Katie Kurtz, Managing Director and Global Head of Youth and Learning at YouTube, shares her journey from Knewton to YouTube’s innovative role in education. Discover how YouTube has become a powerful learning platform, introducing features like quizzes and AI-driven tutors. She discusses the Study Hall program that helps students earn college credits and the balance between education and entertainment for creators. Kurtz also dives into the future of AI in shaping engaging educational experiences on the platform.
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Katie Kurtz's EdTech Journey
Katie Kurtz started in education with test prep at Princeton Review during early internet days.
She developed iPhone apps and adaptive learning tools focusing on learner engagement early on.
insights INSIGHT
YouTube as Massive Learning Platform
YouTube is one of the world's largest learning platforms with billions logging in monthly.
Most users come motivated intrinsically to learn new skills or gather knowledge.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Leverage YouTube Learning Tools
Use YouTube's new interactive features like quizzes and conversational AI tutors to boost learning.
Attachments like lesson plans and worksheets to courses increase learner satisfaction.
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Katie Kurtz is Managing Director and Global Head of Youth and Learning at YouTube where she is responsible for developing the ecosystem to engage, inform, and educate kids, teens, and adults. Katie joined YouTube in 2019 after serving as Chief Product Officer at Noodle Partners, an online program manager designing and building fully online degree programs for universities. Previously she was Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for Higher Education at Cengage Learning. Prior to that Katie was Vice President of Business Development at adaptive learning pioneer Knewton, where she led the platform's partnership strategy for three years.
💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How YouTube has become one of the largest learning platforms globally.
The new educational features on YouTube, including quizzes, key concepts, and AI conversational tutors.
Insights into YouTube’s Study Hall program, allowing students to earn college credits.
The delicate balance between entertainment and education that creators must maintain.
The future of AI and machine learning in shaping YouTube’s educational experiences.
✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:32] Katie Kurtz discusses her career path from Knewton to YouTube [00:05:29] The rise of YouTube as one of the largest global learning platforms [00:06:29] New educational tools on YouTube, including quizzes and AI-driven tutors. [00:10:16] Study Hall: YouTube’s program helping students earn college credits.[00:18:06] YouTube’s “Player for Education” and its benefits for teachers and classrooms. [00:21:31] The role of AI in transforming education on YouTube. [00:24:02] Katie reflects on YouTube's responsibility as a leading educational platform.
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