Week in EdTech 7/16/2025: ChatGPT Agents, AI Companions for Teens, Google’s Gemini Push, Windsurf Talent Wars, Scale AI Layoffs and More! Feat. Writer Matthew Gasda & Marc Graham of Spark Education AI

Jul 25, 2025

Guest

Marc Graham

Guest

Matthew Gasda

Guest

Claire Zau

In this engaging discussion, Matthew Gasda, a writer and director whose latest novel is 'The Sleepers', and Marc Graham, the CEO of Spark Education AI, share their insights on the evolving landscape of education technology. They delve into the role of AI as both a companion for teens and a tool to personalize reading experiences. The conversation covers the impact of AI agents, privacy concerns, and the competitive talent wars among tech giants. Gasda also encourages educators to rethink writing practices in the AI era.

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INSIGHT

Agentic AI Workflows Emerge

OpenAI's ChatGPT agent combines computer control and deep research to execute complex tasks autonomously from natural language commands.
This marks a shift from hand-holding AI tools to AI interpreting commands and completing workflows on your behalf.

INSIGHT

AI Tutors Gain Memory Layers

ChatGPT and Claude are evolving into tutor-like modes with memory layers that personalize learning by tracking student queries and progress.
This integration of AI memory into education tools signals a business focus on university and enterprise subscriptions.

INSIGHT

AI as Teen Companions Risks Echo Chambers

Teenagers increasingly use AI as companions for advice and friendship, raising concerns about AI reinforcing user's beliefs without challenge.
Current AI companions tend to validate users, which may exacerbate social isolation and reinforce unhealthy thought patterns.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Claire Zau, a Partner and AI Lead at GSV Ventures as they explores the latest developments in education technology, from AI agents to teacher co-pilots, talent wars, and shifts in global AI strategies.

✨ Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] AI teacher co-pilots evolve into agentic workflows.
[00:02:15] OpenAI launches ChatGPT Agent for autonomous tasks.
[00:04:24] Meta, Google, and OpenAI escalate AI talent wars.
[00:07:38] Privacy guardrails emerge for AI agent actions.
[00:10:20] ChatGPT pilots “Study Together” learning mode.
[00:14:40] Teens use AI as companions, sparking debate.
[00:19:58] AI multiplies both positive and negative behaviors.
[00:29:11] Windsurf acquisition saga shows coding disruption.
[00:37:18] Teacher AI tools gain value through workflow data.
[00:42:48] DeepMind’s rise positions Demis Hassabis as key leader.
[00:45:32] Google offers free Gemini AI plan to Indian students.
[00:49:39] Meta builds massive AI data centers for digital labor.

Plus, special guests:
[00:52:42] Matthew Gasda, a writer and director, on how educators can rethink writing and grading in the AI era.
[01:13:30] Marc Graham, founder of Spark Education AI, on using AI to personalize reading and engage reluctant readers.

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🎉 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.