Practically Intelligent E20 – From Classrooms to Curiosity: AI & The Future of Learning with Katelyn Donnelly
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Jun 4, 2025 
Katelyn Donnelly, Founder and Managing Director of Avalanche VC, is a driving force in early-stage ed-tech and AI investing. She discusses how consumer tech often outpaces educational frameworks and emphasizes the importance of sparking curiosity over mere personalization. Katelyn explores AI's roles as a learning aide and a motivator, advocating for immersive learning tools like VR and gamified experiences. She highlights the need for balancing tech with human connections, cautioning against a solely digital learning environment.
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Everyday Consumer Tech Is Learning Tech
- Consumer tech often doubles as the best learning technology because people learn while using tools they love.
- AI tools like OpenAI amplify human intelligence and make everyday tech into learning platforms.
Classroom Systems Differ From Informal Learning
- 'Education' (formal systems) and 'learning' (informal) overlap but are distinct markets with different buyers and incentives.
- Many breakthroughs in learning happen outside classrooms via parents, peers, or platforms like YouTube.
VR Curriculum Sold To Schools
- Prisms of Reality sells VR math and science curriculum B2B to schools and includes teacher dashboards for classroom management.
- The product pairs consumer-grade immersion with admin tools so teachers can track and support students.