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

The EdTech Insiders podcast episode centers on AI's impact on education, reviewing 2025 and predicting trends for 2026. Co-hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell, along with guests like Arman Jaffer from Brisk Teaching, discuss AI adoption, the shift from outputs to outcomes, and the increasing comfort level among educators. A key theme involves AI's role in personalizing learning and the potential for a backlash against screen time. The conversation also covers the rise of micro schools, the importance of human connection in learning, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively integrate AI into education. Several guests emphasize the importance of relationships in the EdTech space.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, 2025 Retrospective

Part 2: Market Shifts, B2C, and Big Tech

Part 3: Automation, Agents, and New Learning Goals

Part 4: New School Models and AI Integration

Part 5: Professional Development and Data Strategy

Part 6: AI Content and Corporate Learning

Part 7: Competitive Landscape and Procurement

Part 8: Classroom Transformation and Philosophical Shifts

Part 9: School Choice, Homeschooling, and Future Outcomes

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Edtech Insiders

Part 1: Introduction, 2025 Retrospective

00:00EdTech Insiders Podcast Sponsorship by Starbridge

EdTech Insiders Podcast Sponsorship by Starbridge

00:32AI Backlash Prediction and EdTech Insiders Program Overview

AI Backlash Prediction and EdTech Insiders Program Overview

10:42Social EdTech, AI Backlash, and the Future of Education

Social EdTech, AI Backlash, and the Future of Education

Part 2: Market Shifts, B2C, and Big Tech

12:54Commercialized School Models and the Rise of B2C in Education

Commercialized School Models and the Rise of B2C in Education

14:46University Adoption of Frontier Lab LLMs and Big Tech's EdTech Dominance

University Adoption of Frontier Lab LLMs and Big Tech's EdTech Dominance

17:14AI Majors in Liberal Arts, Physical AI, and Global EdTech Growth

AI Majors in Liberal Arts, Physical AI, and Global EdTech Growth

Part 3: Automation, Agents, and New Learning Goals

20:58EdTech Insiders' Call for Listener Predictions and Automation's Impact on Education

EdTech Insiders' Call for Listener Predictions and Automation's Impact on Education

22:30Reconsidering Learning Goals and the Role of Large Tech Firms in Education

Reconsidering Learning Goals and the Role of Large Tech Firms in Education

26:31The Rise of Video and Bipartisan Excitement for Work-Based Learning

The Rise of Video and Bipartisan Excitement for Work-Based Learning

29:26Academic Rigor in Career Pathways and the Rise of Entrepreneurship

Academic Rigor in Career Pathways and the Rise of Entrepreneurship

Part 4: New School Models and AI Integration

31:25AI-Forward Schools and the Alpha School Model

AI-Forward Schools and the Alpha School Model

34:33Flourish Schools and Innovations in Micro School Business Models

Flourish Schools and Innovations in Micro School Business Models

37:29AI Backlash Prediction and the Impact of Screen Time

AI Backlash Prediction and the Impact of Screen Time

39:43Voice as a Primary UI and its Application in Education

Voice as a Primary UI and its Application in Education

Part 5: Professional Development and Data Strategy

41:24Teacher Training and the Market Opportunity in Professional Development

Teacher Training and the Market Opportunity in Professional Development

44:52AI Capability and the Importance of Data Management

AI Capability and the Importance of Data Management

48:19EdTech Insiders' Call for Audience Predictions and Closing Remarks

EdTech Insiders' Call for Audience Predictions and Closing Remarks

Part 6: AI Content and Corporate Learning

49:26AI's Transformative Potential and the Groundwork for Change in Learning

AI's Transformative Potential and the Groundwork for Change in Learning

52:28AI-Generated Content and the Future of Learning

AI-Generated Content and the Future of Learning

55:35AI as a Tool for Teachers and the Corporate Landscape

AI as a Tool for Teachers and the Corporate Landscape

58:06Re-evaluating Higher Education and the Impact of AI

Re-evaluating Higher Education and the Impact of AI

Part 7: Competitive Landscape and Procurement

1:01:19Jacob Kantor's Introduction and Reflections on EdTech Insiders

Jacob Kantor's Introduction and Reflections on EdTech Insiders

1:03:37Google's AI Awakening and OpenAI's District Initiatives

Google's AI Awakening and OpenAI's District Initiatives

1:07:17Conversational AI and its Potential in Education

Conversational AI and its Potential in Education

1:09:50OpenAI vs. Google and the Future of EdTech Companies

OpenAI vs. Google and the Future of EdTech Companies

1:11:47Turbulence in the EdTech Market and the Importance of Relationships

Turbulence in the EdTech Market and the Importance of Relationships

1:13:44Procurement Based on Evidence and Efficacy

Procurement Based on Evidence and Efficacy

Part 8: Classroom Transformation and Philosophical Shifts

1:17:39Teachers Getting Their Footing with AI and Introducing it to Students

Teachers Getting Their Footing with AI and Introducing it to Students

1:19:36Systemic Use of AI and Demonstrating Outcomes

Systemic Use of AI and Demonstrating Outcomes

1:21:04Stop Talking About AI and Focus on the Problem

Stop Talking About AI and Focus on the Problem

1:22:34Brisk's Direction and the Shift from AI to Problem-Solving

Brisk's Direction and the Shift from AI to Problem-Solving

1:25:14Figuring Out the Boundaries of AI and the Purpose of Schools

Figuring Out the Boundaries of AI and the Purpose of Schools

1:27:42Distinguishing Learning, Education, and Schooling

Distinguishing Learning, Education, and Schooling

1:29:57Fluidity and Personalization with AI and the Importance of Human Connection

Fluidity and Personalization with AI and the Importance of Human Connection

1:32:54The Scrutiny of Screens and the Impact on Young People

The Scrutiny of Screens and the Impact on Young People