Edtech Insiders

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.

Jennifer Holland, the Director of Program Management at Google for Education with over 17 years at Google, shares insights on the evolution of Google Classroom. She discusses its early inspirations, developed from real classroom needs, and highlights how it has streamlined educators' workflows. Jennifer reflects on significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of AI in personalizing learning experiences. She emphasizes the global impact of Classroom, illustrating how feedback from teachers continuously shapes its innovative future.

Send us a textThinkHumanTV delivers evidence-based emotional skills training and assessment by integrating with major streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+. The platform employs a research-based training methodology and curricula developed by our founding team of Columbia cognitive scientists. The methodology involves explicitly teaching emotion science principles in a systematic manner and illustrating these concepts by leveraging popular media. ThinkHumanTV is one of the winners of the 2024 Tools Competition.Ilya Lyashevsky, Co-founder and CEO of Affectifi, which created ThinkHumanTV. Faculty member at Columbia Teachers College with a background in cognitive science and social-emotional learning.Melissa Cesarano, Co-founder and President of of Affectifi Inc (ThinkHumanTV), cognitive scientist, and professor at Columbia University. Expert in coaching and consulting for students and media companies.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How ThinkHumanTV uses Netflix and Disney+ to teach emotional intelligence.The science behind emotion-based learning and cognitive appraisal.The importance of reflection in building emotional competence.The vision for achieving universal emotional literacy using AI.Insights into the National Science Foundation-funded research behind ThinkHumanTV.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:30] Introduction to ThinkHumanTV and its impact in the edtech space.[00:07:50] The experience of learning emotional intelligence while watching streaming content.[00:14:00] How emotion science improves social-emotional competence in older learners.[00:19:27] Sneak peek into ThinkHumanTV’s future mobile and second-screen experience.[00:14:46] Winning the Tools Competition and its impact on ThinkHumanTV’s growth.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor:This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors, the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Jomayra Herrera, a Partner at Reach Capital dedicated to diversity in venture capital, and Lyman Missimer, former Head of M&A at Newsela focusing on strategic investments, dive into pressing EdTech challenges. They discuss how AI is reshaping education, emphasizing the need for tools that address mental health and labor shortages. The duo highlights the significance of building trust for successful mergers and acquisitions and navigating the complexities of corporate partnerships in a fragmented landscape. Tune in for their insights on effective strategies and future opportunities!

Kumar Garg, President at Renaissance Philanthropy, shares his insights on the evolving intersection of philanthropy and education technology. The discussion dives into OpenAI's massive valuation and Google’s innovative AI tools. You'll discover how AI could revolutionize dyslexia intervention and enhance personalized learning experiences. Garg also highlights PhysicsWallah’s rapid expansion in the UAE, emphasizing the growing accessibility of education in India. Plus, the conversation touches on the philanthropic landscape and its role in shaping future advancements in education.

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.