Levi Belnap, CEO of Merlyn Mind, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing classrooms. He explains how voice AI helps teachers regain control and improves student engagement. The conversation highlights the transformation in teachers' perceptions of AI, emphasizing that it should be an invisible support, not a burden. Levi discusses the system's multi-language capabilities and its positive impact on classroom dynamics, allowing educators to focus on individual instruction and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
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insights INSIGHT
Voice AI Empowers Teachers
Merlin Mind uses voice AI to help teachers control classroom technology hands-free.
This enables teachers to focus on teaching and improve student engagement and behavior.
insights INSIGHT
Evolving AI Strategy in Education
Merlin Mind evolved from hardware to software using leading AI models for education.
Integration with existing school tech and AI safety filters became priorities as the field advanced.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Teacher Converts to AI Assistant
A teacher doubted Merlin Mind but started using timers and AI Q&A.
Soon, she couldn't imagine teaching without it because it improved classroom management and student engagement.
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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
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