Edtech Insiders

Yossi Matias, Vice President of Google and Head of Google Research, leads groundbreaking efforts in foundational machine learning, quantum computing, and AI for societal impact in education, health, and climate. A world-renowned AI expert, Yossi has pioneered conversational AI, driven Google Search innovations, and launched transformative initiatives like AI for Social Good and Google for Startups Accelerator. His work focuses on leveraging AI to address global challenges and improve lives on a global scale.

Obum Ekeke, Head of Education Partnerships at Google DeepMind, champions equitable access to AI education and fosters diversity in the tech industry. An OBE recipient for his contributions to computing and inclusion, Obum has led initiatives that have reached millions of learners worldwide, including founding Google Educator Groups in over 60 countries. His mission is to prepare students and educators for the future by making AI knowledge accessible and impactful for all.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Google Research is driving breakthroughs in generative AI and education.
2. The global impact of LearnLM and other AI-powered educational tools.
3. The role of AI in promoting equity and accessibility in education.
4. Insights into Google DeepMind’s Experience AI program and talent pipeline.
5. The future of personalized learning and AI literacy for students worldwide.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:19] Yossi on AI’s transformative potential in education, health, and climate.
[00:09:46] Obum shares how Experience AI empowers teachers and students globally.
[00:19:24] Discussion on LearnLM’s development and its focus on pedagogy.
[00:29:22] Insights into how AI is making personalized learning a reality.
[00:41:50] Reflections on the importance of equitable access to AI education.
[00:55:36] Envisioning a future where AI-driven tools enhance both teaching and learning.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
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• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
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🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Shantanu Sinha, VP & GM of Google for Education, leads the development of tools like Google Classroom and Read Along, serving over 150 million educators and students globally. Previously, as founding President and COO of Khan Academy, he championed free, personalized learning on a global scale. Shantanu combines deep expertise in computer science, math, and cognitive sciences from MIT with strategic consulting experience from McKinsey.

Jennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact at Google, is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and advocate for equity in education. At Google, she focuses on elevating marginalized voices and creating empowering tools for teachers and learners. A White House Champion for Change and ISTE Impact Award Winner, Jennie brings extensive experience as a teacher, district leader, and digital learning innovator.

Steven Johnson, Editorial Director of NotebookLM and Google Labs, is a bestselling author of 14 books on innovation and technology, including Where Good Ideas Come From. An Emmy-winning television host and tech entrepreneur, Steven shapes tools that redefine learning and research while advocating for the power of collaboration in driving transformative ideas.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI enhances tools like Google Classroom and Read Along.
2. The impact of NotebookLM on personalized research and learning.
3. Creative ways educators worldwide are integrating AI into classrooms.
4. How AI supports teachers by saving time for deeper human connections.
5. The future of assessment and personalization with AI.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:19] Shantanu on AI in Google Classroom and teacher superpowers.
[00:09:46] Jennie shares inspiring AI use cases from global educators.
[00:19:24] Steven explains how NotebookLM is transforming research.
[00:29:22] Discussion on LearnLM and personalized pedagogy.
[00:41:50] Insights into NotebookLM’s podcast-style audio feature.
[00:55:36] How AI enables creativity and emotional engagement in learning.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
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• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Benedict Gomes, SVP of Learning & Sustainability at Google, leads efforts to transform education and tackle global climate challenges. His organization develops tools like Google Classroom, ReadAlong, and YouTube-based learning platforms, empowering educators and learners worldwide. Ben also drives sustainability initiatives, including decarbonization and creating global environmental data solutions.

Maureen Heymans, VP of Engineering, Learning & Sustainability at Google, oversees AI integration into tools like Search, YouTube, and Classroom to democratize access to quality education. She collaborates across teams to pioneer personalized learning technologies while leading sustainability initiatives that harness AI to address climate challenges and drive impactful global solutions.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Google is revolutionizing learning with products like Google Classroom, ReadAlong, and Learn About.
2. The role of AI in creating personalized tutors for students and teaching assistants for educators.
3. Insights into Google’s efforts to make sustainability a core part of its mission through AI and partnerships.
4. How Google collaborates across teams to integrate pedagogy into AI tools like LearnLM.
5. The vision for equitable access to personalized education worldwide, powered by AI.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:18] Ben shares how AI is transforming education and Google’s vision for supporting learning globally.
[00:03:48] Discussing the importance of multimodal learning tools and products like NotebookLM and YouTube.
[00:19:24] Maureen reflects on how project-based learning and the pandemic inspired her focus on education.
[00:37:16] Explaining LearnX’s collaborative approach to driving learning innovations across Google’s ecosystem.
[00:46:16] Introducing Learn About, a new AI-driven conversational tool combining pedagogy with the power of the web.
[00:53:30] Envisioning a future where AI makes high-quality, personalized education accessible to billions globally.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

In this special episode, Edtech Insiders brings you to the heart of Google’s "Learning in the AI Era" event, held on 11/20/2024, in Mountain View, California. Hear exclusive interviews with the following Google leaders:

• Ben Gomes, SVP, Learning & Sustainability, Google
• Maureen Heymans, VP of Engineering, Learning & Sustainability, Google
• Shantanu Sinha, VP & GM, Google for Education
• Jennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact, Google
• Steven Johnson, Editorial Director of NotebookLM and Google Labs
• Yossi Matias, Vice President, Google & Head of Google Research
• Obum Ekeke, Head of Education Partnerships, Google DeepMind
• Jonathan Katzman, Director, Product Management, YouTube Learning
• Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow With Google & CMO, Americas Region

and audience members:

• Isabelle Hau, Stanford Accelerator for Learning
• Libby Hills, Jacobs Foundation
• Kristin Fracchia
• Adele Smolansky, AI-Learners
• Ishan Gupta, Paper

From AI-powered learning to tools transforming education, this episode explores the future of EdTech.

The full interviews with each guest will be posted daily this week. Stay tuned for deeper insights from these inspiring leaders!

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:55] Ben Gomes' insights into AI-driven tools like Read Along and personalized learning.
[00:09:28] Maureen on integrating AI into classrooms and bridging in-class and at-home learning.
[00:19:24] Shantanu's reflections on AI-generated content and its implications for education.
[00:21:30] Jennie on educators embracing AI to enhance learning for their students.
[00:29:22] Steven on the origins of NotebookLM and its evolution into a transformative tool.
[00:41:23] Yossi on the development of fine-tuned AI models like Gemini and their impact on learning.
[00:49:41] Obum on making AI education more accessible globally and diversifying the workforce.
[00:59:49] Jonathan on the rise of educational creators and their role in modern learning.
[01:07:08] Lisa on the overview of Grow with Google and its impact on workforce development.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

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🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

SiSi (SiSi pronounced “See-See”) is a transformative all-in-one platform that brings together everything schools need—student records, learning tools, financials, admissions, communication, and more—into one simple, seamless system. Designed for educators, SiSi replaces the chaos of juggling multiple platforms with an intuitive solution that saves time, reduces complexity, and strengthens school communities.

With features like AI-powered insights and automated processes, SiSi empowers teachers, administrators, and families to focus on what matters most: helping students thrive. It’s the ultimate partner for modern schools looking to work smarter and embrace the future of education.

Joined by Rico Chow the Chief Product Officer, Jett Wolper the Founder and CEO of Sisi and Brandon Porterfield, Co-Principal of Hope International Academy Okinawa.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Sisi’s design simplifies school management for all stakeholders.
2. Challenges and opportunities in the international school market.
3. The role of AI in improving efficiency and engagement.
4. Real-world examples of Sisi streamlining school workflows.
5. How Sisi envisions leveling the playing field in education technology.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:00] The challenge of building an all-in-one platform: “We do this not because it’s easy, but because it’s difficult.”
[00:03:25] Designing for global, culturally diverse school contexts.
[00:06:45] How Sisi reduces time-consuming tasks for schools.
[00:11:15] The pitfalls of fragmented systems and the power of true integration.
[00:18:30] Importance of user feedback and community engagement in product development.
[00:25:40] AI’s role in reducing teacher burnout and improving student outcomes.
[00:32:55] The impact of user-friendly design in international schools.
[00:40:30] Vision for supporting under-resourced schools with streamlined tools.

If you'd like to see SiSi in action, they’ll be partnering with IFIP at BETT ExCeL London 2025!

IFIP—the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners—is an incredible organization leading the charge for inclusion on a global scale. Just this year, they co-hosted the Global Inclusive Schools’ Forum at UNESCO in Paris. Definitely check them out.

If you’re attending BETT, stop by the London Suite on January 23rd and 24th to connect with SiSi. They’d love to meet you and share more about their work!

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
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• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Dr. David Yeager is the Raymond Dickson Centennial Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University. His groundbreaking research focuses on the processes that shape adolescent development, examining how social cognitive factors interact with structural and physiological elements to influence youth trajectories. Dr. Yeager is also dedicated to uncovering ways to positively impact these psychological processes to enhance developmental and educational outcomes for young people. As co-Principal Investigator of the National Study of Learning Mindsets, the Texas Mindset Initiative, and the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager is at the forefront of efforts to translate cutting-edge psychological research into practical strategies for educators and policymakers.

He is the author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, a book that distills the latest insights on how to inspire and empower the next generation.

David is also the lead instructor in a new class on MasterClass: The Power of Mindset. In this class, David and Carol Dweck draw on the science of mindset to show how members can develop new skills, overcome stress and setbacks, and use a mentor mindset to optimize performance and change lives at work, at home, on the sports field, and in the classroom. The class is available now exclusively on MasterClass.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How the adolescent brain drives motivation and potential.
2. The Mentor Mindset: balancing high standards and support.
3. Why belonging, purpose, and respect fuel adolescent success.
4. The power of short interventions on resilience and achievement.
5. EdTech's role in youth motivation and AI's potential pitfalls.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:51] Dr. Yeager’s path from teaching to research leadership.
[00:04:34] What the Mentor Mindset is and why it works.
[00:08:46] How short interventions create long-term impact.
[00:14:08] Understanding the adolescent brain and motivation.
[00:17:35] The traits of great mentors: tough but supportive.
[00:25:59] The power of role models and near-peer influences.
[00:35:50] Addressing fear and fostering aspiration in youth.
[00:41:40] AI’s role in motivating and supporting students.
[00:45:26] A call for ethical AI in education technology.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
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• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Mark Angel is the CEO and Co-founder of Amira Learning, the company bringing the science of reading and AI together. Amira is the first intelligent reading assistan for teachers and is now working with two million students in all 50 states and 14 countries.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Amira Learning uses AI to revolutionize reading education.
2. The importance of efficacy studies in edtech product adoption.
3. Strategic partnerships for scaling AI-driven tools in education.
4. Tackling privacy and equity concerns with emerging AI tools.
5. A vision of AI’s role in solving the global literacy crisis.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:15] The origin story of Amira, blending AI innovation with edtech experience.
[00:03:46] How the reading coach adapts to diverse learners, including ELLs and dyslexic students.
[00:07:40] The role of efficacy studies in building trust and demonstrating impact.
[00:09:53] Advice for districts navigating the surge of AI tools in classrooms.
[00:14:53] Optimistic vision of AI addressing the literacy crisis.
[00:18:43] Importance of scale and data in driving AI-based educational solutions.
[00:20:49] Key advice for entrepreneurs: focus on metrics and team culture.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

2024 was an incredible year for EdTech, filled with transformative shifts and groundbreaking innovations!

In this special year-end episode, Alex and Ben dive into the defining trends of the year—from the ESSER funding cliff reshaping K-12 strategies to the rise of AI-powered learning tools. They also look ahead to 2025, making bold predictions about the future of education technology, including the potential of gaming, assessment overhauls, and micro-company innovation.

Stay tuned for Part 2, coming in January, where Alex and Ben will share predictions from thought leaders across the EdTech space to kick off the new year!

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:00:43] 🎄 Kicking off the year-end special with reflections on a transformative 2024.
[00:01:38] 📉 ESSER funding cliff and its implications for K-12 EdTech investments.
[00:02:17] 🚀 The Cambrian explosion of AI and its impact on innovation and startups.
[00:04:02] 🤖 AI in K-12 education: challenges, successes, and lessons from the field.
[00:06:24] 🗺️ Big Tech’s growing influence on education and learning models.
[00:08:03] 🎉 Reflecting on EdTech Insiders' major milestones and community highlights.
[00:11:46] 🎮 Predictions for AI-driven gaming and real-time multimodal learning tools.
[00:13:21] 📊 The coming assessment revolution and its transformative potential.
[00:18:55] 🎓 Higher education’s pivot toward career-focused, practical learning models.
[00:23:20] 💼 Workforce learning shifts: upskilling for productivity in a competitive market.
[00:27:02] 🤔 AI agents and their transformative potential in education and beyond.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

With the holiday break just around the corner, join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell for a timely look at the latest developments in education technology. From exciting AI advancements to shifts in curriculum policy, this episode captures the key trends shaping the future of learning.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:16] 🧠 OpenAI's New AI Tool "Sora" Makes Waves in Video Generation
[00:06:01] 🎥 The Era of Multimodal AI: Google, Meta, and Microsoft Compete on Video and Agents
[00:08:05] 🔍 Who’s Winning the AI Wars? Exploring AI Specialization
[00:18:14] 🏫 Texas Education Agency’s New Curriculum Policies – What It Means for EdTech
[00:25:55] 📉 Declining Public School Enrollment: Implications for K-12 and EdTech
[00:27:05] 🌍 Global EdTech Trends: European VCs Raise Big Funds Amidst U.S. Challenges
[00:28:27] 🚀 $175M Investment in AI for Higher Education by Element451
[00:32:13] 💼 Workforce Upskilling Revolution: SaaS Startups Receive Major Investments
[00:33:40] 📊 EdTech Year-End Reports Show Optimism in AI-Driven Upskilling

Plus, special guests:

[00:35:33] 🎙️ Alex Linley, Co-CEO of Cappfinity, discusses the future of skills-based hiring and education.
[00:54:34] 🎙️ Henrik Appert, CEO of Magma Math, shares insights on their award-winning math platform and recent $40M funding round.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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 brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

As CEO and Co-Founder of Learnosity, Gavin Cooney still talks about the company he helped build over a decade ago with an infectious zeal. It’s easy to see why: what began as a project in a garden shed (a cliché maybe, but 100% true!) has matured into an internationally renowned tech company with a 200-strong crew of problem-solvers. Since Gav believes that all social ills can be remedied through education, his modus operandi is pretty simple: give education the standard of technology it deserves.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Learnosity empowers EdTech platforms with AI-driven assessment tools.
2. The transformative role of AI in reducing teacher workloads and enhancing feedback.
3. What makes Learnosity’s essay-scoring tool uniquely efficient and cost-effective.
4. The importance of specialized EdTech solutions versus general AI tools.
5. Gavin’s vision for the future of AI and assessment in education.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:23] Gavin Cooney shares Learnosity’s global impact: 40M users and 19B questions delivered annually.
[00:03:38] How AI-driven essay scoring saves teachers hours of grading time each week.
[00:06:48] Learnosity’s cutting-edge AI achieves unmatched scoring accuracy at just one cent per essay.
[00:10:25] Why Learnosity focuses on enhancing teacher feedback rather than replacing educators.
[00:13:54] The balance between general AI tools and Learnosity’s specialized capabilities.
[00:18:10] Learnosity’s strategic pivot to invest heavily in AI development and innovation.
[00:24:02] Gav’s optimistic outlook on AI as the “100-year wave” reshaping education.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

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.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.