Edtech Insiders

Week in Edtech 9/24/25: AI Tutors Under Scrutiny, Gallup Shows K-12 Trust Collapse, CZI Launches Learning Commons, Phone Bans Rise, Higher Ed Struggles, and More! Feat. Jamie Candee of Edmentum & Nick Chen of PlayMath.org

Oct 3, 2025
Nick Chen, an edtech product veteran and founder of PlayMath.org, discusses the elements that make educational games effective, stressing the need for meaningful gameplay and immediate feedback. Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum, emphasizes the importance of career-connected learning, explaining how early exposure to various career pathways can enhance student engagement without pigeonholing them. They also delve into the rising use of VR for skilled trades training and the broader implications of current educational reforms and workforce needs.
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INSIGHT

AI Tutors Are Not Turnkey Tutors

  • Mashable found AI tutors are promising but currently retrofit general LLMs rather than true tutoring engines.
  • Ben and Alex stress use-case fit matters more than model branding for effective learning.
INSIGHT

Tutoring Requires Guided, Data‑Driven Scaffolding

  • Effective tutoring needs guided practice tailored to a learner's data and goals rather than a search-bar UI.
  • Ben says edtech companies with learner data can out-compete generic LLM study modes by leveraging that data.
INSIGHT

Public Trust In K‑12 Has Collapsed

  • Gallup shows public confidence in K‑12 is at historic lows, even while parents rate their own schools more positively.
  • Alex interprets this as a loss of trust in schools as institutions to prepare kids for a changing future.
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