Edtech Insiders

Join Anna Edwards and Ben Wallerstein from Whiteboard Advisors, alongside Kavitta Ghai of Nectir and Lindsay Dworkin from HMH, as they dissect the post-election landscape in education. They discuss the potential restructuring of the Education Department by Republicans and the looming end of ESSER funds affecting districts. Kavitta highlights AI's transformative potential in higher education, while Lindsay emphasizes the need for adaptable edtech strategies amidst shifting policies. It's a deep dive into the future of education amid change!

Chuck Cohn, Founder and CEO of Nerdy, shares his journey from private equity to launching Varsity Tutors. He discusses the evolution of tutoring, emphasizing high-dosage sessions as keys to combating learning loss. The conversation highlights how AI is reshaping education, from creating adaptive lesson plans to facilitating diverse student interactions with translation tools. Cohn also delves into the strategic shift from direct-to-consumer models to institutional partnerships, showcasing a vision for more accessible tutoring solutions.

Mark Miller, Founder and Managing Director of Good Harbor Partners, shares his extensive experience in the edtech industry. He discusses the pivotal moments for entrepreneurs, emphasizing when to grow versus pursue acquisitions. Mark highlights the critical role of a clear capital strategy in navigating today's funding challenges and the influence of AI on M&A dynamics. He also addresses common pitfalls in capital strategy and the ongoing challenges of funding sustainability in K-12 and higher education.

Libby Hills, a leader at Jacobs Foundation in EdTech, and Owen Henkel, an AI researcher at Oxford, discuss the evolving role of AI in education. They highlight the limitations of AI in understanding student learning and showcase the hybrid models merging AI with human interaction, like the Rori math tutoring chatbot. The conversation touches on effective tutoring strategies and UK government initiatives supporting AI integration. They emphasize the importance of maintaining human connections to motivate students amidst the rise of AI technologies.

This week, the hosts delve into how upcoming elections could reshape education policy and tackle rising concerns over college ROI and student loans. A notable drop in freshman enrollment since the pandemic is highlighted, alongside SchooLinks' impressive $80M funding boost aimed at expanding career pathways. The role of AI in transforming higher education takes center stage, with discussions on its benefits and alarming incidents linked to AI technology. Lastly, advancements in XR from Meta and Apple illustrate the growing intersection of tech and education.

In this episode, Nathan Maynard, CEO and Founder of HighFive, shares his journey from a youth worker to an edtech innovator. He discusses the transformative power of technology and empathy in reshaping school discipline. The conversation highlights how fostering a sense of belonging can reduce negative behaviors, and the impact of AI on real-time interventions. Nathan also explores HighFive's expansion across the U.S. and its partnership with Roosh X to enhance mental health initiatives in schools.

Shauntel Garvey, Co-founder and General Partner at Reach Capital, discusses the latest trends in EdTech, including highlights from New York EdTech Week. She delves into the rise of micro companies and the unique opportunities they present. Garvey explores the implications of AI in education, from resource allocation debates to its potential in personalizing learning. The conversation also touches on the intersection of philanthropy and EdTech, emphasizing their role in fostering sustainable models and supporting student transitions into the workforce.

Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, oversees a platform that educates over 45 million students globally. He discusses the company's strategy for building lasting school partnerships and how they leverage AI-driven tools to simplify assessments for teachers. Shaw explains the importance of navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions to drive innovation, while highlighting initiatives like Career Connect that prepare students for real-world careers. He also shares insights on adapting to budget shifts in the ever-evolving EdTech landscape.

Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of AERDF, is a champion for inclusive education, merging her background as a high school English teacher with innovative research. She discusses the importance of centering Black, Latino, and low-income learners in education research to create impactful solutions. The conversation highlights AERDF’s transformative programs in math and literacy, the challenges of collaboration in education, and the role of AI in promoting equity. Auditi emphasizes that engaging all stakeholders—students, educators, and researchers—is crucial for successful co-design.

Stephen Jull, co-founder of GeoGebra and a seasoned EdTech expert, discusses how AI and human tutors can transform education systems. He emphasizes the urgent need to address teacher shortages in STEM fields through technology. Jull shares insights on fostering inclusive AI to support neurodiverse learners and reflects on his journey from teaching in remote Canada to leading global projects at GeoGebra. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of innovative technologies in reshaping personalized learning and educational accessibility.