Edtech Insiders

Send us a textIn this episode of Week in Edtech, Ben and Alex discuss:1. AI + EDU Conference Replays held last October 26, 2023 are now live on the Edtech Insiders Youtube Channel.2. Stanford Accelerate Edtech Impact Summit3. Biden's AI Executive OrderFor AI in generalData PrivacyEducation4. Edtech Noon closes $41 million Series B - Wamda5. Interview with guest Christian Byza of Learn.xyz6. Funding Rounds/M&AsSlooh raises $5M Instructure acquires Parchment for $800MBibliu acquires Texas Book CompanyVector Solutions acquires PATHWAYos Rise In acquires Blockbeam

Send us a textToday we’re speaking with Yvonne Soh and Jim Wagstaff, the co-founders of Noodle Factory, an AI-powered teaching and learning platform based in Singapore. Before co-founding Noodle Factory, Yvonne Soh spent many years in adult education, working closely with different companies to incorporate technology to improve learning outcomes. Previously, Yvonne worked in product, product marketing, and solution development roles at Dell Technologies and F5 Networks. Dr. Jim Wagstaff co-founded Noodle Factory, is also the co-founder of Jam Factory and a founding board member of Up 2 Speed–companies that focus on corporate training. Jim began his career at Dell Technologies, Brocade Communications, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in various sales, pre-sales, sales management, channel management, general management, and executive roles. Most recently, Jim was Vice- President and General Manager of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s data storage business in the APJ region.Jim earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Liverpool (UK). His ongoing research focuses on how organizations harness the power of digital capabilities to better serve customers, students, and users. Jim has also earned his post-doctoral diploma in academic practice from the University of Liverpool in coordination with the Fellowship for Higher Education in the UK, where his ongoing work includes action research concerning the use of generative AI in teaching and learning.Recommended Resources:Techcrunchlearnprompting.org

Send us a textIn this episode of Week in Edtech, Ben and Alex discuss:1. Recap of the Edtech Insiders October Events:AI+EDU Conference 730+ Registrants and 70%+ Attendance Rate held virtuallyEdtech AI Founders Forum and Happy Hour in San Francisco2. Biden's AI executive order coming Monday, October 30th.Sweeping new Biden order aims to alter the AI landscape3. Edtech Events:AI dominates Educause conferenceASU+GSV Air Show on April 13-15, 20244. State of AI Report 2023: a 160+ page report covering trends across research, industry adoption, politics and safety of AI. Nathan Beinach’s director cut (a snapshot of key themes and ideas) here.5.  American Federation of Teachers partners with AI identification platform, GPTZero6. DALL·E 3 is now available in ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise7. Blueprint Prep Introduces the First and Only AI-Powered MCAT Tutor8. K-12:Dozens of states sue Instagram-parent Meta over 'addictive' features and youth mental health harms9. Higher Ed:Undergraduate enrollment up for the first time since 2020Undergraduate enrollment increases after years of decline10. Big Tech:Slack takes week off for upskillingMultiverse cuts jobs in move away from school-leaver apprenticeshipsDuolingo Previews Its Multi-Subject Future at Duocon 2023Snap partners with edtech company Inspirit to bring its AR tech to 50 US schools11. Interview with guest Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDUSIIA puts out AI principles

Send us a textIn this episode, join us for an insightful exploration into the ever-evolving landscape of education technology and innovation. Gautam Tambay, the CEO and founder of Springboard, provides a comprehensive look at the dynamic bootcamp industry. He shares valuable insights into Springboard's innovative three-pronged approach, catering to individual learners, businesses, and academic institutions, highlighting the success and impact of this multifaceted model.Additionally, our conversation with Kyle Wallgren, CEO of Edsoma, sheds light on the remarkable journey of an entrepreneur making significant waves in the edtech sphere. Having recently drawn attention during New York Edtech Week, Kyle's innovative approach, particularly in the domain of early reading, has been noteworthy. The episode delves into Kyle's transition from a non-edtech background to impactful work within the industry and explores the exciting endeavors facilitated by the backing of a high-profile investor, Shaquille O'Neal.Join us for a captivating discussion featuring industry visionaries, sharing their insights, experiences, and the future of education technology. Get inspired by the innovative trajectories and forward-thinking strategies embraced by these influential figures in the world of edtech. Subscribe now!

Send us a textHonorlock is an  online test proctoring service that combines AI software like computer vision with decision making of live test proctors.Paul Morales leads Honorlock’s software and operations technology initiatives with a “security-first” approach. Paul believes that Information Security and Privacy are of the utmost importance in both professional and personal environments. Jordan Adair is the VP of Product at Honorlock. Jordan began his career in education as an elementary and middle school teacher. After transitioning into educational technology, he became focused on delivering products designed to empower instructors and improve the student experience.Recommended Resources:MidjourneyKhanmigo by Sal KhanLex Fridman podcastRedditHacker News

Send us a textMaia Glikman is a Los Angeles based producer whose body of work spans numerous areas of the entertainment industry. Highlights as an executive include several years at ABC Network, Lucasfilm and Sony Pictures Television. Maia is the CEO of GoKidGo, Inc. and Never Ever Productions, female led ventures developing exceptional IP for children and adults respectively. As a creative producer, Maia’s mandate is the production of high-quality content that resonates with today’s audience, most especially those that champion female and underrepresented voices. Most recently, R.L. Stine’s Story Club, produced by GoKidGo, has been selected as a Best of the Best finalist for "Best Podcast” at the 2022 Cynopsis Awards.Matt Hammersley is the Co-Founder and CEO at Novel Effect, Inc. Novel Effect is an award-winning mobile app that follows along during story time with interactive music, sound effects, and character voices creating magical moments when you read aloud with your child. They are on a mission to empower educators, parents, and kids to connect and engage with each other and books. Their unique form of storytelling brings the story to life, engaging and capturing the imaginations of children and their grown-ups. They believe every child is full of potential and that more well-read children in the world will create a better future for us all!Recommended Resources:Get ready to explore the future of education! Join Edtech Insiders for a virtual conference featuring 30+ of the top voices shaping the future of Al + Education. A full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking!Register now here: AI+EDU Virtual Conference

Rebecca Kantar, Vice President of Education at Roblox, is a dynamic force in educational technology. She discusses how gaming can enhance learning by bridging real-world challenges with practical skills. Kantar critiques traditional college admissions tests like the SAT and ACT, advocating for innovative, game-based assessments. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in creating educational content and explores the transformative potential of Roblox and AI in redefining how students engage with learning. Her insights illuminate the future of education through play.

Send us a textDustin Ramsdell is an EdTech content creator and influencer who aims to drive meaningful conversations with top leaders in the Higher Ed field. His show, The Higher Ed Geek Podcast, explores all the nuances of higher education, with a focus on innovative technology and practices from his fellow professionals. Dustin also currently works as the Community Engagement Lead at Pathify. He loves craft beer, good pizza, and sustainability. Dustin lives happily in Delaware with his wife, Jenn, and their daughter, Ellie.Recommended Resources:Student Success Event by Times Higher Education and Inside Higher EdNovember 7–9, 2023University of California, Los AngelesGet ready to explore the future of education! Join Edtech Insiders for a virtual conference featuring 30+ of the top voices shaping the future of Al + Education. A full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking!Register now here: AI+EDU Virtual Conference

Send us a textBen Strouse oversees Gen-Z Media, the studio behind the biggest middle-grade and family podcast mysteries and adventures. Its slate of more than 20 shows includes “Six Minutes,” the most downloaded family drama in history and a big classroom favorite, the Peabody Award winning classic “The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel,” and its current hit, “Nightingale”, in which three teens with cancer find a portal in the hospital basement leading to another world. GZM Shows focuses exclusively on producing smart and purposeful digital programming created specifically to impact and engage tweens, teens and family audiences. Recommended Resources:gzmclassroom.comweareteachers.com list of podcastsGet ready to explore the future of education! Join Edtech Insiders for a virtual conference featuring 30+ of the top voices shaping the future of Al + Education. A full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking!Register now here: AI+EDU Virtual Conference

Send us a textDavid Shacklette is the Product Manager for the Harvard Skills Lab, a Schmidt Futures funded research initiative and startup that designs performance-based assessment tools that can be used by universities, businesses, and individuals to provide a clearer picture of the foundational skills (sometimes called “soft skills”) required for individuals and teams to succeed in the labor market. Prior to joining the Skills Lab, David has held product roles at Fortune Magazine, where most notably he launched and scaled Fortune’s first education vertical (fortune.com/education) in partnership with 2U, and has previously held a variety of operational and leadership roles in venture capital and early-stage startups in the Bay Area. David holds a Master’s degree in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University, where he focused on topics in the fields of Educational Neuroscience and AI.Recommended Resources:https://www.skillslab.dev/game-libraryForked Lightning by David DemingGet ready to explore the future of education! Join Edtech Insiders for a virtual conference featuring 30+ of the top voices shaping the future of Al + Education. A full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking!Register now here: AI+EDU Virtual Conference