CIEC 2025

This workshop is designed to understand the impact of experiences and relationships in shaping early brain development through a game experience optimized for groups of 4-6 people per table.
Participants will play a tabletop game using Life Experience Cards and Building Blocks (straws, pipe cleaners, dice and weights), making choices that impact the growth of neural connections on brain architecture. They will understand how life experiences and social supports shape the developing brain in their early years.
Participants will be encouraged to facilitate discussions, share their insights, and reflect on the implications of brain science for early childhood education and parenting.

This workshop is ideal for all educators, early years teachers, parents or anyone interested in child development and learning.
Participants will gain insights into the impact of connections on early brain development.
Participants will recognize the significance of early experiences on cognitive development, and understand how to support healthy brain growth.
The workshop nurtures teamwork and critical thinking skills among participants.

This workshop is designed to introduce AI technologies and provide participants with actionable strategies to implement these tools in ways that enhance educational outcomes.

Session Goals:

• Participants will gain the skills to identify and integrate at least three specific AI tools into their teaching practices to improve student engagement and educational outcomes. 
• Participants will be able to design and implement a mini-project-based learning activity using AI during the workshop. This project will serve as a model that can be directly applied in their classrooms to promote student-centred learning.
• Participants will learn about and develop a strategic plan for mentoring students in the effective use of AI. This plan will focus on developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the practical application of AI technologies.

Session Outcomes:

• Participants will learn about and apply specific AI tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, demonstrating their practical use in educational settings.
• Participants will understand how to design mini-projects using AI, integrating project-based learning principles to create differentiated and inclusive learning experiences.
• Participants will develop mentoring strategies to guide students in the ethical use of AI for critical thinking and problem-solving, and engage in collaborative discussions to share insights on AI integration in education.