In our latest episode of Digiexam Dialogues: Voices of Innovation, we dive into the role of thoughtful tech integration with Fiona Nanson, Educational Technology Integration Coordinator at Lower Canada College (LCC) in Montreal.. With her background in neuroscience and special education, Fiona brings a nuanced understanding of technology’s role in enhancing—not overwhelming—the learning experience. This conversation illuminates how strategic, student-centered tech integration can serve as a bridge for inclusivity, accessibility, and authentic learning in schools.
Unleashing Potential Through Universal Design
For Fiona, the best educational tools don’t just add convenience; they unlock student potential across varied learning needs. At LCC, all students, regardless of learning profiles, are equipped with powerful tools such as Google Read&Write. By ensuring universal access to assistive technologies, the school aims to destigmatize their use, empowering students who need these resources to embrace them confidently. This universal design approach has become a guiding philosophy at LCC, providing a supportive learning environment while keeping the focus on skill development and growth.
Nurturing Soft Skills in the FabLab
Lower Canada College’s FabLab—a creative hub stocked with 3D printers, laser cutters, and robotics equipment—offers students a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Fiona describes the FabLab as more than a place to play with cutting-edge tools; it’s a space where students can safely encounter failure, develop resilience, and strengthen soft skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through projects like designing sustainable animal enclosures or creating wearable tech, students learn to apply classroom lessons in imaginative, real-world ways. For Fiona, fostering these essential skills is just as important as mastering core academic content.
Thoughtfully Integrating AI
With the rise of AI, Fiona’s perspective stands out. She encourages teachers to approach AI as a resource rather than a threat, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning when used with purpose. At LCC, students are encouraged to leverage AI as a creative aid, from generating story characters in French class to interviewing Shakespeare through AI to better understand historical contexts. Rather than simply teaching students to avoid AI, LCC helps them navigate it responsibly—guiding them in fact-checking and using AI ethically to enhance their ideas.
Rethinking Assessment for an AI-Empowered Future
One of the biggest challenges Fiona addresses is the need to rethink traditional assessment. In a world where AI can assist with tasks like essay writing, Fiona advocates for more real-world, critical-thinking-based assessments that allow students to demonstrate learning in diverse ways. This shift means moving beyond conventional writing tasks and embracing multi-modal projects that showcase creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving. For Fiona, preparing students for a future where AI is ubiquitous means equipping them with skills that technology cannot replicate—judgment, ingenuity, and the ability to think critically.
A Culture of Collaboration
At LCC, tech integration is anything but a solo journey. Fiona is supported by a vibrant team of early adopters and a collaborative network of other private schools across Canada. Through this culture of sharing, LCC has embraced new ways to leverage technology, balancing innovation with best teaching practices to create a supportive, engaging environment for students and teachers alike.
A Day Without Tech
Looking to the future, Fiona’s team plans to hold a tech-free day to emphasize the importance of balance in the digital age. For both students and staff, this day aims to foster deeper connections and give everyone a chance to unplug, reflect, and re-engage with learning from a new perspective.
In a time when technology is more available than ever, Fiona Nanson’s insights remind us that thoughtful integration—grounded in student growth and inclusivity—can enhance education without overwhelming it. This episode is a call to use technology with purpose, always with an eye on what best serves student learning and development.
Listen to the full conversation to explore more on fostering a purpose-driven, balanced approach to educational technology.