Week In Edtech 3/12/2025: U.S. Department Of Education Massive Layoffs, AI In Schools, Cyber Attacks On K-12, Stanford’s AI Policy Shift, Duolingo’s Playbook, AI-Driven Procurement, Sanoma’s Global EdTech Expansion, And More! Edtech Insiders podcast

1:16:33

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI breakthroughs to new VC investments and edtech reports. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:10] Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn says AI is more scalable than teachers, sparking debate on the future of educators [00:10:45] Google I/O 2025 introduces Gemini 2.5, Project Astra, and real-time AI translation with broad implications for edtech [00:18:30] OpenAI launches Codex, a cloud-based AI assistant transforming coding education and developer workflows Plus, special guests: [00:33:40] Senan Khawaja , Co-founder & CEO at Kollegio , on using AI to reimagine and personalize the college admissions process [00:51:04] Rebecca Taber Staehelin & Connor Diemand-Yauman , Co-Founders & Co-CEOs of Merit America on bridging the skills gap with affordable tech career pathways 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Handwriting Meets High Tech: David Bleicher on Jotit's Mission to Reinvent Classroom Learning 29:18

3 days ago29:18

29:18

Send us a text David Bleicher is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jotit , a company on a mission to bring handwriting back to the forefront of education in the digital age. By blending proven learning methods with advanced technologies, Jotit enhances student outcomes and executive functioning in the classroom. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why handwriting remains essential in today’s tech-driven classrooms. How Jotit integrates handwriting, AI, and executive function tools for students. The multimodal learning approach and its benefits for diverse learners. Innovative features Jotit provides to empower teachers in digital classrooms. Insights into building strong partnerships with Google and Owl Ventures. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:30] David Bleicher introduces Jotit: blending traditional handwriting with advanced technology. [00:03:00] How David’s personal mission to help his son Uri inspired Jotit’s creation. [00:08:16] The cognitive benefits of handwriting and its irreplaceable value in education. [00:11:00] Jotit's multimodal approach: handwriting, typing, voice—all in one platform. [00:14:45] Tools for teachers: streetlight control, lockdown mode, and real-time classroom interactivity. [00:18:30] Why simplicity in classroom tech design is critical to teacher adoption. [00:21:43] Redefining digital classrooms with tailored tech—not repurposed entertainment devices. [00:23:07] Strategic partnerships: How Jotit collaborates with Google and Owl Ventures for scale and impact. [00:26:30] Jotit's future and David’s continued mission to impact millions through foundational learning tools. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 5/14/25: AI Lawsuits in Classrooms, Utah’s EdTech Surge, Youth Unemployment Rises, Google’s Gemini Targets Students, Corporate AI Layoffs Accelerate, Personalized Tutoring at Scale,… 1:03:31

7 days ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI in classrooms to workforce shifts and EdTech innovation across the globe. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:16] Ezra Klein podcast brings AI and education to mainstream conversation [00:07:20] Alex and Ben compare and critique GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and other AI tools [00:09:28] Utah emerges as a leading hub for EdTech startups and innovation [00:12:21] New AI bundles help educators explore tools like Superhuman and Perplexity [00:13:19] Surge in media coverage on cheating, lawsuits, and educator use of AI [00:16:17] Lawsuit filed against professor for using AI-generated content in class [00:18:00] Concerns grow about students using AI tools to bypass cognitive learning [00:23:10] Direct-to-student AI sparks debate about academic integrity and design [00:25:20] Google plans to roll out Gemini to students under 13 [00:29:41] AI enables hands-on science learning like virtual frog dissections [00:33:43] AI compared to electricity as foundational infrastructure for the future [00:36:09] Rising youth unemployment signals early impact of AI-driven disruption [00:38:57] Major firms lay off workers while shifting strategy toward AI adoption [00:40:34] EdTech must define and prepare students for new AI-native job roles Plus, special guest: [00:41:22] Sam Chaudhary , Co-founder & CEO of ClassDojo on tutoring, gamified learning, and community building 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
The Secret Playbook to EdTech Sales with Starbridge CEO Justin Wenig 49:50

8 days ago49:50

49:50

Send us a text This is a very special episode featuring our sponsor, Starbridge . Justin Wenig, Founder and CEO of Starbridge, joins us to discuss how school spending creates barriers to EdTech innovation. Justin previously co-founded Coursedog, scaling it to over 300 institutions and a nine-figure exit. With Starbridge, he’s now helping EdTech businesses navigate public sector procurement using AI to identify and close their best-fit leads. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why broken procurement processes are blocking EdTech innovation. The “illusion of competition” in RFPs and how incumbents stay ahead. The hidden rules of public sector procurement. Practical go-to-market strategies for EdTech startups trying to break through. How AI is reshaping sales, procurement, and personalization in EdTech. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:16] The hidden “unwritten rules” of school purchasing that keep new companies out. [00:13:17] Why most RFPs aren’t competitive and how this harms innovation. [00:23:26] Justin’s blueprint for redesigning the school procurement system. [00:29:50] How Starbridge uses AI to help EdTech companies find and close the right leads. [00:34:48] The future of sales: AI-powered outreach vs. human relationship building. [00:43:09] Can AI finally bring fairness and transparency to public sector purchasing? 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Why AI Alone Won’t Fix Education—MacKenzie Price Explains the Missing Ingredient 50:55

10 days ago50:55

50:55

Send us a text MacKenzie Price is a Stanford grad, mom of two, and the Co-Founder of 2 Hour Learning - a revolutionary learning platform that harnesses the power of AI to give kids a 1:1 personalized learning experience. Her students excel in academics while spending most of their day learning life skills that set them up for future success. She founded the first Alpha School ten years ago in Austin, Texas and now has eight schools, with others opening in the fall. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why motivation is the missing key in EdTech. How AI enables personalized, mastery-based learning. The new role of teachers as motivational guides. How to build life skills alongside academics. What’s next for AI in education—and why it’s exciting. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:19] MacKenzie on Founding Alpha Schools to create a better model for her own children. [00:06:36] Why tech alone can’t drive student success without human connection. [00:12:54] How Alpha Schools deliver two hours of academics and a full day of life skills. [00:21:56] Teachers become motivational coaches, not just content experts. [00:28:11] The power of AI to connect learning with students’ passions. [00:38:05] Rethinking assessments: AI makes feedback immediate and actionable. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 5/7/2025: Columbia’s AI Cheating Scandal, Duolingo’s AI Shift, AI Education Mandate, Google’s AI Overviews Cut Clicks 34.5%, Higher Ed Under Fire, and More! Feat. Brian Malkin of… 1:30:59

15 days ago1:30:59

1:30:59

Send us a text Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI breakthroughs and policy shakeups to new funding rounds and workforce shifts shaping the future of learning. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Silicon Valley debates the rise of “AI Slop” and the impact of vibe coding. [00:03:36] Columbia student suspended for AI cheating tool raises $5.3M to commercialize it. [00:04:56] Anthropic’s Drew Bent explains why code literacy now means editing AI-generated code. [00:08:09] 200 CEOs and Code.org push for mandatory AI classes in high school. [00:11:13] Federal government’s role in AI education policy under debate. [00:14:04] Duolingo plans to replace contract workers with AI, triggering backlash. [00:20:42] Higher ed faces political attacks; Harvard and Columbia push back. [00:23:32] K-12 faces teacher shortages and $4.5B in proposed federal funding cuts. [00:35:21] Google’s AI Overviews cut search click-through rates by 34.5%. Plus, special guests: [00:36:08] Brian Malkin , Co-Founder & CEO of Rang , on rewards programs to improve K-12 attendance. [00:50:29] John Marshall, CEO of BrainFreeze, on AI safety and transparency in schools. [01:12:31] Scott Nadzan , Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategic Communications at Panopto , on AI-generated video and the Elai acquisition. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Can Teachers Outsmart AI? Mike Yates on AI Poetry Slams and Hackathons at the Reinvention Lab 29:54

17 days ago29:54

29:54

Send us a text Mike Yates is a Senior Designer at Teach for America's Reinvention Lab , with over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and learning. A former classroom teacher and founding member of Alpha School, he now leads the Lab’s AI initiatives, creating workshops, coaching educators, and prototyping innovative AI solutions. Mike has built partnerships with organizations like Playlab AI, Google, and Snapchat, and remains dedicated to helping educators navigate the future of learning through practical, human-centered approaches. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why teachers don’t need to “speak Silicon Valley” to embrace AI. How AI hackathons and poetry slams are making AI learning more human and fun. The concept of “AI Dexterity” and why it’s critical for future-ready educators. How rebel educators are building their own AI tools to solve real classroom problems. Why sometimes the best AI training happens on a plane or at a coffee shop! ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:08] Mike Yates’ journey from TFA rejection to leading its AI initiatives [00:04:45] What teachers really want from AI—and why most solutions miss the mark [00:07:28] AI at the human level: “You don’t have to speak Tech Bro to get on this train" [00:14:05] From poetry slams to fashion design—creative ways educators are learning AI [00:18:30] How rebel teachers are building their own EdTech tools after budget cuts [00:23:37] Why AI as a trickster and debate partner makes learning more fun [00:26:59] A sneak peek at the Reinvention Lab’s new initiative: Arcade AI 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 5/2/2025: Trump’s AI and Workforce Orders, Accreditation Shakeup, ESSER Fallout, Israel’s AI Tutors, Duolingo’s Language Leap, and More! Feat. Anna Iarotska of Robo Wunderkind, Julia… 1:19:29

22 days ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Send us a text Join host Alex Sarlin alongside special guest co-hosts Ben Wallerstein and Anna Kimsey Edwards , Co-Founders of Whiteboard Advisors , as they break down: [00:03:00] Trump’s AI Executive Order launches cross-agency education task force [00:05:00] 27 states already advancing AI education policy [00:07:00] Workforce EO targets 1M AI-related apprenticeships [00:10:00] Accreditation EO pushes competition and student outcomes [00:14:00] “Beyond Degrees” report urges non-degree pathways [00:21:00] Edtech funding hits record low in Q1 and Q2, says HolonIQ [00:23:00] ESSER cliff and political uncertainty stall school spending [00:28:00] Falling enrollment squeezes K-12 budgets nationwide [00:30:00] Duolingo adds 150 AI-generated cross-language courses [00:30:45] Google Audio Overview now available in 50 languages [00:31:00] Panorama acquires AI writing tool Class Companion, Kollegio raises seed round for AI college advising [00:32:30] Anthropic forecasts AI-only employees within a year [00:36:00] Israel announces national rollout of AI tutors in schools Plus, special guests: [00:36:45] Anna Iarotska , CEO & Co-founder of Robo Wunderkind , unveils the first K–5 AI Literacy Curriculum [00:50:55] Julia Dixon , Founder & CEO of ESAI , reflects on her Shark Tank debut and democratizing admissions advising [01:02:00] Tigran Sloyan , Co-Founder & CEO of CodeSignal , shares how TED Talks are becoming interactive learning journeys 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Future Fluent: Betsy Corcoran & Dr. Jeremy Roschelle on Redefining Literacy in the Age of AI 50:17

24 days ago50:17

50:17

Send us a text Betsy Corcoran and Dr. Jeremy Roschelle co-host the Future Fluent podcast, where they explore how learning is changing in the age of AI. Betsy is the cofounder of EdSurge and now leads Lede Labs, advising education leaders. Jeremy is a leading learning scientist and Executive Director of Learning Science Research at Digital Promise. Together, they bring decades of journalism and research experience to their shared mission: redefining literacy and learning in a world transformed by AI. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: What “future fluency” means in the age of AI Why social connection is central to learning with AI How AI can empower generalist educators and students The importance of co-designing tools with teachers What deep knowledge—not just critical thinking—requires today ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:04:00] Launching Future Fluent : a podcast to ask better questions about AI and learning [00:07:00] Literacy redefined: engaging with the world through many channels [00:09:00] Mike Yates' AI poetry experiment builds confidence in creativity [00:13:00] Using AI to support comprehension for young readers [00:19:00] Post-COVID lesson: data proves teachers’ impact [00:25:00] AI can’t replace deep knowledge or human insight [00:30:00] Playlab AI helps generalist teachers act like specialists [00:33:00] Colorado students use AI to create a voter guide chatbot [00:36:00] Re-centering AI on human flourishing, not machine potential [00:42:00] Real co-design starts with real educator problems 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge . Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
The Map Makers: Inside the Edtech Insiders' GenAI K-12 Education Market Map with Alex Sarlin, Laurence Holt & Jacob Klein 54:31

29 days ago54:31

54:31

Send us a text In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of the Edtech Insiders GenAI K-12 Education Market Map , a first-of-its-kind framework connecting real classroom needs to AI-powered tools. Co-created by Alex Sarlin , Laurence Holt , Jacob Klein , and the Edtech Insiders team, this evolving resource helps educators, entrepreneurs, and researchers make sense of a fast-changing landscape. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the GenAI Education Map focuses on pedagogy and learning needs over tools How to identify "white space" opportunities for AI in education What makes AI feedback and teacher coaching some of the most promising use cases today How to move beyond the 5% of students typically served by EdTech Why "team teaching with AI" might be the next big frontier ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:36] Holt & Klein introduce the origin story of the Generative AI Use Case Map [00:03:29] Starting with teaching and learning needs, not tech capabilities [00:06:03] Why learning science and research-backed practices still aren't reaching scale [00:11:11] How and why the GenAI Map was built as a living, evolving framework [00:15:20] Imagining “team teaching” between human educators and AI assistants [00:20:16] The 5–10% problem: Why most EdTech tools miss the broader population [00:23:18] Personalization, motivation, and redefining what success in school can look like [00:30:05] From tool overload to comprehensive suites: the shifting EdTech landscape [00:34:12] AI-enabled feedback loops that support both teachers and learners [00:39:00] What’s ready for scale now—and what still needs real breakthroughs [00:44:55] Risks and red flags: from dopamine loops to student dependence on AI [00:48:35] Will GenAI in education be incremental or transformative? 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsors: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Practical AI That Teachers Actually Love with Levi Belnap of Merlyn Mind 47:47

4 weeks ago47:47

47:47

Send us a text Levi Belnap is the CEO of Merlyn Mind , where he has been instrumental in driving the company's vision and growth since joining in 2019. Before assuming his current role, Levi served as Chief Strategy Officer for nearly four years and later as Chief Revenue Officer. Prior to Merlyn Mind, Levi built an impressive career in business development and entrepreneurship. He worked for Defy Ventures, served as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Wyzant, and co-founded FindIt, where he served as CEO. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in Political Science and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently resides in Houston, Texas, where he continues to lead Merlyn Mind in transforming educational technology. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How voice AI is helping teachers regain control of the classroom Why AI should be invisible, not overwhelming, for educators Real classroom impacts: higher engagement, fewer disruptions How multi-language support is changing access to tech The future of AI in education: enabling, not replacing, teachers ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:20] Levi Belnap’s journey to leading Merlyn Mind [00:02:36] What Merlyn Mind’s voice AI actually does in classrooms [00:04:19] Evolving AI strategy: Before and after ChatGPT [00:07:29] How teacher needs drive real edtech innovation [00:09:23] A day in the life of a "Merlyn-enabled" teacher [00:17:16] Voice AI’s impact on student focus and behavior [00:25:46] New Spanish-language capabilities at Merlyn Mind [00:36:59] Why embedding AI in real workflows is the future of edtech 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 4/16/2025: ASU+GSV Recap, GPT-4.1 Launch, Harvard vs. DEI Mandates, Linda McMahon’s Edtech Debut, Claude’s Study Mode, Yuanfudao’s AI Tutor, Brisk Wins GSV Cup, and More! Feat. Collin… 1:09:08

5 weeks ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from ASU+GSV insights to AI model releases, international edtech innovations, and federal policy shake-ups. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:45] ASU+GSV recap and post-conference energy [00:04:48] Strategic AI integration gains traction [00:05:56] Edtech market braces for consolidation [00:08:45] Linda McMahon engages at ASU+GSV [00:10:18] Challenges merging CS and AI in schools [00:13:16] Harvard pushes back on federal DEI demands signals sector shift [00:23:21] Yuanfudao launches next-gen AI tutor [00:28:20] OpenAI releases GPT-4.1 with huge upgrades [00:30:25] Google and Claude enhance AI tools [00:33:56] Brisk wins GSV Cup and raises $15M [00:35:20] Big funding rounds hit across edtech [00:37:56] Global expansion and tutor startup funding Plus, special guest: [00:38:27] Collin Earnst of the Ed-tech Leadership Collective on building edtech leadership 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Inside the Global EdTech Prize: Impact, Scale, and Educator Voices with Vikas Pota of T4 Education 24:34

5 weeks ago24:34

24:34

Send us a text Vikas Pota is an entrepreneur and investor in education and digital businesses that seek to address some of the sector's intractable challenges and to advance education quality and opportunity. He is the founder of T4 Education , the Global EdTech Prize and the World's Best School Prizes. He is the Executive Chairman of the Education Leaders Forum, where he convenes the CEOs and leaders of many of the world’s biggest and most influential education businesses to advance their growth. Vikas is also the Founder of Inicio Partners, an executive search firm dedicated to helping education institutions, technology companies, and social impact organisations find their best leadership talent. He has previously led the rebrand of a major education business, built a corporate venture capital fund, and run a philanthropic foundation. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why storytelling—not policy—is the key to transforming education. How the Global EdTech Prize centers educators in judging impact. The ripple effect of education prizes on national policies. What makes edtech truly scalable and impactful. A thoughtful take on AI’s role in education and society. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:21] Vikas Pota’s vision for global education reform [00:02:34] Launching the educator-judged Global EdTech Prize [00:04:36] How prizes drive innovation and influence policy [00:07:32] Elevating teacher status through the Global Teacher Prize [00:09:07] “Policy no longer moves the needle”—Obama’s leadership lesson [00:12:08] Who should apply for the prize—and why it matters [00:16:33] AI in education: Asking what we should do, not just what we can 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
How 80,000+ Teachers Are Rethinking Instruction with Robert Barnett of Modern Classrooms Project 46:31

5 weeks ago46:31

46:31

Send us a text Robert Barnett co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project , which has empowered 80,000+ educators in 180+ countries to meet every learner’s needs. Before that he taught math, computer science, English, social studies, and law, from the middle-school to university levels, at public and private schools in the U.S. and Switzerland. He graduated cum laude from Princeton University and Harvard Law School; speaks English, French, and Spanish; and lives in Washington, DC. His book, Meet Every Learner's Needs, comes out in February, and he hopes his two young children will learn in Modern Classrooms someday! 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Modern Classrooms transforms the “operating system” of schools Why teacher-created videos are more powerful than polished content The case for paper-based mastery checks in a tech-driven world Rob’s take on AI tools—and why teacher-facing AI holds promise How to truly personalize learning while keeping it personal ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:27] Rob’s journey from overwhelmed teacher to instructional leader [00:03:46] What’s wrong with today’s classroom model—and how to fix it [00:07:54] Inside a Modern Classroom: self-paced, human-centered learning [00:13:33] Paper beats screens—for fast, meaningful feedback [00:14:25] The power of personal: making your own instructional videos [00:17:46] Tech should amplify, not replace, teacher-student relationships [00:20:26] Why AI needs clearer use cases in classrooms [00:26:59] Chronic absenteeism demands a new instructional model [00:34:51] AI avatars: promising or uncanny? Rob weighs in [00:39:32] Rob’s new book Meet Every Learner’s Needs —a guide for redesigning instruction 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Postcards from ASU+GSV 2025: On the Ground with Google, OpenAI & EdTech Changemakers 1:35:01

6 weeks ago1:35:01

1:35:01

Send us a text In this special episode, EdTech Insiders hits the floor at ASU+GSV 2025—one of the world’s premier EdTech conferences—for rapid-fire conversations with the leaders reshaping learning. From AI-native campuses to multilingual agents and human-centered R&D, we go behind the scenes with the innovators driving the future of education. 🎙️ Featured Guests: Siya Raj Purohit , Go-to-Market Lead for Education at OpenAI @ [00:01:25] Maureen Heymans , GM of LearnX at Google @ [00:19:16] Brandon Hurter , Chief Strategy Officer at Element451 @ [00:31:19] Auditi Chakravarty , CEO of AERDF @ [00:39:21] Jim Van Voorhis , VP of Education at Glean @ [00:45:09] Summer Long , Co-Founder & CMO of Cathoven AI @ [00:54:10] Yasmin Barkett , CEO and Founder of ROYO @ [01:02:47] Mike Yates , Senior Designer at Teach For America’s The Reinvention Lab @ [01:08:12] Julia Kelleher , Head of Market Development at WorldQuant Learning @ [01:18:09] Adele Smolansky , CEO and Founder of AI-Learners @ [01:25:08] 🎥 Watch these Interviews on YouTube: LINK HERE Special thanks to Matthew Millstein and his team at Old Soul for capturing all the video content live from the AI Show floor. 🙌 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Why American Public Education Reverts to the Mean And What We Can Do About It with Tom Vander Ark of Getting Smart 31:57

6 weeks ago31:57

31:57

Send us a text Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart , he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations, and learning organizations on the path forward. Tom is the author of Getting Smart , Smart Cities That Work for Everyone , Smart Parents , Better Together , The Power of Place, and Difference Making at the Heart of Learning . He has published thousands of articles and papers through GettingSmart.com and LinkedIn. Previously he launched one of the first edtech venture funds, was president of the X-Prize Foundation, served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. He serves on the board of Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, Mastery Transcript Consortium, and Getting Smart Collective and advises schools, impact organizations and edtech startups. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why education systems struggle to sustain innovation How nonprofit governance supports lasting change The transformative potential of platform networks Why AI shifts learning from preparation to contribution What keeps Tom optimistic about EdTech’s future ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:04:50] From retail exec to education reformer—Tom’s origin story [00:07:03] Why governance challenges cause schools to revert to the mean [00:10:11] The rise of platform networks and their power to scale learning [00:14:48] AI and the shift from intelligence to agency in learning [00:16:15] High school as a launchpad for real-world contribution [00:21:01] “We’re automating bad pedagogy”—Tom on today’s AI tools [00:25:16] Bright spots: Watershed, Open School, and SparkNC [00:27:54] Tom’s advice to EdTech founders: “This is the most important work in the world” 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
What’s Next for 2U? CEO Kees Bol Talks Microcredentials, University Partnerships, and AI 37:53

6 weeks ago37:53

37:53

Send us a text Kees Bol is the CEO of 2U , a global leader in education technology that expands access to affordable, career-relevant learning in partnership with the world's top universities, institutions, and industry experts. As CEO, Bol oversees all aspects of 2U's business while driving its long-standing mission: to provide learners worldwide with life-changing higher education that unlocks potential, fosters social mobility, and enhances economic security. Before joining 2U, he was the CEO of Boundless Learning, a global online program management business. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer at Strategic Education and Senior Vice President of Marketing, Enrollment, and Retention for Pearson's K-12 virtual school division. Bol got his start at McKinsey & Company and honed his strategic expertise at Capital One. Originally aspiring to be a scientist, Bol earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University. Now that their three children are grown and have left the home, Bol and his wife are enjoying life as empty nesters in Washington, D.C. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why 2U is doubling down on microcredentials and short-form learning. How strategic acquisitions like edX and GetSmarter shape 2U’s long-term vision. The evolving role of AI in both content delivery and internal operations at 2U. How 2U positions itself as a growth and innovation partner for universities. Why traditional degrees and microcredentials are no longer on separate tracks. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:04:52] The evolving role of 2U as a force multiplier for university partners [00:08:57] How 2U helps universities stay agile in a rapidly changing education market [00:10:42] Strategic insights on 2U’s major acquisitions – edX, Trilogy, and GetSmarter [00:14:22] Why microcredentials are on the rise and how AI is accelerating the trend [00:19:15] Three ways AI is impacting 2U: productivity, process, and product innovation [00:22:42] A new kind of learning assistant: How AI is improving student engagement [00:26:20] Advice for university leaders facing demographic and political uncertainty [00:30:29] Kees Bol’s 5-year vision for 2U: growth, innovation, and high-impact education [00:33:01] The blurring line between degrees and non-degree credentials in higher ed 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
The New Rules of Project Management in the AI Era with Pierre Le Manh, CEO of PMI 50:45

7 weeks ago50:45

50:45

Send us a text Pierre Le Manh , PMP, has been serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Project Management Institute since September 2022. A global executive with a multicultural background and experience in leading companies across multiple knowledge industries, he has a proven track record of delivering results and guiding organizations through complex transformations and globalization. Before joining PMI, he served as CEO for North America and as Global Deputy CEO at Ipsos. Pierre played a crucial role in transforming Ipsos from a primarily European-focused organization with $700 million in revenue in 2004, to a $2.5 billion global industry leader by 2021, and in growing the company to more than 18,000 employees operating in 90 countries, successively leading various regions and global business lines. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How AI is reshaping project management and upskilling Why PMI is betting big on personalized, AI-powered learning The difference between managing AI projects vs. using AI in projects How PMI maintains the PMP as a global gold standard The potential of collective intelligence in professional education ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:20] Pierre Le Manh’s path to PMI and passion for global professional education [00:05:02] How the skills economy is reshaping lifelong learning and certification [00:08:36] PMI’s multi-format approach to personalized learning at scale [00:11:20] Leveraging ChatGPT and PMI Infinity for AI-driven upskilling [00:18:15] AI’s dual impact: Transforming project work and enabling AI project leadership [00:23:39] Why PMI sees AI project management as a distinct and certifiable skillset [00:32:48] AI-powered translation and localization to scale global learning [00:46:47] Unlocking collective intelligence through a connected professional network 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
From Arcades to Education: Brent Bushnell of Two Bit Circus on a STEAM-Powered Learning Revolution 52:36

8 weeks ago52:36

52:36

Send us a text Brent Bushnell is an entrepreneur and engineer focused on experiences for entertainment and learning. He's the founder of Two Bit Circus , a live entertainment company that builds and exhibits all-ages, social attractions. He’s chairman of the non-profit Two Bit Foundation which uses games and play to inspire students about invention. Brent is a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, a supporter of Clowns Without Borders and publishes on social media @brentbushnell. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Brent’s journey from arcade builder to education innovator unfolded. The origin and impact of the STEAM Carnival and how it helped reframe STEM learning through art and play. Why clean waste is a powerful, untapped resource for hands-on learning in schools. How DIY arcade cabinets are empowering students to learn CAD, electronics, business—and earn income. The exciting future of immersive learning with escape rooms, virtual reality, and AI-guided experiences. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:33] How a viral OK Go music video accidentally sparked an education movement [00:04:49] “STEAM not STEM”: Why art is essential to innovation [00:08:45] Inside the Two Bit Foundation’s clean waste model and its success in LAUSD [00:13:10] The Open Source Arcade Project: A full-spectrum STEAM learning experience [00:21:26] The evolution of the maker and open-source movements [00:27:58] How AI can bridge the gap for students lacking tech or coding skills [00:34:25] New venue in Santa Monica: Turning entertainment spaces into learning spaces 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 3/19/25: OpenAI’s Writing Model, Gemini Canvas Goes Free, Zoom’s Chain of Draft, China Adds AI to Schools, EdTech Office Closes, and More! Feat. Annie Chechitelli of Turnitin & Sara… 1:27:04

9 weeks ago1:27:04

1:27:04

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down a pivotal week of AI announcements, edtech disruption, and education policy shifts. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] China introduces AI education for 6-year-olds, sparking urgency for U.S. to respond [00:05:23] OpenAI teases a creative writing model as Google and Anthropic push into coding AI [00:07:59] Gemini Canvas and Deep Research go free, redefining educational productivity tools [00:11:09] Copyright clash: OpenAI wants to train on protected content, creatives push back [00:14:02] Gemini’s UI outpaces OpenAI with real classroom use cases [00:17:54] Chain of Draft from Zoom cuts AI costs by 90% and mimics human note-taking [00:18:34] Baidu, Alibaba launch emotion-reading and multi-modal AI models in China [00:20:50] Manus, China’s autonomous AI agent, sparks global interest in multi-agent systems [00:23:36] U.S. vs. China: centralized AI strategy meets decentralized innovation culture [00:27:57] U.S. Education Dept. shutters Office of Ed Tech, leaving a national guidance gap Plus, special guests: [00:30:11] Annie Chechitelli , CPO at Turnitin , on launching Clarity for ethical student AI use [01:03:49] Sara Mauskopf , CEO & Co-founder of Winnie , on expanding into K-12 and the rise of school choice 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Reigniting a Love for Reading with AI and Avatars with Lawton Smith, CEO of Literal 47:48

9 weeks ago47:48

47:48

Send us a text Lawton Smith is a literacy advocate focused on adolescent reading engagement and the co-founder and CEO of Literal (LiteralApp.com). Praised as a “game changer”, a “Top Tech for Advanced Learners of ELA”, and awarded a rare five stars out-of-five for “Student Engagement” by Common Sense Media, Literal is an all-in-one digital reading platform for modern classrooms that is fundamentally changing what it means to read books on screens. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why reading scores have declined for over a decade How Literal makes classic texts engaging through chat-based formats The impact of long-form reading on soft skills and mental health How AI is used to scaffold texts with translation, rephrasing, and leveling Why playful, personalized reading boosts student engagement ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:17] What Literal is and how it's addressing the reading crisis [00:04:45] Key factors behind the long-term decline in reading [00:09:45] Adapting books to match students’ media habits [00:16:20] Lawton’s personal journey losing and regaining reading focus [00:23:12] Turning novels into chat conversations with avatars [00:32:56] Expanding the Literal library beyond public domain [00:36:31] How AI powers Literal’s reading support tools 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
The Promise and Perils of AI in Education: Stanford GSE Students Share Their Work 56:39

10 weeks ago56:39

56:39

Send us a text In this special episode, we sit down with three innovative Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) students who are exploring cutting-edge applications of AI in education. Michael Chrzan is a Master’s student and Dean’s Fellow in the Education Data Science program at Stanford. A former Master Teacher in Detroit, he taught Mathematics and AP Computer Science for seven years. His research uses machine learning to predict large-scale school closures and inform equitable decision-making. Matías Hoyl is a Computer Science graduate from Chile and an edtech entrepreneur who has founded two startups focused on improving learning through technology. He led a coding bootcamp for women in Latin America, helping them launch tech careers. At Stanford, he is researching AI applications in education, including synthetic student simulations and AI-generated teaching tools. Samin Khan is an AI researcher specializing in K-12 and higher education and currently an AI Research Scientist at Kiddom. His work focuses on developing AI models for curriculum development, lesson planning, and grading. At Stanford’s Education NLP Lab, he researches dialogue-based pedagogy and student engagement using large language models. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How AI-powered predictive modeling can help districts plan for school closures. The potential of synthetic students to improve assessment design and instruction. How AI is supporting teachers with curriculum implementation and real-time feedback. Why AI tutors may not improve student learning outcomes as expected. The risks and opportunities of AI in education, especially for equity and accessibility. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:06:07] Michael Chrzan on using machine learning to predict school closures. [00:10:51] Samin Khan on AI’s role in lesson planning and teacher feedback. [00:16:37] Matías Hoyl on simulating student learning with AI-powered models. [00:24:09] Balancing AI research with real-world edtech applications. [00:31:39] The importance of data, bias, and transparency in AI for education. [00:46:11] Will AI improve or widen equity gaps in education? 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 3/12/2025: U.S. Department of Education Massive Layoffs, AI in Schools, Cyber Attacks on K-12, Stanford’s AI Policy Shift, Duolingo’s Playbook, AI-Driven Procurement, Sanoma’s Global… 48:41

11 weeks ago48:41

48:41

Send us a text This Week in Edtech, Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matthew Rascoff , Vice Provost for Digital Education at Stanford University , break down the latest headlines shaping education, technology, and policy. From major federal education cuts to AI’s growing role in schools and higher ed, this episode unpacks the forces reshaping learning today. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:06:02] U.S. Department of Education lays off 30% of staff. [00:12:07] Education research funding faces uncertainty. [00:17:26] 80% of teachers now use AI in lesson planning. [00:18:57] 82% of K-12 schools report cyber incidents. [00:21:26] Stanford’s new policy bans banning AI in student work [00:28:07] AI’s future in education—Matthew Rascoff’s “Humanity in the Loop” framework. [00:36:11] Duolingo shares its company playbook. [00:42:12] AI-driven public education data and procurement. [00:44:11] Sanoma’s latest acquisition in AI-powered learning. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Insights on AI Apprenticeships and Future Workforce Trends by Michelle Rhee of EO Ventures 23:28

11 weeks ago23:28

23:28

Send us a text Michelle Rhee is currently a Venture Partner at Equal Opportunity Ventures , investing in companies driving social mobility and impact. Previously, she served as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of BuildWithin, a workforce learning platform transforming hiring and development, as well as CEO of StudentsFirst, an education advocacy nonprofit that successfully advanced 140+ pieces of new legislation across 18 states. Ms. Rhee was DC’s first Chancellor under Mayoral control of the 50,000-student public school district. She also founded The New Teacher Project to help public school districts and states recruit and train teachers for hard-to-staff schools. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How alternative pathways and skills-based hiring are reshaping the future of education and work. The role of AI in connecting young people to meaningful careers beyond the traditional college route. Why potential over credential is becoming a powerful investment thesis for workforce startups. The investment opportunities in workforce development and non-college track solutions. How education savings accounts (ESAs) and innovative partnerships might transform K-12 education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:51] The shift from college-for-all to workforce readiness. [00:05:42] Why skills-based hiring is the future of work. [00:07:29] Investment opportunities in alternative education paths. [00:10:20] Using AI to connect young people to careers. [00:12:10] Stepful's success in accelerated healthcare training. [00:15:43] The impact of new education policies on K-12. [00:19:37] AI and ESAs as tools to future-proof education. [00:20:38] Michelle Rhee's career advice for the next generation. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 3/5/2025: ASU GSV AI Show Preview, OpenAI's Global Expansion, ChatGPT's 400M Users, Google's Co-Scientist and Career Dreamer, Chegg vs. Google Lawsuit, Anthropic's 3.7 Model, Meta's… 48:56

12 weeks ago48:56

48:56

Send us a text This Week in Edtech, Alex Sarlin and guest host, Claire Zau explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI breakthroughs to new VR tools and evolving strategies of tech giants. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Preview of the ASU GSV Conference’s AI show and its impact on education innovation. [00:05:00] OpenAI’s partnerships with California State University and Estonia to scale AI in education. [00:09:00] ChatGPT reaches 400 million weekly active users, highlighting its growing role in education. [00:12:00] Google’s Co-Scientist tool and Career Dreamer aim to personalize learning and career pathways. [00:23:00] Chegg’s lawsuit against Google raises questions about AI’s impact on SEO and business models. [00:27:00] Anthropic’s new 3.7 model introduces hybrid reasoning with implications for education. [00:33:00] Meta’s renewed push to integrate VR in classrooms to boost engagement. [00:36:00] Microsoft’s Muse model generates real-time gameplay environments for learning simulations. [00:39:00] The potential of AI-driven simulations for personalized and immersive education. [00:46:00] Claire’s advice for EdTech entrepreneurs on integrating AI effectively. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
The MBA in 12 Weeks? How Abilitie is Changing Business Education with Bjorn Billhardt 40:48

12 weeks ago40:48

40:48

Send us a text An organizational and leadership development expert, Bjorn Billhardt has designed leadership development programs and collaborated with world-class institutions for two decades. Since 2015, Bjorn has been CEO of Abilitie, a provider of leadership development & mini-MBA programs. Abilitie’s programs have educated over 100,000 learners worldwide. Prior to founding Abilitie, Bjorn was Co-founder and CEO of Enspire Learning, Inc. Bjorn holds a BA from the University of Texas & an MBA from Harvard Business School. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in this Episode: How AI is transforming leadership training through real-time simulations. Why business education should focus on judgment, not just knowledge. The power of AI in social learning and group collaboration. How AI can enhance professional skills like hiring and management. The growing impact of mini MBAs in corporate education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:37] Why leadership is about judgment and the future of MBA programs. [00:05:43] AI-powered simulations and decision-making in training. [00:10:38] Adaptive AI in professional development and business training. [00:16:48] AI’s potential to enhance social learning and collaboration. [00:22:20] AI as an assistant for hiring, management, and leadership. [00:33:32] The rise of mini MBAs and alternative business education. [00:36:00] Why transfer skills matter more than memorization. [00:38:35] Final thoughts on AI’s future in leadership development. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 2/19/2025: BrainPop’s Leadership Shake-Up, EdTech’s Job Market Crunch, The Decline of Gamification, AI-Powered Learning Companions Rise, Deep Reasoning Models Reshape AI, and More! 27:07

13 weeks ago27:07

27:07

Send us a text This week in EdTech, Alex and Ben break down the latest trends in AI and EdTech. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:27] Key takeaways from the Bay Area EdTech Summit. [00:04:55] BrainPop’s CEO change and what it signals for edtech. [00:06:29] The decline of gamification and shifting user engagement. [00:10:37] BrainPop’s business model and Lego’s long-term vision. [00:13:50] AI’s next leap—deep reasoning and memory-driven models. [00:17:56] Where edtech companies can still create real AI value. [00:19:14] The rise of AI-powered learning companions. [00:22:36] The edtech job market squeeze and hiring slowdowns. [00:23:45] ASU GSV, AI in game development, and upcoming events. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
The College Alternative: How OpenClassrooms is Rethinking Higher Ed with Pierre Dubuc 41:02

13 weeks ago41:02

41:02

Send us a text Pierre Dubuc is the co-founder and CEO of OpenClassrooms, the leading online education platform with about 300k students a month. The school offers unlimited access to hundreds of free courses, as well as complete 100% online training programs for some of today’s most sought-after careers. OpenClassrooms' courses and learning content are produced in-house, and follow a unique pedagogy which relies on scenario-based projects and mentoring from experts in their respective fields. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How degree apprenticeships are replacing traditional internships. Why AI is reshaping both education and job training. What’s holding the U.S. back from scaling apprenticeships. How OpenClassrooms integrates education with real jobs. The future of career-focused learning and credentialing. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:18] Pierre Dubuc shares how OpenClassrooms evolved from an online coding hobby. [00:04:22] The disconnect between higher ed and employment – and how to fix it. [00:07:17] Why paid apprenticeships are more effective than internships. [00:09:33] A real success story: From high school graduate to six-figure career. [00:14:10] Breaking down the barriers to apprenticeship adoption in the U.S. [00:21:36] How AI is accelerating job placement and training. [00:29:41] AI-powered learning companions help students stay on track. [00:34:37] OpenClassrooms is making job training count for college credit. [00:37:18] Pierre’s vision for an integrated education-to-employment system. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
Week in Edtech 2/12/2025: DeepSeek AI Shake-Up, OpenAI’s Deep Research, CSU’s ChatGPT Rollout, NAEP Learning Loss, Trump’s Ed Research Cuts, FEV Tutor Shutdown, European EdTech Funding Trends, and… 48:46

14 weeks ago48:46

48:46

Send us a text This Week in EdTech, Ben Kornell and special guest co-host Libby Hills from the Jacobs Foundation and the Ed-Technical podcast break down a week filled with major AI breakthroughs, troubling education policy shifts, and key trends shaping the future of edtech. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:04:53] 🔍 OpenAI launches Deep Research, a $200/month AI research tool. [00:12:06] 🐋 DeepSeek AI challenges US models, raising concerns about China’s progress. [00:17:24] 🏫 CSU offers 500K students free ChatGPT Pro access. [00:24:29] 📉 NAEP data shows continued COVID learning loss, with state disparities. [00:29:23] ⚖️ Trump administration cuts federal education research contracts. [00:37:19] 💸 FEV Tutor shuts down due to ESSER funding cliff. [00:41:56] 💡 BrightEye Ventures’ report highlights European edtech funding trends. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter . Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn ! 🎉 Presenting Sponsor: This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors , the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.…

Edtech Insiders

1
AI That Learns From You: The Future of Teachable Agents in Education with Adam Franklin 48:42

14 weeks ago48:42