Tech in EdTech

In this episode, Olivia sits down with Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education, to talk about what learners truly need: credentials that carry weight, hands-on simulations that reflect real work, not busywork, and support that builds confidence along the way. They dive deep into why higher ed is still stuck on outdated skill sets, what practical, long-lasting skills look like today, and why small businesses might be the most underused training ground we have. If you’re rethinking what it actually means to prepare learners for the road ahead, this is a grounded and thoughtful place to start. 

Dr. Annalies Corbin, CEO of the PAST Foundation and author of Hacking School, brings an anthropologist’s lens to educational change. In this episode, she breaks down why many EdTech initiatives fail to stick, pointing to short funding cycles, lack of strategy, and cultural disconnects. For EdTech leaders aiming to build products that go beyond temporary fixes, her insights offer a clear path to lasting impact. This is a conversation about designing with purpose and helping schools adopt technology that works.

How do you protect a school from threats you can’t predict? Philip Selton, CEO of Lockdown Experts, unpacks the realities behind school safety technology - what works, what doesn’t, and what most people get wrong. From the fire alarm systems we take for granted to the rising debate around metal detectors, reinforced doors, and AI surveillance, this conversation dives deep into the practical, the ethical, and the personal decisions behind keeping schools safe. 

In this episode of Tech in EdTech, Sean Strathy sits down with Jason Kahn, Founder and Chief Science Officer at Mightier, to explore how digital play can power real emotional growth in children. They dive into timely topics like the urgency for SEL programs in schools, the impact of the pandemic on social development, the difference between gamification and true play, and how to design digital tools with therapeutic value. The conversation also covers screen time balance, the evolving SEL policy landscape, and the importance of involving parents in the emotional health journey. Whether you're an educator, parent, or edtech provider, this episode offers a fresh perspective on using tech to nurture emotionally resilient learners.

Nathan Holbert, Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, talks about the thoughtful integration of AI and other technologies into education. The conversation goes beyond AI’s “wow” factor to discuss how teachers, learners, and the broader school culture interact with new tools. The main thread is a call for intentionality and theoretical grounding when adopting AI. Rather than treating AI as a quick fix or a “faster” solution, he emphasizes how technology should support the social, cultural, and relational aspects of learning rather than overshadow them.

Juanita Soranno, Head of Impact at Cengage and founder of Code Connect, has an insightful discussion with Laura Hakala about delivering real impact in workforce education. Drawing from her personal experience as a workforce program participant, Juanita shares how Cengage measures impact through various metrics and shares essential insights into employer-aligned training, AI-driven skills mapping, the evolving role of boot camps and microcredentials, and how community partnerships can close critical gaps.

Christine Looser, Senior Academic Director of Minerva Project, shares insights on transforming higher education through active, skills-based learning and institutional partnerships. She discusses Minerva’s innovative approach, which prioritizes  "durable, transferable skills" rather than just technical knowledge. The discussion also addressed AI’s role in education, the importance of reflection in learning, and strategies for overcoming institutional resistance to change. With a focus on student success and global adaptability, this episode offers valuable takeaways for higher ed leaders looking to modernize their programs.

Anna Edwards, Co-founder and Chief Advocacy Officer of Whiteboard Advisors discusses current trends and future directions in education policy and technology. She shares insights on federal education policy changes, state-level innovations in accountability measures, and the growing emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) through public-private partnerships. The conversation explores how AI is being integrated into K-12 education, both as a teaching tool and as a subject for student literacy, and the importance of data infrastructure in education technology.

In this episode, Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, discusses transforming professional development in education. Matthew shares how districts can move beyond one-off training days to create ongoing support for teachers, even with limited budgets. He highlights the need to use data to guide decisions, tailoring learning to teacher needs, and practical ways to connect training with real classroom results. The conversation explores how technology and emerging tools can support more responsive and impactful professional learning strategies.