Edtech Insiders

Edtech Insiders

By Alex Sarlin and Ben KornellNewsTechnologyEducationTech News
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Edtech Insiders episodes

  • What If School Worked Like a Video Game? Nolan Bushnell and Dr. Leah Hanes of ExoDexa Explain

    Nolan Bushnell is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese and is widely known as the father of the video game industry. Dr. Leah Hanes is the CEO of ExoDexa, co-author of the ExoDexa Manifesto, and leads the Two Bit Circus Foundation, where she has impacted over 460,000 students through game-based and project-based learning.

    💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Why traditional schooling fails students who don’t learn at the “right” pace
    2. How game design principles like flow and mastery can transform learning
    3. The role AI can play in personalized, no-grades education
    4. Why gamification efforts led by academics often fall short
    5. What a “perfect school day” could look like in an AI-driven future

    ✨ Episode Highlights:
    [00:03:00] Nolan Bushnell on the throughline from Atari to education reform
    [00:05:10] Dr. Leah Hanes on why learning by doing leads to deeper retention
    [00:07:52] How AI enables true individualized learning inside ExoDexa
    [00:12:16] Nolan on eliminating grades and batch-processing in education
    [00:16:58] Why homeschoolers may lead the next wave of education innovation
    [00:21:33] The science of “flow” and what makes learning feel addictive
    [00:27:51] Leah’s vision for AI tutors, physical activity, and student agency
    [00:29:30] Nolan’s radical take on VR, exercise, naps, and brain science in school

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    36 min
  • Week in Edtech 12/17/25: Coursera–Udemy Merger Shakes Online Learning, AI Platform Wars Heat Up, Purdue Mandates AI Skills, Higher Ed Faces Consolidation, and More! Feat. Isabelle Hau of Stanford Accelerator for Learning!

    Join hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Kornell, Michael Horn and Dhawal Shah as they break down major moves in online learning, AI, and higher education shaping the end of 2025.

    ✨ Episode Highlights:
    [00:00:00]
    Coursera and Udemy announce a $2.5B all-stock merger forming a 175M-learner platform
    [00:00:30] Michael Horn on Coursera’s growing leverage over university partners
    [00:02:08] Ben Kornell explores Coursera’s potential to become a global university
    [00:05:40] Dhawal Shah explains the financial motivations behind the merger
    [00:09:54] Michael Horn compares the deal to the 2U–edX acquisition
    [00:11:54] The hosts discuss channel power and aggregation in edtech
    [00:16:49] Debate on Coursera’s acquisition strategy and platform future
    [00:21:43] Dhawal Shah on why these businesses may perform better as private companies
    [00:22:33] Ben Kornell outlines Coursera’s two paths: efficiency or AI-led reinvention
    [00:30:24] Gaps in online learning around mentorship and advanced skills
    [00:35:29] OpenAI’s latest release and rising competition with Google Gemini
    [00:38:55] Why content and IP still matter in the AI era
    [00:48:36] Purdue introduces an AI competency requirement for graduates

    Plus, special guests:
    [00:52:54] Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, on human-centered and social AI in education 

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    1 hr 12 min
  • Year-End Special Part 1: Reviewing 2025 + 2026 AI & EdTech Predictions from Reach Capital, HMH, Brisk & More!

    2025 was a defining year for AI in education. From rapid adoption to rising educator confidence and growing questions about what comes next.

    In Part 1 of our year-end reflections and predictions, Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell revisit their 2025 reflections and look ahead to what 2026 may bring for EdTech, AI, and the future of learning.

    🎙️ Featuring insights from:

    • Tom Vander Ark, Founder & CEO, Getting Smart
    • Bjorn Billhardt, CEO, Abilitie
    • Jacob Kantor, Founder & Chief DODO, JK K12 EDU
    • Arman Jaffer, Founder & CEO, Brisk Teaching
    • Ian McCullough, Founder & Principal, McCullough Marketing and Management
    • Jennifer Carolan, General Partner, Reach Capital
    • Andrew Goldman, EVP, HMH Labs 

    From educator adoption curves to Big Tech’s growing influence, this episode brings together operators, investors, and strategists to unpack what’s shaping education’s next chapter. 

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    2 hr 5 min
  • Teaching AI to Teach: The National Tutoring Observatory’s Bold Mission with Rene Kizilcec

    Rene Kizilcec is an Associate Professor at Cornell University, where he directs the Cornell Future of Learning Lab and leads the National Tutoring Observatory. His research focuses on learning science, AI in education, and the behavioral and computational factors that shape student success. His work has appeared in Science, PNAS, and other top journals.

    💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

    1. How the National Tutoring Observatory is building the largest dataset of real tutoring interactions.
    2. What specific “tutoring moves” actually drive learning outcomes.
    3. How AI models can be trained to use stronger pedagogical strategies.
    4. Why education needs real benchmarks for measuring teaching quality in AI.
    5. How simulation-based learning is transforming medical and language training at Cornell.

    ✨ Episode Highlights
    [00:00:00]
    Rene on aligning AI study tools with real pedagogy.
    [00:02:33] Lessons from early MOOC research on equity and completion.
    [00:05:58] How motivation and belonging interventions improved outcomes.
    [00:10:57] The mission and structure of the National Tutoring Observatory.
    [00:13:01] Why tutoring works—and why we haven’t known which moves matter.
    [00:18:28] Tools for identifying tutoring moves across huge datasets.
    [00:20:00] Using tutoring data to influence hyperscalers and AI product design.
    [00:22:37] The need for robust benchmarks for AI tutoring quality.
    [00:27:42] Why great tutors ask questions instead of giving answers.
    [00:31:03] How tutoring data can improve AI models while preserving privacy.
    [00:34:34] How tutoring providers can join the NTO consortium.
    [00:37:16] Simulation-based learning with MedSimAI and Chitter Chatter.
    [00:41:34] How AI-assisted development accelerates EdTech innovation.

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    44 min
  • Week in Edtech 12/10/25: OpenAI’s Teacher Certifications, Kids’ Online Safety Bills, Early Literacy Declines, College Admissions Shakeups, and More! Feat. Maya Bialik of QuestionWell, Peter Nilsson of Athena Lab & Emily Gill of LEVRA

    Join hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Wallerstein, and Matt Tower for Week in Edtech, exploring OpenAI’s teacher certifications, kids’ online safety legislation, early literacy declines, college admissions pressures, and what remains irreplaceable in education as AI advances.

    ✨ Episode Highlights
    [00:03:00] OpenAI launches teacher certifications, expanding into K–12
    [00:05:00] Big Tech credentials raise control and gatekeeping concerns
    [00:07:55] Doubts emerge around certifying AI pedagogy
    [00:12:40] Google and OpenAI intensify competition for schools
    [00:14:15] Congress advances online safety bills affecting edtech
    [00:19:15] COPPA changes threaten AI personalization
    [00:24:05] Parent reading declines deepen literacy gaps
    [00:26:45] Early childhood remains underfunded despite high impact
    [00:31:15] College admissions lean further into yield management
    [00:33:10] AI reshapes admissions essay review
    [00:36:20] Trust in higher education continues to fall
    [00:40:40] Education systems face pressure to adapt 

    Plus, special guests:
    [00:45:30] Maya Bialik, Founder of QuestionWell, and Peter Nilsson, Founder of Athena Lab, on their book Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning

     [01:11:16] Emily Gill, Co-Founder & COO of LEVRA, on AI simulations for human skills development

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    1 hr 29 min
  • Announcing the Global EdTech Prize Winners — Live at the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi

    This special EdTech Insiders episode, recorded live at the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, spotlights the Global EdTech Prize winners and finalists sharing how they’re scaling impact across K–12 learning, teacher AI workflows, and digital skills worldwide.

    💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Abwaab’s AI-driven grading and human coaching model.
    2. Brisk’s rapid global growth through workflow-embedded AI.
    3. Matific’s adaptive, game-based math learning.
    4. Arukay’s digital skills + SEL approach in LATAM.
    5. Dukes Education’s human-centered prep for an AI future.

    ✨ Episode Highlights:
    [00:01:00] Rapelang Rabana on Imagine Learning's  system-level impact.
    [00:02:44] Hamdi Tabbaa on Abwaab’s AI assessment breakthroughs.
    [00:08:51] Arman Jaffer on Brisk Teaching  instructional coherence vision.
    [00:21:05] Craig Shotland on Matific’s  adaptive learning + localization.
    [00:37:08] Marcelo Burbano & Ana Ricaurte on Arukay’s digital skills + SEL
    [00:53:18] Aatif Hassan on Dukes Education character, resilience, and future-ready schools.

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    1 hr 12 min
  • Charlie Hopkins-Brinicombe on Why Most Gamification Fails and How Trophy.so Does It Better

    Charlie Hopkins-Brinicombe is the co-founder of Trophy.so, a gamification infrastructure platform helping EdTech and wellness companies build engaging learning experiences in weeks, not months. With a background in product development and motivation design, Charlie focuses on creating scalable systems that boost retention, habit formation, and learner satisfaction.

    💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Why most gamification fails.
    2. Which mechanics truly motivate learners.
    3. How social features boost engagement.
    4. How Trophy.so measures retention impact.
    5. How AI can personalize motivation.

    ✨ Episode Highlights:
    [00:02:07]
    How Trophy.so began.
    [00:03:23] Why platforms reinvent gamification.
    [00:05:02] The real value of streaks and badges.
    [00:08:50] Trophy.so’s retention and impact tools.
    [00:12:40] Gamification for both consumer and school EdTech.
    [00:14:36] Key mechanics—achievements, streaks, leaderboards, leagues.
    [00:17:47] The power of social and community challenges.
    [00:22:20] Common gamification pitfalls.
    [00:28:29] Engagement vs. actual learning outcomes.
    [00:35:28] AI-driven, personalized motivation.

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    48 min
  • Week in EdTech 12/03/25: PhysicsWallah IPO Shakes Indian EdTech, Google & OpenAI Escalate AI Race, Higher Ed Adopts AI, New AI Leaderboard Launches, and More! Feat. Andrew Carlins of Songscription and Eric Tao & Austin Levinson of MegaMinds

    Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down the biggest shifts in global edtech. From PhysicsWallah’s major IPO to Google–OpenAI competition, higher-ed adoption of AI, and new benchmarks shaping the future of learning.

     ✨ Episode Highlights
    [00:07:00] PhysicsWallah’s IPO reshapes Indian edtech and signals renewed global momentum
    [00:15:00] Google and OpenAI escalate the AI race with Gemini 3, Nano Banana Pro, and OpenAI’s “garlic” model
    [00:31:00] Higher education shifts from AI resistance to AI integration across teaching and majors
    [00:39:00] Rural districts test new connected learning models backed by major tech partners
    [00:40:00] Learning Agency launches the first Education AI Leaderboard for model benchmarking

    Plus, special guests:
    [00:45:30] Andrew Carlins, Co-Founder & CEO of Songscription on AI-powered music transcription and access

    [01:01:10] Eric Tao, Founder & CEO of MegaMinds, and Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at MegaMinds on immersive AI simulations for CTE and AI literacy

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    1 hr 35 min
  • Turning Trusted Books into Personal Learning Agents with Aibrary

    Frank Wu is the Co-founder of Aibrary and a Harvard Kennedy School MPP graduate. He led 20+ edtech and AI investments at TAL, helped build Think Academy in the U.S., and previously taught 3M+ students.

    Susan Wang is the Chief Growth Officer at Aibrary and a Yale and Harvard Business School alum. She led creator and product operations at TikTok and worked in strategy at TAL, with deep experience scaling edtech products.

    💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

    1. How AI is reshaping lifelong learning and adult skill development.
    2. Why Aibrary turns trusted books into personalized, bite-sized audio.
    3. How Idea Twin customizes learning using your goals and context.
    4. How Aibrary blends learning with action to drive real-world application.
    5. Aibrary’s long-term vision to build an AI-native university.

    ✨ Episode Highlights
    [00:01:00]
    Frank Wu on the fragmentation of adult learning.
    [00:03:00] How AI is increasing the urgency for lifelong learning.
    [00:08:22] Susan Wang on converting books into daily micro-learning.
    [00:13:53] Why Aibrary grounds all content in trusted, authoritative sources.
    [00:20:06] Personalization through goal-setting and AI agents.
    [00:23:54] Applying ideas to real life as the core of true learning.
    [00:29:39] Why Aibrary started with audio and when video is coming.
    [00:33:29] The bridge from consumer learning to enterprise and micro-credentials.
    [00:40:09] How future education will merge self-knowledge, world knowledge, and action.
    [00:48:58] What’s next for Aibrary’s evolving AI learning companions.

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    55 min
  • The Rise of AI Companions: What Parents and Educators Need to Know with Dr. Sonia Tiwari

    Dr. Sonia Tiwari is a Children's Media Researcher focused on how characters shape learning experiences. With a background spanning animation, game design, and a PhD in Learning Design & Technology, she advises edtech and media companies on ethical, developmentally aligned character design. Her work has been featured at Stanford, Harvard, MIT, UNICEF, and the National Geographic Society.

    💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. How AI changes children’s relationships with characters.
    2. What makes character design effective across media and education.
    3. The risks and guardrails needed for AI companions.
    4. How to use AI to support—rather than replace—creativity.
    5. What ethical, developmentally aligned AI design looks like.

    ✨ Episode Highlights:
    [00:00:00]
    Why children instinctively learn through stories and characters.
    [00:02:03] How character design works in animation, games, and learning.
    [00:07:14] The overlap and tension between entertainment and educational media.
    [00:14:35] What happens when beloved characters become interactive AI.
    [00:17:33] Turning existing IP into AI-native characters.
    [00:21:00] Why interaction length and purpose matter for children's AI use.
    [00:29:23] Why design is the fastest path to safer AI for kids.
    [00:31:33] How AI tools can self-regulate for young learners.
    [00:36:29] Whether entertainment characters can power better edtech.
    [00:40:23] Using AI to enhance—not bypass—creative development.
    [00:45:39] Teens creating AI characters and the potential risks.
    [00:49:18] A framework for deciding when AI is actually needed.
    [00:50:11] How industry–academia collaboration could raise quality in edtech.

    😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

    Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

    🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

    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.

    54 min

About Edtech Insiders

From the publisher's feed

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology…

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