AI Literacy Days
Mar 31, 2026 to Apr 1, 2026 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why attend?
Building on the success of last year’s Generative AI Symposium, AI Literacy Days 2026 moves beyond discussion to place greater emphasis on practical applications. The event supports educators and academic leaders as they explore how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into teaching, learning, and institutional practices.
Through keynote talks, interactive workshops, and campus showcases, participants will discover emerging perspectives, practical approaches, and initiatives transforming AI use in higher education.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your skills and discover the growing AI ecosystem at the University of Ottawa.
- Leading Expertise: Engage with Microsoft specialists on the evolving role of AI in higher education.
- Hands-on Learning: Participate in in-depth interactive workshops (offered in both English and French).
- Local Networking: Explore the tools, projects, and support services available right here on campus.
Whether you are beginning to explore AI or looking to deepen your understanding, the event offers a space to learn, exchange ideas, and discover how AI can support teaching and institutional innovation.
Workshop program
AI Literacy Days 2026 features interactive workshops and campus showcases designed to explore practical applications of AI in higher education.
March 31 — 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Microsoft Learn for Educators – Generative AI for Teaching Bootcamp
- Target Audience: Instructors looking to build confidence and capacity in AI instruction.
This hands-on experience focuses on Copilot, AI-enhanced teaching workflows, and preparing students with future-ready skills. Participants will explore how AI and Microsoft tools can enhance learning outcomes and streamline faculty workloads.
What to expect:
Practical knowledge of Prompt Engineering and Copilot Creations
Hands-on experience with upcoming AI features for teaching
Strategies to make learning more interactive and efficient
Agenda - Day 1
8:15 A.M. - Registration & Coffee 9:00 A.M. - Opening remarks 9:15 A.M. - Microsoft Workshop : Generative AI for Teaching Bootcamp 10:30 A.M. - Coffee Break · Booths open for visit 10:45 A.M. - Microsoft Workshop (Continuation) 12:00 P.M. - Lunch · Booths open : Campus AI Showcases — IT · PDI · TLSS · Library 1:00 P.M. - Microsoft Workshop (Continuation) 2:30 P.M. - Break · Booths open for visit 14:45 P.M. - Microsoft Workshop (Continuation) 4:30 P.M. - End of day 1 |
April 1 — 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Microsoft Copilot Prompt-a-thon
- Target Audience: Administrators, Deans, Provosts, Students, and Educational Leadership Teams.
An immersive session addressing responsible AI use, practical prompting strategies, and leadership considerations for scaling adoption in academic settings. Participants will gain confidence to implement AI technologies across the University.
What to expect:
Deep dive into global AI trends in higher education
Responsible AI practices and considerations
Hands-on challenges exploring the “Art of Prompting”
Agenda - Day 2
8:15 A.M. - Coffee & Networking 8:45 A.M. - Microsoft Prompt-a-thon: Responsible AI use · Art of Prompting· Academic Leadership 10:15 A.M. - Coffee Break · Booths open for visit 10:30 A.M. - Microsoft Prompt-a-thon (Continuation) 12:00 A.M. - Lunch · Booths open: Campus AI Showcases — IT · PDI · TLSS · Library 1:00 P.M. - Microsoft Prompt-a-thon (Continuation) 15:00 P.M. - Break 15:15 P.M. - From Compliance to Culture: Designing Accessible Learning for Everyone: Focused on accessibility and inclusive AI use 4:15 P.M. - Closing Remarks 4:30 P.M. - End of AI Literacy Days 2026 |
Discover innovation on campus
Throughout the event, visit mini-booths and attend lightning presentations highlighting AI initiatives and support services developed across uOttawa:
Information Technology (IT)
Professional Development Institute (PDI)
Teaching and Learning Support Services (TLSS)
The Library
Who should attend
This event is designed for the University of Ottawa academic community, including:
Faculty and instructors
Academic leaders and administrators
Students and educational innovators
Registration information
- Participants may register for one or both days. You will select your preferred day(s) on the registration form.
- The same sessions are offered in French.
- Seats are limited — register early! The registration deadline is Sunday, March 29, 2026 - 11 p.m.
- Delivery mode is hybrid: Attend in person at Innova space (CRX) or online via Microsoft Teams.
Lunch is not provided, but hot drinks, and snacks will be available throughout the event.
Brought to you by Information Technology, Professional Development Institute (PDI), Teaching and Learning Support Service (TLSS) and Library.
Alexandrea Arnold
Climate Scientist, Educator, and Trainer - Black Dog Black Cat
Alexandrea Arnold is a climate scientist, educator, and trainer for Black Dog Black Cat. At Black Dog Black Cat, Alexandrea equips educators to integrate generative AI into their teaching, empowering them to prepare students for an AI-driven job market.
Alexandrea is passionate about making complex scientific and technological concepts accessible to all, drawing on more than a decade of experience in paleoclimate research, university teaching, and science communication to help educators translate cutting-edge ideas into meaningful classroom learning.
In her free time, Alexandrea enjoys hiking, exploring the landscapes that inspire her research, and trying new recipes.
Basile Mbasha
Trainer - Microsoft
Basile Mbasha is a cloud security advisor, web application security researcher, and Microsoft Certified Trainer who specializes in Azure, AI, Cybersecurity, and DevOps technologies.
He brings extensive hands-on experience as both an instructor and an everyday practitioner, helping learners not only understand Microsoft technologies but also apply them effectively in their own classrooms and organizations.
Joe Brazier Director
Industry Advisor Microsoft Education
Joe is an Industry Advisor at Microsoft, specializing in Higher Education across the Americas. He collaborates with institutions, account teams, and Microsoft Partners to identify impactful use cases for AI and inclusive technologies, shaping solutions that deliver measurable benefits for students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Additionally, Joe is dedicated to enhancing accessibility in higher education and promoting the role of inclusive design in advancing student success and institutional innovation.