Edtech Insiders

Sarah DeWitt, Senior VP at PBS KIDS, shares insights on navigating funding cuts and the implications of AI in educational media. She highlights the organization's adaptability in providing quality content despite financial challenges. José Francisco Ochoa Ordóñez, co-founder of Academia del Océano, discusses democratizing access to marine education through innovative hybrid models. Both guests emphasize the need for critical engagement with technology in education while advocating for sustainable practices and community involvement in learning.

Jerome Pesenti, founder of Sizzle AI and an AI expert with 25 years in the field, discusses the transformative impact of AI on learning. He highlights how Sizzle AI turns study materials into personalized, bite-sized content, enhancing student engagement. Jerome shares his journey from big tech to focusing on education and explores the future of homework in the AI era. He emphasizes the potential of AI as a lifelong study companion, adapting learning paths to individual needs and fostering real understanding beyond mere answers.

Yesi Sevilla, Founder of Chalk Coaching, brings over 20 years of ed tech expertise and emphasizes the critical role of teacher support in early education. Ed Buckley and Marlee Strawn from Scholar Education discuss their innovative AI-powered 'dog bots' that assist both students and teachers. They highlight inclusive innovation for neurodiverse learners, the importance of actionable data, and the collaborative development needed in edtech. The conversation showcases how technology can transform early education while advocating for lifelong learning.

Matt Tower from Whiteboard Advisors joins the discussion about the evolving edtech landscape. They highlight the rise of AI use in education and workplaces, revealing that it's doubled in just two years. There's concern over OpenAI's push into colleges, with critics fearing increased cheating. Professors are now turning back to blue books and flipped classrooms to combat AI plagiarism. They also delve into how poor tech habits are impacting student performance and the vital role parents play in shaping post-high school choices.

Join Eric Swanson, Senior VP of Practice and Instructional Products, and Storey Sitwala, Senior Director of Product Management at Renaissance Learning, as they discuss the transformative role of EdTech. Discover how Renaissance Next is streamlining data for teachers and why personalization is key for both educators and students. They dive into the importance of unifying diverse educational tools and maintaining teacher autonomy in AI design. Learn about the synergy between UX and AI, enhancing educational outcomes through data-driven insights.

Rod Danan, Founder and CEO of Prentus, shares insights on bridging bootcamps to careers with community and coaching strategies to help job seekers thrive in an AI-driven world. Lars-Petter Kjos, Co-founder of We Are Learning, discusses how generative AI tools can revolutionize custom video content creation for educators. The conversation also touches on the impressive growth of OpenAI, AI regulation challenges, and innovative assessment methods, emphasizing how education and technology are evolving to meet the demands of a new generation.

Dr. Mike McKenna, Senior Advisor at Tuck Advisors and Chief Academic Officer in Pennsylvania, deep dives into the dynamic world of EdTech. He explores why 2025 could be pivotal for mergers and acquisitions in the sector. He highlights key purchasing trends for K-12 districts amidst funding challenges and discusses how smaller AI companies can better position themselves for acquisition. McKenna emphasizes usability as a critical factor for districts seeking AI tools, linking effective integration to real educational outcomes.

Juan Zavala, a Partner at New Markets Venture Partners, specializes in education technology investments. He discusses why sustainable, capital-efficient growth is crucial in EdTech, dismissing the allure of flashy valuations. Zavala highlights the significant market gap in the U.S. education system and the need for balancing profit with purpose. He also explains the importance of aligning incentives among stakeholders and how innovative models like Nexford University are reshaping education for better outcomes.

Dr. Margaret Honey, President and CEO of the Scratch Foundation, shares her expertise in leveraging digital technologies for children's education. She discusses how Scratch empowers kids through creativity and community, highlighting its impressive growth to over 46 million users. The conversation delves into the unique philosophy of learning that sets Scratch apart, AI integration to foster exploration, and the significance of sustainable models in educational platforms. Margaret emphasizes that true learning requires inspiration and a supportive environment.

Senan Khawaja, the CEO of Kollegio, discusses how AI is revolutionizing college admissions, making it more personalized for students. Connor Diemand-Yauman and Rebecca Taber Staehelin from Merit America dive into strategies for bridging the skills gap and creating accessible career pathways. They emphasize the balance of technology and personal coaching in education, addressing economic mobility and the evolving job market. The trio also tackles broader conversations around AI's transformational role in education, igniting critical debates on the future of teaching.