The Root & STEM Podcast

Pinnguaq

Root & STEM explores issues and storytelling with artists, journalists, teachers and communities engaged in STEAM-focused projects. Hear their unique stories, learn about new technologies, and discover how science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are enabling change for communities across Canada.

  1. 2025-03-26

    Building Digital Citizens: Teaching Critical Skills in the Digital Age

    In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Cassidy Swanston and Abbey Ramdeo from Actua discuss their roles in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across Canada. They delve into the importance of digital citizenship and combatting misinformation. Cassidy dispels common misconceptions about digital safety, while Abbey shares insights on building critical digital skills. Both stress the significance of ethical behaviour and critical thinking in navigating the digital world. The conversation extends to discuss strategies for combating cyberbullying and the evolving impact of AI on digital citizenship. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents and educators on fostering safe digital habits. 00:00 Introduction and Team Roles 00:46 Defining Digital Citizenship 01:41 Common Misconceptions About Digital Citizenship 03:53 Teaching Soft Skills in Digital Citizenship 06:12 Spotting Fake News and Misinformation 08:31 AI's Impact on Digital Citizenship 10:51 Combating Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 14:14 Digital Literacy vs. Digital Citizenship 16:00 Advice for Parents on Digital Safety 18:43 Understanding Digital Footprint 20:25 Key Takeaways and Resources

    24 min

  2. 2025-03-19

    Beth Sampson: Innovating Education in Nunavut

    In this episode of Root & STEM, Beth, a classroom teacher from Cambridge Bay, NU, Beth Sampson shares her journey from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to becoming a senior high math and science specialist in a remote Nunavut community. Beth discusses her academic background, the challenges and opportunities of digital citizenship, and her pursuit of a master's degree in Creativity, Sustainability, and Innovation through Cape Breton University. Beth explains her experiences with digital education during the school year 2021-2022, including her involvement in creating resources like the Digitally Nunavut Ed website, and addresses the unique aspects of digital citizenship within the context of Nunavut's evolving technological landscape. She highlights the importance of modeling good digital citizenship and collaborating with Inuit cultural resources to engage students. Beth also offers insights into the special challenges students and teachers face regarding technology access and safety online, emphasizing the importance of cultural and community context in digital education. 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Journey into Digital Citizenship 05:14 Defining Digital Citizenship 10:10 Digital Citizenship in Nunavut 20:32 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Citizenship 37:13 Resources and Recommendations 44:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    48 min

  3. 2025-03-19

    Vivian Lee: Navigating Digital Citizenship

    Vivian Lee, Director of Education and Strategy for the Open Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN), discusses the organization's mission to support underserved LGBTQIA+ communities with digital literacy and safety. Vivian shares insights on what digital literacy entails, its critical components, and why it matters. She elaborates on digital citizenship and its broader implications, including online safety, parental guidance, and the impacts of AI. Discussing misconceptions and ethical concerns, Vivian emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, collective responsibility, and the potential future of AI and digital sovereignty. ODLAN provides valuable resources, training, and reports to bolster community awareness and skills in navigating digital spaces. 00:00 Introduction to Vivian Lee 00:35 Origins and Mission of ODLAN 02:25 Defining Digital Literacy and Citizenship 04:45 Misconceptions About Digital Citizenship 07:07 Online Safety for Children 11:55 Ethical Concerns and Future of AI 21:37 Resources and Final Thoughts

    30 min

  4. 2025-02-28

    Christine M'Lot: Your Voice is Power

    In this episode, Christine M'Lot, a seasoned teacher, curriculum developer, and newly appointed associate publisher of Portage and Main Press, shares her innovative approach to teaching through hip-hop. Christine delves into her personal connection to hip-hop music and how it has influenced her teaching philosophy. She discusses her unique use of hip-hop and rap lyrics as a tool for teaching poetry and describes the challenges and successes she's encountered in the classroom. Christine also introduces the 'Your Voice is Power' program, which integrates hip-hop, coding, and social justice to engage students in computer science. She details how the program is adapted for Indigenous youth and highlights the positive outcomes, including a national competition with significant prizes. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:33 Christine's Personal Journey with Hip Hop 05:17 Integrating Hip Hop into the Classroom 10:22 Your Voice is Power Program 12:49 Adapting the Program for Indigenous Youth 13:43 National Competition and Success Stories 19:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    20 min

  5. 2025-02-28

    Courtney Cameron: Makers Making Change

    In this episode, Courtney Cameron, East Region Coordinator for Makers Making Change, discusses her role and the organization's mission to provide low-cost, open-source assistive technology. Makers Making Change operates under the Neil Squire Society, which focuses on designing and producing affordable assistive technology for people with disabilities. Courtney explains the program's origins, including the inspiring story of Neil Squire and the development of groundbreaking assistive devices. She highlights how the program engages volunteers and students in creating assistive devices like switches, which have a high community demand. The workshops provide valuable STEM education while fostering empathy and problem-solving skills among participants. Courtney also shares the positive feedback received from students, teachers, and clinicians benefiting from these affordable, customizable devices. 00:00 Introduction to Courtney Cameron and Her Role 00:43 Overview of Makers Making Change 02:06 The Story of Neil Squire 04:21 Examples of Assistive Technology 05:54 Courtney's Journey into Assistive Technology 10:35 Workshops and Their Impact 14:49 Student and Community Reactions

    18 min

  6. 2025-02-28

    Jon Corbett: Computing for Indigenous Communities

    In this episode, Jon Corbett, an assistant professor at Simon Fraser University, discusses the importance of integrating Indigenous languages and cultural symbols into computing technologies. He highlights his work in developing a computer science curriculum that incorporates an Indigenous viewpoint and the challenges of alienation faced by Indigenous communities in Westernized technology environments. Jon also shares examples of current software that effectively incorporate Indigenous knowledge and addresses the ethical considerations of integrating technology with Indigenous culture. Additionally, he explores the significance of community-centered technology workshops and the need for collaboration between academic institutions, communities, and developers in creating adaptive computing solutions. Jon concludes with personal anecdotes that have shaped his approach to computer programming. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:27 Integrating Indigenous Languages in Technology 01:36 Challenges and Importance of Indigenous Representation 02:48 Current Software and Indigenous Knowledge 12:31 Ethical Considerations in Technology 14:21 Community-Centered Technology Workshops 25:15 Personal Stories and Philosophies on Programming 28:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    27 min

  7. 2025-02-27

    Maura R. Grossman: Deepfake Technology

    In this episode of the Root & STEM Podcast, host Salma is joined by Maura Grossman, a research professor at the University of Waterloo and an expert in responsible artificial intelligence. They dive into the topic of deepfakes, discussing their differences from other manipulated media, their impact on political processes, and the concept of the liar's dividend. Grossman also explores advancements in detection technologies, regulatory challenges, and the importance of public awareness in combating the spread of deepfakes. The episode concludes with insights on the role of tech companies and the need for comprehensive education to mitigate deepfake threats. 00:00 Introduction to the Root & STEM Podcast 00:26 Meet Maura Grossman: Expert in AI and Law 00:57 Understanding Deepfakes and Their Implications 02:46 Deepfakes vs. Shallow Fakes: Key Differences 04:16 Real-World Examples of Deepfake Impact 05:39 The Liar's Dividend: Exploiting Deepfakes 07:37 Threats to Democracy and Public Trust 08:54 Technological Advancements in Deepfake Detection 11:41 The Role of Governments and Regulations 14:03 Responsibilities of Tech Companies 15:18 Public Awareness and Education 18:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    19 min

  8. 2024-09-04

    Madie Bouvier-Brown: Wave Watching

    In this episode of The Root & STEM Podcast, guest host Sofia Osborne speaks with Madie Bouvier-Brown, marine operations lead at Open Ocean Robotics. Madie begins by sharing how her interest in marine science started. Madie then describes her role at Open Ocean and the purpose and use of USV's (unmanned surface vehicle) in monitoring ocean trends and marine date collection.

    15 min
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Root & STEM explores issues and storytelling with artists, journalists, teachers and communities engaged in STEAM-focused projects. Hear their unique stories, learn about new technologies, and discover how science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are enabling change for communities across Canada.

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