Edtech Insiders

Trish Sparks, CEO of Clever and former middle school teacher, discusses her journey from the classroom to leading a platform serving 28 million students and teachers. She highlights the critical role of digital identity systems in education, protecting student data while simplifying tech access. Sparks shares insights from Clever's 'Classroom of the Future' report, revealing AI's rapid adoption in schools and its potential to ease teacher workloads. She also addresses cybersecurity challenges in K-12 and Clever's innovative solutions to safeguard learning environments.

In this insightful discussion, Brett Waikart, Co-founder and CEO of Skillfully—a pioneer in skills-based hiring—shares his vision for transforming recruitment. He dives into the rise of generative AI and its role in evaluating candidates more effectively. The conversation also touches on the implications of recent fraud allegations in edtech, Amazon's major investments in AI, and the ethical debate surrounding OpenAI's leaked content. Waikart emphasizes the importance of focusing on skills over traditional resumes to foster a more equitable hiring landscape.

Laura Ipsen, the President and CEO of Ellucian, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of higher education technology. She discusses how AI is reshaping student engagement and retention, revealing findings from Ellucian's latest AI survey that highlight both excitement and skepticism. Ipsen explores the shifting definitions of ROI for degrees amidst rising tuition and the importance of innovative learning strategies. She also addresses the role of technology in alleviating FAFSA challenges, emphasizing the need for data-driven solutions that enhance accessibility and institutional efficiency.

Matt Given, the CEO of Seesaw and an edtech leader with over 20 years of experience, dives into how Seesaw creates a unique 'learning loop' connecting teachers, students, and families. He discusses the platform's evolution from a simple communication tool to a robust learning experience, especially after its COVID-19 transformation. Highlighting the integration of AI, he reveals how it enhances teacher workflows while keeping education human-centered. Matt also emphasizes the importance of inclusive design and feedback in shaping effective learning tools.

Arman Jaffer, Founder and CEO of Brisk Teaching, shares insights on his AI tool that personalizes instruction for educators, streamlining administrative tasks. Formerly with the White House, he emphasizes the evolutionary role of AI in enhancing student engagement. Joining him is Emily Bennett, Principal Investor at Owl Ventures, who discusses investment strategies in AI-focused edtech. They explore the future of personalized learning, the challenges for edtech startups in fundraising, and the integration of AI into daily teaching workflows.

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.