Week in Edtech 1/15/2025: LA School Fires, ChatGPT's To-Do's & Reminders Feature, PowerSchool Data Breach, $175M for Element451, Student Loan Forgiveness, and More! Feat. Emily Lai of Pearson, Dominik Kovacs of Colossyan and Adele Smolansky of AI-Learners

Jan 24, 2025

Guest

Matt Tower

Guest

In this discussion, Emily Lai, VP at Pearson, dives into AI tools that enhance learning outcomes and study habits. Adele Smolansky, CEO of AI-Learners, reveals how AI is transforming accessibility in education. Dominik Kovacs, founder of Colossyan, shares insights on using AI-driven video solutions to create personalized learning experiences. The conversation also tackles urgent issues like recent wildfires impacting LA schools and a significant data breach at PowerSchool, highlighting the critical role of technology in navigating these challenges.

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INSIGHT

Higher Ed Data Discrepancy

The National Student Clearinghouse significantly misreported college enrollment data.
This highlights the risk of relying on fallible data for decision-making.

ADVICE

Higher Ed Differentiation

Higher ed institutions need legitimate differentiation.
Focus on a specific value proposition, like vocational, religious, or sports focus.

ANECDOTE

Student Loan Forgiveness

Biden's administration forgave $4.2 billion in student loans for 150,000 borrowers.
Trump signaled this program will likely not continue.

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Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Week in EdTech episode of 2025! Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower as they dive into the biggest stories shaping the education technology landscape, from AI innovations to major edtech funding and cybersecurity challenges.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:16] 🌐 OpenAI introduces a feature enabling ChatGPT to handle reminders and to-dos.
[00:05:04] 🔥 LA schools face closures and damage as wildfires disrupt education.
[00:22:54] 🔐 PowerSchool data breach exposes student and staff data, raising cybersecurity concerns.
[00:29:55] 🎓 $4.2 billion in student loans canceled for 150,000 borrowers under Biden’s plan.
[00:41:44] 💼 Element451 secures $175M for its AI-first CRM and student engagement platform.

Plus, special guests:

[00:44:22] 🎙️ Emily Lai, VP of Learning Impact Measurement at Pearson, discusses how AI tools improve study habits & learning outcomes and the Pearson end-of-year AI report.
[00:56:15] 🎙️ Adele Smolansky, CEO of AI-Learners, explains how AI Learners is enhancing accessibility in education.
[01:06:42] 🎙️ Dominik Mate Kovacs, CEO at Colossyan, explores the future of AI-driven video and personalized learning.

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🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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Cooley LLP 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.