Obviously The Future

What does it take to innovate using artificial intelligence? How can generative AI avatars improve learning?

We talk with a technologist on the front lines.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the education system, prompting parents to become more involved in their children's learning. Deepak Sekar is one of those parents and an inventor with 214 patents who has successfully merged his passion for AI with his commitment to revolutionizing the education sector.

Over the next decade, 50% of all online content will be produced or augmented with Generative AI. This episode discusses the evolving dynamics in building education companies with artificial intelligence and generative AI. We deep dive into how technical skills matter to create differentiation and not underestimate the time and effort required to develop unique and innovative solutions.

Prof Jim is an AI-enabled platform that transforms traditional textbooks into interactive video courses. The current generation of learners prefers video-based learning over conventional textbooks. This innovative approach reduces the cost of producing content by 15x and is poised to revolutionize the education landscape.

Join us for a conversation about the future of robotics, artificial intelligence, and learning.

We cover:

* Robotics and Chowbotics. Where is robotics headed?

* Deepak’s transition from a robotics-based startup to an AI education

* How Prof Jim merged AI & learning together

* Deepaks predictions for the future of AI and the most critical skills for prompt engineering

* IIT Madras and the IIT education systems 

* Is Deepak an AI optimist or skeptic?

* Nostradamus gives us his take on what’s Obviously The Future

Listen to the full episode or watch on YouTube to discover how education is being revolutionized with engaging content.

Please comment below.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, reactions, and questions.

Show Links

* Nostradamus’ Predictions

* Efficacious Edutainment

* Generative AI’s Act Two - essay from Sequoia

* 3 ways AI can impact educational outcomes positively - essay by Deepak

What does it take to empower parents and decentralize schooling? Why is a diversity of school models important to parents? Are we at a tipping point?

Education is a fundamental pillar of society, shaping the minds and futures of our children. However, traditional education models have often fallen short in meeting the diverse needs of students.

In this episode, we speak with Joe Connor, the founder and CEO of Odyssey. He shares his experiences with two legendary education organizations, KIPP and Rocketship, and how they have shaped his perspective on education. From the importance of mission-driven organizations to the power of parental involvement, Connor delves into the evolving landscape of education and the rise of alternative models. 

Joe is a rare combination of lawyer, teacher, school system expert, and technologist.

He has been a classroom teacher, a policy lawyer, and an EdTech operator. He is now building his second company, Odyssey Education, to catalyze the avalanche toward access to alternative education by operationalizing system change through a seamless technology experience that connects government funding, parents, and learning providers.

We cover:

* Joe’s experiences from his time teaching

* Why now? What is the demand from parents higher now than ever before and at a tipping point?

* What does Odyssey Education do? What is an ESA & micro grant?

* How did Joe identify alternative education implementation as an area he was uniquely able to solve?

* Why do state governments want alternative education? Are ESAs and School choice bi-partisan? How does this issue cut on political lines?

* What are the outcomes for students? How do you measure value for money?

Listen to the full episode or watch on YouTube to discover how education is being revolutionized and join the movement towards a more inclusive and tailored approach to learning.

Please comment below.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, reactions, and questions.

Show Links

* Odyssey Education

* Alternative Education Goes Mainstream

* Seeing Beyond the Mirage

* Iowa School Vouchers Program Exceeding Expectations

* Odyssey, a company founded and led by Joseph Connor ’16 J.D., is enabling parents to use Education Savings Accounts on a vast scale

* KIPP charter grads finish college at higher rates than their peers

Note: Odyssey Education is a portfolio company of Avalanche VC.

How does one achieve massive results? What does it take to be truly great?

We sat with global implementation expert Sir Michael Barber, Chair of Delivery Associates and LP & Advisor to Avalanche VC. Join us for a reflective conversation on our work together in the past and about accomplishing big goals and changing the world. 

You can expect a wide-ranging conversation with historical and literary anecdotes, actionable advice, and honest takes.

In this episode, we cover:

* How to chair effective meetings

* Reflection on our time at Pearson Ventures. Was it an accomplishment?

* How do you create the right message to drive irreversibility?

* Building any significant venture is at least a ten-year journey

* How do you define accomplishment? 

* Reflections on the original Avalanche thesis and what is obviously the future

Please comment below.

We will mail a signed copy of Michael’s latest book, Accomplishment: How to Achieve Ambitious and Challenging Things, to the person who leaves and shares the most thoughtful comment.

Show Links

* UK National Literacy Strategy: the first four years 1998-2002 

* Harvard Business School Case on Pearson Affordable Learning Fund

* Pearson’s Quest to Cover the Planet in Company-Run Schools - Wired Article

* An Avalanche Is Coming: Higher Education and the Revolution Ahead

* Accomplishment Book

* Delivery Associates