Should K-12 students be taught ethics in argumentation?

Dr. Katharina Stevens and Dr. Luis Andrade
Thursday, November 12, 2026 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

Critical Thinking is officially a Competency Progression in the new curriculum for Alberta’s K-12 schools. This means that teaching critical thinking is a cornerstone in our children’s education. But what should children learn when it comes to critical thinking? Research in argumentation theory suggests that critical thinking should also include competency in the ethics of exchanging reasons: We argue with others, and we should do so respectfully and inclusively. After all, we can hardly make good decisions about what to believe and do if we do not take everyone’s reasons into account equally!

Inside the Mind of a Hacker: How are Trust, AI and Our Digital Identities Being Exploited?

Chris Plumb
Thursday, November 19, 2026 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

How does a criminal turn publicly available information into a believable deception? This presentation follows a fictional attack from the attacker’s perspective, revealing how everyday details, familiar relationships and pressure can influence our decisions. The speaker will explore how artificial intelligence is changing social engineering through automated information gathering, personalized scam messages and synthetic media. A live face-altering demonstration will challenge the assumption that seeing someone on a screen is enough to verify their identity.

What are the implications of online misinformation for Alberta’s indigenous populations?

Kris Hodgson-Bright, MA, and Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, PhD
Thursday, November 26, 2026 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

The Ihtsitomaniista’po’tako’p (Working Together) project is a partnership between Ninastako Cultural Centre and Lethbridge Polytechnic. We are studying Indigenous-specific misinformation, which is false, misleading, or inaccurate information about Indigenous Peoples, cultures, histories, and communities. We want to better understand how this misinformation spreads, how it affects people and communities, and how Indigenous knowledge, stories, language, and digital media can help address it. Community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, content creators, and members of the public all have important perspectives to share.

What will future historians consider important about 2026?

Belinda Crowson
Thursday, December 17, 2026 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

What makes the events of a single year historically important? In a year where so much has happened, what events, people and activities are truly important and worth focusing on? The speaker will examine local, provincial, national and international events and consider what future historians might identify as significant. She will also explore how these events fit into a larger historical context and consider their possible long-term impacts. Speaker: Belinda Crowson, Councillor, City of Lethbridge and Local historian and author