Edtech Insiders

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 industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

Edtech Insiders is a education podcast hosted by Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell, with 499 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell hosts Edtech Insiders, a education show with 499 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Edtech Insiders

  How Microsoft Is Building AI for Learning, Not Just Answers with Deirdre Quarnstrom

  Sep 30, 202657 min

  Send us Fan Mail Deirdre Quarnstrom leads Microsoft ’s AI-enhanced learning product portfolio and strategy. She started her work in education bringing Minecraft Education to students and educators around the world. Deirdre also serves as a Director on the board of the Block by Block Foundation and is a founding partner and advisor at Reaction, a social impact VC fund. 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Microsoft is approaching AI in education. Why AI tutors should guide students rather than give them answers. How learning science shapes AI-powered learning tools. How AI can reduce teacher workload. The future of AI-powered game-based learning. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:38] Minecraft Education and the impact of the Hour of Code [00:10:46] Microsoft’s approach to AI in education [00:20:48] How AI can help reduce teacher workload [00:25:52] Building AI tools around learning science [00:29:20] “The magic is when the student figures something out for themselves.” [00:30:37] The potential renaissance of game-based learning [00:37:15] AI safety, privacy, and educator involvement [00:53:27] Why AI should be a “power up” for educators and students 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.

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  Edtech Insiders

  HigherEd Series: Sal Khan on What Higher Education Needs to Change in the AI Era

  Sep 29, 202638 min

  Send us Fan Mail Sal Khan is the founder and CEO of Khan Academy and Vision Steward and board member of TED, two global nonprofits that provide free education to 200+ million people worldwide. Sal is the author of The One World Schoolhouse and Brave New Words, and the co-author of Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically & Responsibly. His forthcoming book, Job Shock, examines how AI will transform the future of work and how societies can build learning systems that help people adapt, learn, and thrive. Co-Hosted by Matthew Rascoff This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series , featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education. 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why AI is forcing higher education to rethink its value. The vision behind the Khan TED Institute. Why durable skills like communication and collaboration matter. How portfolios and authentic projects could improve hiring signals. What lifelong learning could look like in an AI-driven workforce. ✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:52] The vision behind the Khan TED Institute [00:04:30] How AI is reshaping higher education [00:10:01] Rethinking how employers identify talent [00:15:46] Moving from informal learning to credentials [00:20:48] Creating better signals of learner skills [00:31:23] Learning through authentic work experiences [00:35:58] The future of the Khan TED Institute 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.

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  Edtech Insiders

  Can AI Make Students Better Thinkers? Inside CAiSEY's Voice-First Learning Revolution with Dan Wang & Johanna Chouraqui

  Sep 28, 202650 min

  Send us Fan Mail Dan Wang is the Lambert Family Professor of Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School and Co-founder of CAiSEY , a voice-first AI discussion platform that helps students develop critical thinking through conversation. Johanna Chouraqui leads instructor onboarding, user research, and operations at CAiSEY, bringing nearly a decade of experience in K-12 education and learning design. 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode Why voice-based AI can foster deeper critical thinking than text-based interactions. How CAiSEY helps instructors increase student participation and classroom engagement. Why AI should act as a thinking partner and not a homework shortcut. How voice conversations give educators new insights into student understanding. What the future of AI-powered discussion and learning could look like across higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:32] The origin story of CAiSEY and why ChatGPT inspired a new approach to classroom learning. [00:09:34] Why voice conversations unlock more creative and diverse thinking than text. [00:15:22] How AI-powered discussions help quieter students build confidence before class. [00:19:32] Why CAiSEY is intentionally designed to challenge students through debate. [00:24:31] From one Columbia classroom to 25+ universities: CAiSEY's rapid growth. [00:30:53] How voice-first AI improves accessibility for neurodiverse learners. [00:34:10] Early research showing increased classroom participation and deeper learning. [00:42:19] Dan and Johanna's vision for AI that strengthens, not replaces, human learning and classroom relationships. 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.

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  Edtech Insiders

  Week in Edtech 9/15/26: Gates Commits $1B to Equitable AI, Low-Tech Tutoring Shows Learning Gains, AI Safety Under Scrutiny, and More! Feat. Dorka Horvath of BOOKR Kids & Nitesh Goel & Zareen Poonen Levien of Padlet

  Sep 24, 20261h 28m

  Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI safety, tutoring research, equitable access to AI, and how educators are using AI in the classroom. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:07:16] AI safety concerns grow as Anthropic researchers and executives question the pace of frontier AI development [00:12:42] AI alignment, self-improvement, and multi-agent systems raise new questions about control [00:21:47] Randomized trial finds meaningful learning gains from consistent 20-minute phone tutoring across five countries [00:25:23] Low-tech tutoring delivers results at an estimated $11 per child [00:26:45] Gates Foundation commits $1B to advancing equitable AI across education, health, and agriculture [00:34:18] Instruction Partners' AI in Action tour examines 20 AI tools across 16 school systems [00:36:14] AI in schools works best when instructional goals come first and technology follows Plus, special guests: [00:38:29] Dorka Horvath , CEO and Co-founder of BOOKR Kids , on its $6.1M Series A, literacy, digital storytelling, and responsible AI [00:59:38] Nitesh Goel , CEO and Founder and Zareen Poonen Levien , Principal Educator, of Padlet , on building an education company and creating meaningful classroom collaboration 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.

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  Edtech Insiders

  HigherEd Series: From the Brink of Closure to Reinventing Paul Quinn College with Michael Sorrell

  Sep 22, 202647 min

  Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael J. Sorrell is the longest-serving President in Paul Quinn College ’s 154-year history. A nationally recognized higher education leader, he has been named one of Fortune’s 50 Greatest Leaders and received numerous awards for his innovative leadership and commitment to students and communities. Hosted by Matthew Rascoff This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series , featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education. 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Paul Quinn College went from the brink of closure to a model of innovation. Why economic mobility is central to the college’s mission. How the work-college model helps students gain real-world experience. Why entrepreneurship is built into every student’s education at Paul Quinn. How Paul Quinn is preparing students for an AI-driven economy. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:15] Michael J. Sorrell on the turnaround of Paul Quinn College. [00:07:37] Addressing poverty and improving students’ economic outcomes. [00:18:23] The work-college model and creating greater opportunity for students. [00:21:51] Moving from “lifelong learning” to “lifelong earning.” [00:34:14] AI, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for the future of work. [00:37:55] Teaching students to recognize opportunities and build businesses around them. [00:39:17] Staying curious, learning from students, and responding to real-world needs. 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.

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