Tech in EdTech

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.

In this episode, Dan Cogan-Drew, Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer at Newsela, shares insights on how technology can genuinely support teachers and make learning more engaging for students. Dan discusses AI in education, explaining how it can be a useful tool when thoughtfully applied, and shares practical advice for school leaders on trying new tools without overwhelming teachers or students.

In this episode, Dr. Dax Parcells, Ed.D., Chair of Education, Psychology, and Sociology at Palm Beach State College, shares his experience integrating AI into higher education. He discusses the impact of Gen AI on teaching, academic integrity, and critical thinking while highlighting personalized learning and learner engagement. Dr. Parcells also explores the role of AI in curriculum design, the importance of faculty development, and how publishers and edtech can bridge gaps by embedding AI tools into their offerings to better support faculty and learners across disciplines.

Sam Nelson, Director of Technical Curriculum at Multiverse, discusses the intersection of technology and curriculum design in the context of apprenticeships and workforce training. Sam offers valuable advice on balancing industry-specific skills with pedagogical best practices, the importance of using AI and new technologies thoughtfully to enhance learning, and the critical role of curriculum design in driving successful workforce development.