Edtech Insiders

Vanessa Castañeda Gill, CEO of Social Cipher and an autistic/ADHD Latina, teams up with Lucy Stevens, the Creative Director, to create engaging social-emotional learning games for neurodivergent youth. They discuss how their lived experiences shape game design, focusing on authentic representation and strengths-based approaches. The duo highlights feedback from players, emphasizing the importance of belonging in mitigating youth anxiety. They also explore the integration of their curriculum in schools, making a significant impact on students' self-advocacy and connection.

Janak Panchal, a teacherpreneur and co-founder of CoGuide, and Rishan Dutia, a young CTO who started developing edtech at age 12, share insights on revolutionizing classrooms with AI. They discuss how CoGuide enhances teaching through real-time analytics and language support, focusing on collaborative learning rather than one-on-one tutoring. Janak highlights the project’s origin from classroom needs, while Rishan emphasizes student privacy and engagement. Together, they envision a future where AI reduces teacher burnout and fosters deeper peer discussions.

Nick Chen, an edtech product veteran and founder of PlayMath.org, discusses the elements that make educational games effective, stressing the need for meaningful gameplay and immediate feedback. Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum, emphasizes the importance of career-connected learning, explaining how early exposure to various career pathways can enhance student engagement without pigeonholing them. They also delve into the rising use of VR for skilled trades training and the broader implications of current educational reforms and workforce needs.

In this enlightening discussion, Vikas Pota, an education entrepreneur, leads a cast of inspiring innovators transforming global education. Hamdi Tabbaa reveals how Abwaab blends human advising with AI for customized learning in MENA. Smita Deorah shares LEAD's innovative approach to multimodal learning in India, enhancing classroom engagement. Anna Sydoruk emphasizes the role of online education in providing stability during conflict in Ukraine. Rapelang Rabana discusses Imagine Worldwide’s impactful literacy programs in Africa, while Serdar Ferit showcases Lyfta's immersive storytelling to foster empathy. Aniekeme Umoh highlights Miva's growth in bridging Nigeria's tertiary education gaps.

Join creative powerhouses Scott and Julie Stewart, co-founders of Nurture, alongside entrepreneur Roger Egan and learning expert Musa Roshdy. They discuss transforming screen time into active learning through storytelling and humor, creating immersive experiences where kids become heroes. Discover how AI personalizes engagement and why beloved characters can enhance learning. They challenge the notion that fun and education can’t coexist, aiming to foster future-ready skills in children—all while ensuring play remains an integral part of learning.

Jean-Claude Brizard, the dynamic President and CEO of Digital Promise, shares his vision for the future of education. He discusses how blending learning sciences with technology can accelerate innovation. Brizard emphasizes the need for schools to prepare for AI and quantum computing while focusing on adaptable career pathways rather than just job preparation. He also sheds light on the critical roles that philanthropy and government play in education funding, advocating for collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Christine Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, shares insights on how AI is transforming entry-level jobs and the skills needed in the workforce. She discusses the Handshake AI Fellowship, which helps students gain practical experience with AI in real-world settings. Christine emphasizes that AI fluency and domain expertise will be crucial for early-career success, while also addressing the importance of collaborative efforts with AI labs to enhance job readiness and reduce bias in AI outputs.

Naria Santa Lucia, General Manager of Elevate at Microsoft, oversees global education and skilling programs that have impacted over 100 million learners. She discusses how this unique moment in workforce development is driven by AI reshaping vital skills. Naria elaborates on the importance of credentials for equity in career pathways and how public-private partnerships scale AI education. She also shares insights on integrating AI tools in classrooms and the growing need for human skills alongside technological advancements.

Dave Messer, Product Manager on Google's Learning & Education team, shares insights from his transition from classroom teacher to tech innovator. He discusses Google's ambitious vision for AI, aiming to provide a personal tutor for every student. Multimodal learning is highlighted, showcasing how visuals and media enhance comprehension. Messer also emphasizes the importance of student feedback in shaping Guided Learning, balancing personalization with privacy concerns, and the role of learning science in creating effective educational tools.

Andrew Grauer, Co-founder and CEO of Learneo Inc., dives into his journey from launching Course Hero at Cornell to leading an expansive EdTech portfolio. He discusses how QuillBot is revolutionizing AI-powered writing to support immediate learning and professional needs. Grauer also tackles the ongoing challenges of integrity in education, highlighting the importance of thoughtful implementation. He envisions a multimodal future for QuillBot that extends beyond text, showcasing AI's potential through translation and innovative learning tools.