Edtech Insiders

Adam Franklin, a former high school history teacher and edtech entrepreneur, discusses his transition from Nearpod to founding StudyBuds, a platform for AI-powered teachable agents. He highlights how these agents foster deeper engagement by allowing students to learn through teaching. Adam critiques traditional assessments and explains how AI can improve them. The conversation dives into the potential of AI to co-create with students, offering them a sense of agency. Lastly, he emphasizes the exciting role of venture studios in advancing AI technologies in education.

Jeff Maggioncalda, former CEO of Coursera, led the company to over 160 million learners. He discusses how Coursera is evolving its AI-powered content, making learning more accessible and personalized. The conversation highlights the rise of generative AI in online education and its impact on workforce upskilling. Jeff shares insights on balancing AI innovation with academic integrity and the importance of adapting education for the skills-based economy. His vision for the future integrates AI seamlessly into learning, benefiting both professionals and students alike.

Matt Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, shares his insights from a rich background in finance and education. He discusses the transformative power of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in K-12 education, emphasizing their role in enhancing teaching and student outcomes. Kennard highlights how data and AI can personalize learning, improve teacher retention, and support Career and Technical Education (CTE). He advocates for educators to regain control over EdTech to better shape the future of teaching.

Tigran Sloyan, Co-founder and CEO of CodeSignal and former tech leader at Google, dives into the future of hiring. He argues that resumes are outdated and highlights how AI and simulations can create skills-based assessments that reduce bias. Tigran shares insights on Bloom’s Two Sigma Problem and the role of generative AI in providing real-world training for various roles. He also discusses the challenges universities face in adapting to industry needs, advocating for stronger partnerships between education and the private sector.

Jomayra Herrera, a partner at Reach Capital, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of educational technology. The discussion dives into OpenAI's new O3 model and its implications for artificial general intelligence. Herrera also highlights the staggering $500B Stargate Project aimed at AI infrastructure. The impacts of a potential TikTok ban on digital learning are examined, as well as the surprising hiring surge in U.S. schools despite decreased enrollment. The episode rounds off with the significant cancellation of student debt and its effects on education.

Join industry leaders Jomayra Herrera, partner at Reach Capital, and Amit Patel from Owl Ventures, as they share insights on the transformative impact of AI in education and global opportunities. Ben Wallerstein discusses the potential fallout from ESSER funding expiration, while John Higginson emphasizes advances in mobile and voice AI. Karl Rectanus predicts leaps in global EdTech innovation, highlighting the importance of ethical AI, as Andrew Goldman explores how generative AI can deliver high-quality content in schools.

In this discussion, Emily Lai, VP at Pearson, dives into AI tools that enhance learning outcomes and study habits. Adele Smolansky, CEO of AI-Learners, reveals how AI is transforming accessibility in education. Dominik Kovacs, founder of Colossyan, shares insights on using AI-driven video solutions to create personalized learning experiences. The conversation also tackles urgent issues like recent wildfires impacting LA schools and a significant data breach at PowerSchool, highlighting the critical role of technology in navigating these challenges.

Sara Leoni, Founder and CEO of Ziplines Education, and Jeff Sample, VP of Product at Ziplines and former CEO of Clicked, dive into the transformative world of career readiness. They discuss how experiential learning and real-world simulations fill the skills gap in the tech job market. Sara emphasizes partnerships with universities to deliver industry-recognized certifications. Jeff highlights the importance of tools like Salesforce and Tableau in job preparation, while both reflect on the acquisition process and its impact on enhancing learner confidence.

In this insightful discussion, Yair Shapira, Founder and CEO of NovoDia, shares his journey from Amplio Learning to pioneering AI-powered educational publishing. He highlights how AI can create customized curricula that meet diverse classroom needs and addresses the limitations of traditional models. Yair explores the transformative potential of generative AI in producing engaging, adaptive learning materials and the future of personalized education. His passion for enhancing educational equity through technology shines throughout the conversation.

Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management at YouTube Learning, discusses YouTube's evolution into a dynamic educational platform, emphasizing AI-driven features that personalize learning. He shares insights on the role of content creators in fostering engagement and the Global impact of 'edutubers.' Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, highlights the success of Google Career Certificates in transforming workforce skills, stressing the importance of alternative pathways to employment and the integration of AI tools for job readiness.