Week in Edtech 11/12/2025: Google DeepMind AI Forum Recap, Duolingo Crash, Parents Turn to Screen-Free EdTech, AI Companions in Schools, and More! Feat. Michelle Culver (The Rithm Project), Erin Mote (InnovateEDU), & Ben Caulfield (Eedi)

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they unpack the breakthroughs and backlash following the Google DeepMind AI for Learning Forum in London—and what it means for the future of edtech.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:30] Google DeepMind’s AI for Learning Forum sets a new global tone for learning innovation
[00:06:58] Google’s “Learn Your Way” tool personalizes entire textbooks with AI
[00:08:12] AI video tools like Google Flow redefine classroom content creation
[00:13:40] Why this could be the moment for teachers to become AI media creators
[00:18:36] Risks of AI-generated video: deepfakes, disinformation, and youth impact
[00:22:19] Duolingo stock crashes over 40% amid investor fears of big tech competition
[00:23:52] Screen time backlash accelerates: parents turn to screen-free edtech
[00:26:14] Why physical math books and comic-style curricula are surging in demand
[00:27:35] A wave of screen-free edtech: from LeapFrog alumni to audio-first tools

Plus, special guests:

[00:28:51] Michelle Culver, Founder of The Rithm Project, and Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, on the psychological risks of AI companions, building trust in AI tools, and designing for pro-social relationships
[00:51:48] Ben Caulfield, CEO of Eedi, shares groundbreaking findings from their Google DeepMind study: AI tutors now match—and sometimes outperform—humans in math instruction, and how Eedi powers the future of scalable, safe AI tutoring.

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This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

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