Edtech Insiders

In this insightful discussion, Christy Pang, CEO of Lirvana Labs, shares insights on multilingual AI learning companions designed for trauma-informed education. Jason Palmer, from SoCrate, reveals how voice-activated tools can minimize teacher workloads by converting speech to structured data. Robin Cowie, founder of Skillmaker.ai, discusses using XR and smart glasses to revolutionize automotive training, while Neel Rao of Glimmer explains how AI-driven insights can enhance personalized math instruction. Together, they illuminate the future of educational technology across diverse sectors.

Rohan Mahimkar, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Prodigy Education, shares how his childhood gaming passion led to creating a game-based math platform used by over 20 million kids. They discuss Prodigy's unique 'motivation first' approach and an innovative freemium model that helps schools keep costs down. Rohan reveals how adaptive algorithms personalize learning and details the massive Prodigy State Challenge, which engages millions. He also explores future integrations of AI and plans to expand beyond math, ensuring global access to engaging education.

Mireia Torello, CEO and co-founder of Aikreate, is on a mission to revolutionize AI literacy for students and educators worldwide. With a PhD in Earth Sciences, she discusses how AI literacy is a crucial mindset for the future. Mireia reveals how teaching ethics and collaboration with AI can empower students. She emphasizes integrating AI across all subjects rather than confining it to a single class. Mireia also shares insights on training teachers alongside students and highlights the role of safety in adopting AI technologies in schools.

Adam Mangana, Co-founder and CEO of Optima Ed, leads the charge in educational innovation with the first full-time VR homeschool backed by Meta. He discusses how immersive learning, like 'entering a cell', enhances understanding and personalizes education through AI. Adam highlights the importance of education savings accounts in expanding school choice and reducing online school loneliness via metaverse classrooms. He shares how VR allows teachers flexible teaching schedules while retaining classical education content in an engaging, modern format.

Join Justin Reich, director at MIT Teaching Systems Lab, as he shares insights on AI in classrooms and the realities of edtech's transformative promises. Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson dive into their research on student engagement in 'The Disengaged Teen,' exploring the alarming decline in enjoyment and defining vital learner agency. They introduce the four learner modes, offering practical strategies for reshaping disengaged students. This conversation navigates the intersection of technology and education, spotlighting the importance of thoughtful innovation.

Joe Watt, Managing Director of ECMC Group’s Education Impact Fund, and Atin Batra, its Director, explore transformative educational investments. They discuss how patient capital drives measurable outcomes and address inequities in learning. The duo introduces the four stages of the learner journey, emphasizing the importance of AI-resilient career pathways. They also examine Workforce Pell's potential impact and the balance between vocational training and critical thinking. Key insights include the necessity of product velocity and ensuring accountability in federal funding.

Avi Warshavsky, founder of MindCET and creator of the GESAwards, shares insights on global edtech communities. Jessica Hicklin from Unlocked Labs discusses innovative education systems for incarcerated learners, addressing unique needs that mainstream solutions overlook. Tom Gale of Solfeg.io emphasizes the importance of music education in fostering engagement and well-being, while showcasing how the platform has transformed learning through popular songs. Together, they explore AI's role in leveling the education playing field and the benefits of collaboration among regional partners.

Joy Chen, an Enterprise Account Manager at HeyGen and expert in educational technology, discusses the transformative impact of AI avatars on instructional design. She highlights how these interactive tools enhance student engagement and personalization in learning environments. Meanwhile, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, a theater scholar and author, delves into Lin-Manuel Miranda's creative journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and collaboration in education. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and creativity in shaping artists' paths.

Anna Edwards, a policy expert from Whiteboard Advisors, dives into the implications of the federal shutdown on education programs like Head Start. Jim and Maurie Beasley from AI EdPro share their insights on classroom AI pilots, emphasizing teacher adaptation and low-cost solutions for improving student outcomes. Stacey Brook of College Essay Advisors discusses the ethical use of AI in admissions essays, encouraging students to maintain their authentic voice while navigating the process. The conversation highlights pressing challenges in both K–12 and higher education.

Deborah Howes, President of Howes Studio and a digital museum education pioneer, shares her insights on revolutionizing museum learning. She discusses how AI is reshaping museum archives and accessibility, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in EdTech. Deborah advocates for open-access museum data to enhance global learning and urges collaboration between tech firms and museums. She also highlights how museums can inspire better AI tutoring methods, urging them to adapt to remain relevant in the digital age.