Day One Afternoon Workshops 3F & 4F: TBA

Workshop Title:
First-ory’s Language Pen:
The tech, and what it can do now
and in the future

K'odi Taylor

K’odi Taylor was a bright student who struggled with undiagnosed ADHD, facing challenges like frequent moves, racism, and bullying. Despite excelling in school, he had trouble with homework, social interactions and dealing with childhood trauma, which led to early substance use. He pursued law but found that his natural intellect couldn’t keep up without proper support, eventually leading to burnout and dropping out.

After hitting a low point, K’odi set off on a journey of self-discovery—traveling, developing a deep love for languages, and eventually moving to Vancouver to learn his own Indigenous languages. ADHD continued to make life difficult, especially as he launched a part-time business to create language resources for Indigenous kids. His struggles worsened after his father’s passing, pushing him into a mental health crisis.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD was a turning point. With a new understanding of how his brain worked, K’odi built systems to manage his challenges, boosting his confidence and resilience. He quit his job to fully dedicate himself to creating language resources and spreading ADHD awareness, hoping to help others unlock their potential and thrive.

About the Workshop:

Join K’odi Taylor for an exploration of a tactile, scan-based approach to language learning. Born from a need to bridge physical materials with quality recordings, this project has evolved from a simple prototype into a functional ecosystem for the modern classroom.

The technology utilizes robust, trigger-based scanning to provide instant access to high-quality audio resources without the complexity of AI. We will demonstrate how to seamlessly incorporate these tools into existing curricula—transforming static textbooks and flashcards into interactive hubs that enhance student engagement and pronunciation.

As we look toward the future, the project is expanding into multiple languages all across Canada. Discover how this reliable, low-barrier technology simplifies lesson delivery while keeping students focused on the language itself. Join us to see where this project started, what it’s currently capable of, and how it’s redefining the “smart” classroom.