Edtech Insiders cover image

Edtech Insiders

Reigniting a Love for Reading with AI and Avatars with Lawton Smith, CEO of Literal

Mar 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Lawton Smith, co-founder and CEO of Literal, a groundbreaking digital reading platform, sheds light on the alarming decline in reading scores among adolescents. He reveals how Literal transforms classic literature into interactive chat-based formats, making reading more relatable for today’s youth. Lawton shares his personal journey with reading and emphasizes the crucial role of AI in enhancing comprehension through tools like translation and rephrasing. The conversation highlights the importance of playful, personalized reading to rekindle a love for literature.
47:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The decline in global reading scores among adolescents is linked to changing media habits and an overemphasis on short-form content.
  • Literal's innovative use of AI and chat-based formats transforms classic literature into immersive, engaging experiences tailored for modern students.

Deep dives

The Decline in Reading Engagement

Global reading scores have been in decline, with students spending more time on screens and less on reading, particularly affecting adolescents. Standard assessments like the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the PISA exam indicate a worrying trend, showing that reading performance levels have reverted to those of 1972, despite decades of investment and effort. Contributing factors include the accessibility of digital media, which has changed reading habits and overemphasized short-form content due to standardized testing. This situation presents a concerning gap in the development of critical soft skills necessary for success in professional environments.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode