Edtech Insiders

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.

Evan Harris, President of Pathos Consulting Group, discusses the rising threat of deepfake abuse in schools and the need for crisis response strategies. Becky Keene, author of AI Optimism, shares insights on integrating AI literacy for teachers while advocating for innovative teaching methods. Max Spero of Pangram Labs explores how emerging tech can transform education. They delve into the backlash against the GPT-5 rollout, the shifting dynamics between B2B and B2C educational models, and the urgent call for an AI user Bill of Rights to empower students in the digital landscape.

Drew Bent, who leads Education at Anthropic and co-founded Schoolhouse.world, shares his insights on the intersection of AI and education. He discusses why Claude is focusing on educational uses and highlights findings from the Education Report on AI's impact on student learning. Drew explains how Claude's innovative ‘learning mode’ promotes Socratic dialogue and encourages critical thinking, countering the tendency toward passive learning. He also envisions a future where AI enhances human interactions in education rather than replacing them.

Julia Stiglitz, CEO and Co-Founder of Uplimit, shares her extensive journey from teaching to leading groundbreaking initiatives at Coursera and now transforming corporate learning with AI. She discusses how AI is reshaping learning environments, emphasizing the shift from traditional training catalogs to customized AI academies. Julia highlights the importance of involving subject matter experts in education and how AI empowers small L&D teams to create scalable, engaging learning experiences that align with business objectives.

Join Claire Zau of GSV Ventures, as she welcomes guests including Derwin Sisnett, CEO of Adaptive Commons; Dr. Alan Bekker, co-founder of eSelf AI; and Andrea Pasinetti, CEO of Kira. They explore transformative AI tools in education, contrasting Google’s Guided Learning with OpenAI’s Study Mode. Exciting VR and AI advancements are discussed, alongside the Thrive Big Ideas Challenge that offers $100K grants to innovators. The merger of BETT and GSV Summit is also highlighted as a major step in the edtech landscape.

Amir Nathoo, CEO of Outschool, and Justin Dent, Founding Executive Director of Outschool.org, dive into the challenges of personalized education. They discuss why traditional systems fail to cater to individual needs and the frictions low-income families face when choosing alternatives. The conversation highlights Outschool's innovative marketplace model that fosters diverse learning opportunities. They emphasize the role of community and trust in education and how technology, including AI, can ease decision-making for families looking for the best educational options.

Katy Knight, the President of the Siegel Family Endowment, and Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, dive into the complexities of AI literacy and its limitations. They emphasize the need for deeper skills beyond just coding, highlighting systemic barriers to equitable computer science education. The pair also advocate for a radical rethink of K-12 education, suggesting computer science could replace traditional math. Their insights on philanthropy's role in modernizing education reveal practical solutions for a technology-driven future.

Ryan Trattner, CTO of StudyFetch and an advocate of AI in education, shares insights on personalized learning tools that have seen rapid adoption. Brad Carson, President of Americans for Responsible Innovation, discusses the implications of AI policy for educational environments. They dive into the impressive role of AI at the Math Olympiad, discuss Roblox's educational initiatives, and address how federal funding is shaping AI integration in schools. Their perspectives highlight the balancing act between innovation and responsible AI use in education.

Vijay Thakkar, CEO of FotonVR, and Nisha Panchal, Head of Global Business Development, dive into the transformative power of virtual reality in education. They discuss how VR turns abstract science concepts into engaging experiences, making learning memorable and interactive. The duo highlights the importance of localized content for global adoption and shares inspiring stories, like students envisioning careers as scientists post-simulation. Additionally, they explore the merging of AI with VR for personalized learning experiences that connect classrooms worldwide.

In this engaging discussion, Matthew Gasda, a writer and director whose latest novel is 'The Sleepers', and Marc Graham, the CEO of Spark Education AI, share their insights on the evolving landscape of education technology. They delve into the role of AI as both a companion for teens and a tool to personalize reading experiences. The conversation covers the impact of AI agents, privacy concerns, and the competitive talent wars among tech giants. Gasda also encourages educators to rethink writing practices in the AI era.