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 More!
Feb 19, 2025
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In this insightful discussion with Libby Hills, who leads EdTech initiatives at the Jacobs Foundation and co-hosts the EdTechnical podcast, the conversation covers vital trends shaping education technology. They delve into OpenAI's new research tool, Deep Research, and the competitive landscape created by DeepSeek AI. The impacts of federal funding cuts on educational research and tutoring services are also exposed. Additionally, they examine ongoing learning losses post-COVID and the importance of adapting educational approaches to leverage AI effectively.
The integration of accessible research insights into product development is vital for creating effective and relevant educational technologies amidst rapid changes.
Recent NAEP scores highlight significant learning losses exacerbated by COVID-19, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to improve foundational education skills.
Deep dives
Integrating Research into Product Development
Making research more accessible to developers is essential for creating evidence-based educational products. It is crucial to not only understand what the research suggests but also to effectively integrate these insights into product roadmaps. This integration ensures that the development process is informed and that products remain relevant and efficacious in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Overall, while accessibility to research is a significant step forward, meaningful application in product design is necessary for sustained improvement.
Implications of AI in Education
The launch of new AI tools raises questions about their impact on educational assessment and learning processes. While AI can enhance research capabilities, it also complicates educators' ability to discern authentic student work from AI-generated content. The cost of access to these technologies could create divisions in educational equity, raising concerns about inclusivity. As AI tools become more prevalent, educators must focus on balancing their use with teaching methodologies that prioritize deep learning and critical thinking.
Challenges in K-12 Education Performance
Recent NAEP scores reveal alarming declines in student performance across various states, with some states showing serious losses in reading and math skills. These results showcase a persistent struggle to close COVID-related learning gaps, raising concerns about the effectiveness of funding and interventions. Success stories from certain states indicate the importance of strong foundational skills in early education as critical for overall improvement. Collaborative strategies that leverage best practices from high-performing states might offer pathways to address educational challenges and foster better outcomes.
Evolution of the EdTech Landscape
The European edtech market is showing cautious optimism as funding and deal activity begin to rise after a tumultuous period. Trends are emerging that suggest a redefinition of edtech, expanding its scope beyond traditional learning to include corporate training and productivity tools. This broader definition fosters innovation but also raises questions about what constitutes edtech, especially when integrating unrelated sectors. The growing emphasis on micro-credentials and learner-directed education suggests that the future of edtech will increasingly focus on personalized and flexible learning paths.
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.
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.
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