that the OCSB continues to lead in responsible, educator-driven innovation.
Advancing Equity Through Technology
When used thoughtfully, AI has the potential to level the playing field—and Heather has seen this firsthand.
“AI significantly contributes to equity in education,” she explains. “Educators can quickly adapt resources to support diverse learning needs, translate content, and enhance accessibility with tools like speech-to-text and text-to-speech.”
Whether it’s helping a multilingual learner build confidence through a chatbot conversation or empowering a student to better understand complex concepts, AI is becoming a powerful ally for inclusive education.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Heather is quick to highlight the creativity and dedication of OCSB educators who are already making a difference with AI.
“One Grade 9 class used AI to tackle complex social justice issues. A group of students designed an internet browser extension that improves online readability. Another group of athletes used Gemini to research gender inequality in athletic coaching and built a chatbot to support young female hockey players.”
Supporting Educators, Every Step of the Way
Introducing new technology doesn’t come without challenges. Heather acknowledges the learning curve many educators face—finding time to explore new tools, addressing concerns around student misuse, and ensuring equitable access.
To meet these challenges head-on, the LT team developed a thorough professional development plan that includes:
- Hands-on training and coaching
- An AI tool kit filled with curated resources
- The OCSB AI Certification
- An annual Learning Technologies Summit showcasing best practices
- Updated Academic Integrity Guidelines, supported by a chatbot to help educators respond to AI-related concerns
“We’re deeply committed to empowering our educators,” says Heather. “By the end of the 2024–2025 school year, we’ll have provided AI-focused professional development to every elementary and secondary school in the board.”
Looking Ahead: A Thoughtful Future
Heather’s excitement for the future of AI in education is clear. She sees enormous promise in tools like Google Gemini. “AI has the power to make learning more personalized, accessible, and inclusive. The key is using it with purpose.”
The OCSB’s journey with AI is about more than keeping up with the times—it’s about reimagining what education can be. Thanks to passionate leaders like Heather Bilder and the Learning Technologies team, the board is not just adopting AI—it’s leading the way in using it ethically, creatively, and compassionately.
