Edtech Insiders

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.

Katie Kurtz, Managing Director and Global Head of Youth and Learning at YouTube, shares her journey from Knewton to YouTube’s innovative role in education. Discover how YouTube has become a powerful learning platform, introducing features like quizzes and AI-driven tutors. She discusses the Study Hall program that helps students earn college credits and the balance between education and entertainment for creators. Kurtz also dives into the future of AI in shaping engaging educational experiences on the platform.

Jason Palmer, former Democratic presidential candidate and co-founder of TOGETHER!, dives into the dynamic intersection of education and technology. He discusses OpenAI's massive $6.5B funding and Google's $120M AI Education Fund, which are set to reshape learning landscapes. The conversation also explores the role of celebrity culture in education, the impacts of recent leadership scandals, and the crucial need for responsible tech regulation. Palmer emphasizes the importance of youth empowerment and innovative strategies for overcoming learning loss.

Oliver Page, Co-founder & CEO of CyberNut, discusses the urgent cybersecurity threats targeting schools, including alarming statistics on phishing and ransomware. He shares insights into why traditional cybersecurity solutions fall short and highlights the innovative gamified training his company offers to engage both students and faculty. The conversation also covers the critical role of AI in shaping the future of school security and best practices for enhancing awareness and protection against cyber attacks.

Tal Havivi, the Managing Director of R&D at ASCD and ISTE, passionately discusses the evolution of evidence in EdTech. He highlights why teacher usability is vital for successful learning outcomes. Havivi reveals ISTE's initiatives aimed at improving the evaluation of EdTech products and shares the five quality indicators essential for assessing solutions. He also addresses the challenges of bridging research with practical classroom application and emphasizes the role of informed buyers in enhancing product quality.

In this discussion, Abby Coyle and Katie Gracey, co-founders of ClassBank, delve into innovative financial literacy for students through a unique digital currency system. They highlight the recent $1M pre-seed funding and the positive impact on student behavior. The conversation also touches on the surging use of generative AI among teens and the declining trust parents have in public schools. Additionally, they reflect on the competitive edtech landscape and the importance of adapting financial education to meet the needs of today's students.