Jen Artan and I are hosting a series of conversations intended to provide LINC and ESL teaching professionals a means to consider and potentially contribute their experiences, questions, and thoughts on emerging generative AI technologies in their workspaces.  This undertaking was inspired as we identified gaps of GenAI discussion opportunities for some instructors in our sector. We agree that many organizations have approached GenAI awareness and conversation in a myriad of ways. The GenAI webinar sharing sessions offer instructors and administrators in our sector another opportunity to get together and share. 

These webinar discussions will be hosted on the Tutela.ca network. They are free to Tutela.ca members. 
To register, go to https://tutela.ca/Event_72728 and click on the “Register” button. 

In this six webinar session series, we will explore GenAI through the lens of the Treasury Board of Canada’s FASTER Principles. These were designed to provide an ethical framework when using generative AI tools. Each webinar will explore issues related to a FASTER concept. These are Fair, Accountable, Secure, Transparent, Educated, and Relevant. I posted details of the FASTER principles in a previous blog post, Consider the Government of Canada’s Guide on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence last summer.  

Webinar Sessions 

• In the first session, Fair, we will explore how GenAI can unintentionally reinforce bias, exclusion, or inequity. Participants may consider who benefits, who may be disadvantaged and how GenAI outputs can affect diverse learners. The focus is on making fair, inclusive choices that align with accessibility and equity commitments. Date: Jan 20, 2026, at 6:00 pm EST 

• In the second session, Accountable, the focus will be on our responsibility when GenAI tools are used in teaching, assessment and materials creation. Participants may determine who is accountable for GenAI supported decisions, errors, and outcomes. Date: Feb 03, 2026, at 6:00 pm EST

• In the third session, Secure, we will address privacy, data protection and safe use of GenAI tools in educational settings. Participants consider what information should never be shared and how GenAI use alters learner trust. Discussions may include, how to reduce risk while maintaining ethical and a legal safety net. Date: Feb 17, 2026, at 6:00 pm EST

• In the fourth session, Transparent, we will discuss the concept of GenAI transparency as it affects learners, colleagues, and institutions. Participants discuss when and how to disclose GenAI use in learning activities and materials. The focus is on creating trust, clarity and shared understanding rather than tolerating clandestine environments. Date: Mar 03, 2026, 6:00 pm EST

• In the fifth session, Educated, we will consider informed, critical understanding of GenAI’s strengths and limitations.  A consideration to be explored will be where GenAI supports learning and where it does not. Participants develop AI literacy by examining limitations, hallucinations and common misconceptions. Date: Mar 17, 2026, at 6:00 pm EDT

• In the sixth session, Relevant, educators decide when GenAI use fully adds value to learning. Participants consider how GenAI fits with learning outcomes, task goals, and learners’ readiness. We hope to focus on meaningful and appropriate use, not novelty or convenience. Date: Apr 07, 2026, at 6:00 pm EDT 

Webinar Session Pattern

Each session is scheduled to run a “short” 90 minutes in a BigBlueButton virtual meeting room. 

• Sessions will commence with an introduction to the Faster Principle for the webinar and some background, support, and awareness information.
• The session participants will be separated into two breakout groups facilitated by Jen or myself.
• Each breakout group will discuss two or three issues based on provided prompts. 
• The main points of the discussion will be documented, without attribution to the person or their institution.  Breakout room discussions will not be recorded.  
• At the end of the discussions, the group will return to the main room and each groups’ findings and issues will be highlighted.   

Jen’s Substack will continue to take a critical approach to GenAI and will also reflect on the evening’s workshop, both for participants and other Substack followers.  To view this resource as it develops surf to this address:  https://tinyurl.com/mhj86ak2 . 

Final Thoughts

Our goal for these discussions is to allow us to openly talk about how GenAI is affecting us as educators and potentially identify and share good practices and resources. Jen and I will be facilitators and colleagues at these sessions. We are not experts, but bring practical experience, learned knowledge, and a desire to learn alongside others. 

We anticipate that our plans for this series may require adaptations, and we will adjust session arrangements based on the feedback and requirements of the webinar participants. Instructors and administrators are welcome to attend all the sessions or some of the sessions that may appeal to their interests.  

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Resources

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Guide on the use of generative artificial intelligence. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/digital-government/digital-government-innovations/responsible-use-ai/guide-use-generative-ai.html  

Consider the Government of Canada’s Guide on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. https://blog.teslontario.org/consider-the-government-of-canadas-guide-on-the-use-of-generative-artificial-intelligence 

Jen’s Substack.  https://open.substack.com/pub/jenartan/p/ai-for-the-rest-of-us?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web  

Facilitator’s Profiles

Jen Artan LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-artan-0541b290  

John Allan LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnharoldallan