Getting Smart Podcast Catching Up: Grey Goo, News Deserts, and Our Predictions for 2026
Jan 16, 2026
Hosts dive into the future of education, exploring the rise of AI in classrooms and the public's desire for regulation. They discuss the decline of local newspapers and propose student-run media as a solution to combat news deserts. Predictions for 2026 cover everything from increased cell phone bans in schools to the potential emergence of AI celebrities. The conversation emphasizes fostering creativity and critical thinking in education while highlighting the importance of community and peer support. Join for a mix of insightful forecasts and lighthearted banter!
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AI Tutors Advancing Basic Literacies
- AI tutors paired with humans could advance basic literacy and math at scale.
- Nate McClennen expects progress on adaptive AI tutoring to increase feedback frequency and learning outcomes.
Funding Murkiness Slows Education Progress
- Federal funding uncertainty will create delays that hinder educational progress.
- Mason Pashia warns funding murkiness stalls momentum on programs needing steady support.
ESAs Require Local Learning Ecosystems
- ESA growth drives demand for community learning infrastructure to spend backpacked dollars.
- Nate McClennen predicts ecosystems must emerge to let families stack learning options effectively.