This episode of Deep Learning Dialogues explores how AI can empower young changemakers to address global sustainability challenges through the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework. Dr. Henrik von Wehrden and Jorge Gustavo Rodrigues Aboytes from Leuphana University share research showing that AI applications favour technical SDGs over social justice goals, creating important gaps in how technology addresses global challenges. The conversation emphasises K-12 students' natural capacity for systems thinking and advocates for using the SDGs as an interdisciplinary learning framework whilst positioning AI as both a powerful educational tool and an object of critical analysis. Key themes include teaching students to critically evaluate AI outputs and consider ethical implications—principles that align with WCDSB's emphasis on transparency, accountability, and human-centred approaches to AI in education.

Episode Links:

-Article "Artificial intelligence in sustainable development research"

-Sustainability Methods Website

-Leuphana Sustainable University

Henrik von Wehrden is the dean of the faculty of sustainability at Leuphana and member of the methods center. His work focuses on applying methods in a new context to create novel knowledge. His research spans across many spatial scales and groups of organisms, as well as explored the normative dimensions of methodological research.

Jorge Gustavo Rodrigues Aboytes holds an interdisciplinary background with degrees in chemical engineering, environmental sciences, and a PhD in Sustainability Science. After working as a consultant in the Mexican textile-fashion sector and enhancing his technical skills through WBS Coding School, he now serves as a Research Associate at the Center of Methods at Leuphana University of Lüneburg. His current focus is on analyzing data to provide solutions regarding sustainability impacts of supply chains, transitions toward sustainable models, and life-cycle assessment of products and services.

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

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Join us for season 3! We have an incredible lineup of guests to look forward to. Be sure to subscribe or follow Deep Learning Dialogues in your favourite podcast player.

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.

Join Whitney and Katrina as they reflect on an incredible Season 2 of Deep Learning Dialogues! After 50 episodes exploring the intersection of AI and education, our hosts turn the tables and interview each other about their biggest takeaways, favourite moments, and the insights that continue to shape their thinking.

From Dr. Jean Clinton's reminder that "love builds brains" to Emmanuel Duplàa's challenge to embrace chaos in the classroom, discover which conversations changed their perspectives on everything from post-plagiarism pedagogy to AI consciousness. Whitney and Katrina also share how ideas from guests like Michael Fullan, Keri Ewart, and Chris Bronke are showing up in real classrooms across their school board.

As they prepare for a summer break (and Season 3!), this episode offers the perfect opportunity to revisit past conversations and dive deeper into the human-centered approach to AI in education that has defined their podcast journey.

Perfect for both long-time listeners and newcomers looking to explore the archives over the summer months.

You can contact Katrina & Whitney by email at: katrina.gouett@wcdsb.ca and whitney.mckinley@wcdsb.ca or on LinkedIn

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

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