Edtech Insiders

Dr. Steve Ritter, the Chief Scientist at Carnegie Learning, and Christopher Kahler, Co-founder of Kinnu, dive into groundbreaking developments in educational technology. They discuss OpenAI's intriguing Project Strawberry and Google's Gemini Live aiming to compete with ChatGPT. Sal Khan emphasizes that teachers are irreplaceable, while California teams up with NVIDIA to boost AI education. They also explore Kinnu's gamified learning approach and the critical balance between AI tools and human insight for enhancing educational outcomes.

Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc, former President of Southern New Hampshire University and current Board Chair of Human Systems, dives into the future of education. He discusses his pioneering work in online learning and competency-based programs. With a focus on adult learners, he highlights the importance of personalized support and the role of AI in enhancing educational experiences. LeBlanc also addresses the urgent need for institutions to adapt to an AI-driven economy, stressing the value of genuine human connections in technology-driven education.

OpenAI's ChatGPT 5 is creating buzz as high-level departures signal changes at the company. Meta unveils LLAMA 3 while Google hires Character.AI co-founders, showcasing a competitive landscape in EdTech. Community colleges unite to enhance AI education, and Instructure integrates AI across its platform. Innovative tools like Heeyo's AI chatbot aim to revolutionize tutoring, and Pear Deck rolls out instant AI-generated lessons. Meanwhile, Fluently secures funding for its AI-powered English coach, highlighting the ongoing investment in AI-driven education.

Prashant Raizada, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Lumi.Network, discusses the urgency of equipping youth with AI and entrepreneurship skills. He shares his transition from traditional education to becoming a reformer, inspired by the COVID pandemic. The conversation dives into the role of intrinsic motivation in learning and how AI can enhance creativity. Prashant emphasizes project-based learning and gamification as key strategies for empowering the next generation while urging parents to redefine success in an AI-driven world.

Andrew Goldman, a veteran in EdTech, co-founded Writable and now serves as EVP at HMH Labs. He shares insights on his shift from gaming to education, fueled by a love for writing. Goldman discusses the creation of Writable, which enhances writing assignments with generative AI, improving teacher feedback. He also highlights the importance of partnerships between EdTech startups and larger publishers to enrich student learning. Finally, he delves into HMH Labs' role in revolutionizing K-12 education through innovative AI-driven solutions.

Lindsey Tropf, the founder and CEO of Immersed Games and the 2024 Tools Competition winner, dives into the transformative power of gamification in education. She discusses how video game technology can revolutionize STEM learning, engaging students through authentic problem-solving. The conversation doesn't shy away from the realities of the EdTech landscape, touching on 2U's bankruptcy and the implications for online education. Additionally, the potential of OpenAI's GPT-5 sets the stage for future innovations in the classroom.

Kevin Leem, the CFO of Mathpresso, discusses their AI-powered platform QANDA, which boasts over 90 million users. He shares insights on how QANDA personalizes tutoring and supports teachers through innovative AI tools. Leem explains the journey of QANDA, from a mobile Q&A service to leveraging generative AI for multilingual assistance. He emphasizes the platform's role in addressing educational inequities and the importance of quality education accessible to all, regardless of location or financial background.

In this discussion, Joe Connor, the CEO & Founder of Odyssey, shares his journey from teacher to education advocate. He dives into the evolving landscape of school choice, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and recent legal advancements. Joe highlights the power of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in giving parents more control over their children's education. The conversation also touches on the rise of micro schools post-pandemic and how these trends are reshaping educational opportunities, fostering competition, and enhancing access.

Chris Hess from Pearson and Mark Naufel & Ira Gluck from Axio AI discuss AI investments, OpenAI's 'Strawberry' model, LAUSD's AI chatbot controversy, U.S. guidance for AI edtech developers, and more in the latest edtech innovations and news.

CEO of BrainPOP, Scott Kirkpatrick, discusses video, assessment, and AI in education. Topics include addressing learning loss with AI tools, promoting student autonomy, future of education assessment, and the impact of AI on personalized assessment methods beyond standardized tests.