Riding The Wave

Education Technology Conference

MERLIN will be facilitating three sessions:

DIY SIEM & SOAR with M365: Michael Hart, IT Services Manager, MERLIN

• Utilize your M365 environment to manage your security and event information as well as automate responses to incidents.

Behind The Scenes of Educational Technology in Manitoba: An Introduction to MERLIN: Kirsten Thompson, Project Manager, MERLIN

• Many educators and school staff interact with digital tools every day, often without realizing the provincial systems and services working behind the scenes to support them. This session offers a clear, approachable introduction to MERLIN (Manitoba Education, Research and Learning Information Networks) and the role it plays in supporting education across the province.
• Designed for non-technical and technical audiences alike, this session will demystify what MERLIN does, who we support, and how our services help create secure, reliable, and equitable learning environments. Participants will gain an overview of MERLIN’s key areas of work, including digital infrastructure, shared services, professional learning, and system-level collaboration.
• Whether you are a classroom educator, administrator, support staff member, or education leader, this session will help you better understand how MERLIN fits into Manitoba’s education landscape; and how to engage with us as a partner in supporting teaching, learning, and operations.

From Curiosity to Confidence: Microsoft Copilot Teach and Responsible AI in Education: Kirsten Thompson, Project Manager, MERLIN

• As AI tools become more accessible, education systems need solutions that balance innovation with trust. This session examines Microsoft Copilot Teach as an in-domain, compliant AI tool built to support educators without compromising student data or institutional policies. Attendees will learn how Copilot fits within existing Microsoft education ecosystems, supports responsible AI use, and empowers teachers with meaningful time-saving and instructional support. The session is designed for both classroom educators and educational leaders navigating AI governance and adoption.