Manitoba Leads AI Education Summit to Enhance Student Learning

The Manitoba government is set to host a significant summit on artificial intelligence (AI) in education this Friday. The event aims to address the growing role of AI in the classroom, bringing together school leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across the province.

The summit responds to a promise made in the government’s November 2025 throne speech, which emphasized the importance of collaborating with educators and families to ensure that AI serves as an effective educational tool rather than a substitute for traditional learning methods. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into schoolwork, this dialogue is critical.

Recent statistics indicate a notable rise in AI usage among students. A survey revealed that **73 percent** of Canadian students utilize AI for their school assignments, with **25 percent** engaging with it daily. The trend is mirrored internationally; a study found that **88 percent** of undergraduate students in the United Kingdom now rely on AI for academic purposes, a sharp increase from **52 percent** just one year prior.

The economic landscape also reflects this shift. Currently, **12 percent** of Canadian businesses have adopted AI, a figure that has doubled in the past year. Despite this rapid growth, many educators and the general public struggle to effectively identify AI-generated content. A recent study found that only **36 percent** of Canadians are familiar with AI ethics, and a mere **7 percent** of teachers consider themselves AI “experts.”

This knowledge gap presents a significant challenge as K-12 schools and universities grapple with the implications of widespread AI use. As students increasingly encounter AI-driven content, there is an urgent need to enhance AI literacy—understanding the tools and frameworks necessary for learning in an AI-rich environment.

While discussions about AI raise essential questions about privacy, safety, and intellectual property, dismissing AI entirely has proven ineffective. Many educational institutions that attempted to ban AI quickly recognized that it is essential to engage with the technology rather than ignore its presence.

Manitoba educators are already making strides in this area. The Winnipeg School Division recently launched its AI thinking framework, which encourages collaboration among teachers, students, and families to align AI use with educational objectives. Similarly, the Lakeshore School Division has implemented policies since 2023 to promote responsible AI use within the classroom.

In the past year, numerous educators have sought to redefine assessment methods in light of AI’s capabilities. Institutions such as the University of Winnipeg are actively researching AI and machine learning applications in various fields, including business and healthcare, to explore how these technologies can benefit local communities while ensuring student safety.

Two decades ago, Manitoba Education produced a guiding policy document for classroom assessment that emphasized the importance of ongoing learning processes. This precedent provides a framework for the current challenge—developing assessment strategies that accommodate the realities of AI in education.

The upcoming AI Summit will serve as a platform for addressing these challenges and opportunities. Long-term solutions will require sustained support, resources, research, and access to professional development tailored to Manitoba’s unique needs. By leading in these areas, the Manitoba government has the potential to shape the future of education in an AI-enhanced landscape.

This summit marks a pivotal moment for educators, students, and families in Manitoba, emphasizing a proactive approach to integrating AI into learning experiences while prioritizing robust educational outcomes.