Edtech Insiders

CT Turner, President of GED Testing Service and VP at Pearson, is a trailblazer in workforce development, focusing on equitable opportunities for underserved communities. He discusses the GED's transformation over 80 years and its role in bridging education and employment. Listeners hear inspiring success stories from GED graduates who overcame obstacles. CT highlights how technology, especially AI and gamification, is redefining GED preparation, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes, while envisioning a future of skills-based credentialing.

Ivan Crewkov, CEO and Co-Founder of Buddy.ai, shares his journey from creating smart speakers to developing a unique AI tutor for kids. He discusses how Buddy.ai gamifies language learning and its widespread adoption in classrooms globally. Crewkov highlights the innovative speech recognition technology tailored for children and Buddy's unexpected role in aiding speech therapy for kids with special needs. The conversation also touches on using generative AI to enhance educational content, blending entertainment with immersive learning experiences.

Karim Meghji, Chief Product Officer of Code.org, shares his insights on the importance of integrating computer science and AI into education. He discusses the challenge of early childhood education enrollment despite universal pre-K, and explores the competition in the edtech space, particularly with Google’s recent AI advancements impacting platforms like Duolingo. Karim also highlights Code.org's Hour of AI initiative, aimed at empowering students with AI knowledge, and the role of teachers in navigating this evolving landscape.

Daphne Li, CEO of Common Sense Privacy, leads a discussion with Ben Johnson, CTO of Prodigy Education, Aaron Cuny, Founder of AI for Equity, Adeel Khan, Founder of Magic School AI, and Tina Hwang, Head of Legal at ClassDojo. They explore how edtech can earn trust through data privacy practices. Key topics include the significance of the Privacy Seal, how Prodigy integrates trust in its design, and the challenges smaller districts face. Each guest highlights their commitment to responsible AI and privacy in creating safe learning environments.

Abhay Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Frizzle, previously a Product Manager at Coinbase, Tesla, and Meta, shares insights on revolutionizing education. He reveals how Frizzle can save teachers up to 20 hours a week through innovative grading solutions for handwritten assignments. Gupta discusses the resurgence of pen-and-paper learning, the benefits of Agile Learning for personalized student feedback, and the role of AI in enhancing educational experiences. Get ready to explore the future of teaching and learning!

Chong-Hao Fu, CEO of Leading Educators, brings 14 years of experience in instructional improvement to the table. He discusses the vital role of instructional coherence in school enhancement and how AI can reshape lesson planning. Fu emphasizes the need for teachers to be in control when adopting new technologies. He shares insights on cultivating future-ready skills through innovative civic and AI projects, stressing that scaling innovation requires both coherence and a commitment to continuous improvement in education.

This week delves into the alarming link between teen mental health and AI, specifically ChatGPT. The discussion highlights how AI could shape job opportunities for recent grads and draws parallels to past tech-related moral panics. Bill Ackman sparks debate over AI-driven education with his Alpha School model, raising questions about its implications. OpenAI's expansion plans and Anthropic’s emphasis on augmentation over automation in higher education are also key topics, driving the urgency for responsible AI practices in classrooms.

Ted Dintersmith, a bestselling author and education advocate, shares his insights on math education today. He argues that high school math often misses real-world relevance, favoring formulas over practical skills. Dintersmith critiques standardized testing for stifling creativity and emphasizes the importance of mathematical thinking in interpreting data. He highlights the role of AI in reshaping learning priorities and advocates for new measures of student success that focus on creativity and accountability in education.

Brittany Miller, the CIO at the Center for Outcomes-Based Contracting, discusses how edtech partnerships can align funding with student outcomes. Jahque Bryan-Gooden, founder of My CRE Buddy, highlights the importance of culturally responsive education and innovative tools that cater to diverse student experiences. Jim Marggraff, CEO of Kibeam Learning, introduces screen-free AI tools designed to transform reading education. Together, they explore the intersection of AI advancements, systemic challenges in education, and the potential for personalized learning.

Arun Saigal, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunkable, is on a mission to empower creators through no-code mobile app development. He discusses how Thunkable evolved from an MIT project to a global platform, helping students create real apps for professional portfolios. The role of generative AI is spotlighted, showcasing its ability to enhance creativity and problem-solving in education. Learn about inspiring student stories and the transformative impact of mobile apps, all while engaging learners in today's tech-driven world.