Cooperator & Friends Workshop
The Rise of AI in Education:
The Ghostwriter In Your Pocket
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 | 9:00am to 1:00pm
Presenters: Joe Alvaro and Peter Stocker (two parts)
What happens when the best writer in the room is already in your pocket? AI can write your essays, polish your arguments, and even invent a few facts along the way, all without breaking a sweat. But knowing when to trust it, when to question it, and when to think for yourself is important. When the ghostwriter does the writing, who’s doing the thinking?
The presentation will be delivered in two parts. Joe Alvaro will speak on AI and post-secondary education; Peter Stocker will speak on AI and the education of the young. Both will focus on the great potential of these tools, and the pitfalls, when using AI without losing your soul, becoming dumber, or compromising ethics.
Joe Alvaro graduated from Vancouver College in 1969 before setting off on a lifetime of teaching and travelling around the world. He earned his PhD in English in Hong Kong and went on to lecture at leading universities in China, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, most recently serving as an Associate Professor in Vancouver. His academic interests include language, writing, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on education.
Peter Stocker has taught students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 throughout his career, specializing over the past six years as a technology and STEM teacher. He has always had a strong interest in using technology in learning settings.
These workshops aim to deepen our understanding of Catholic doctrine. Unlike a retreat or recollection, which are intended to be more silent and reflective, a workshop offers an opportunity to engage with other men who are also striving to live their faith well in everyday life. The goal is to build intellectual confidence in understanding and defending the faith, with sessions designed to provide instruction in theology and philosophy applicable to ordinary life.
| Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 9:00am | Confession Available |
| 9:30am | Mass |
| 10:30am | Part 1: Joe Alvaro: AI & post-secondary education |
| Part 2: Peter Stocker: AI & education of the young | |
| 12:00pm | Pizza & Social |
| 1:00pm | Depart |
Location
Glenwood, 4050 Osler Street, Vancouver (Google Map)