Week in Edtech 4/8/26: Anthropic’s Mythos Sparks AI Security Concerns, EdTech Efficacy Debate Intensifies, Screen Time Backlash Grows, OpenAI Faces Pressure, AI Reshapes Entry-Level Jobs, Higher Ed Adapts, and More! Feat. Yoon Yang of Pensive

Apr 11, 2026

Yoon Yang, CEO and co-founder of Pensive and former AI researcher specializing in knowledge tracing, discusses AI-powered grading and course-specific tutoring in higher education. Conversation covers Mythos and AI-driven security risks. They debate edtech effectiveness, screen time controversies, and how AI is reshaping entry-level jobs and higher education’s response.

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ADVICE

Teach Digital Literacy Instead Of Banning Screens

Teach digital literacy and empower students to use tools safely instead of outright banning screens.
Ben Kornell argues training kids and teachers to 'cook with fire' prevents inequitable acceleration when bans favor affluent families.

INSIGHT

Smaller Schools Fit Diverse Values But Need New Metrics

Smaller, more personalized schools could better match family values and learning preferences, but scaling them requires reliable, real-time quality metrics.
Matt Tower suggests smaller cohorts ease local tailoring but demand new accountability systems.

INSIGHT

OpenAI Leadership Changes Will Shift Market Focus

Leadership churn at OpenAI amid competition from Anthropic and Google will shift product focus and trust dynamics across education markets.
Matt Tower predicts new executives will influence OpenAI's enterprise and coding priorities.

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Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, edtech efficacy, cybersecurity, and the future of work in education.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:00:33] Rapid rise of AI-generated “vibe coding” raises concerns about software vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks
[00:02:44] ASU+GSV preview highlights the importance of relationships over deal-making at major edtech gatherings
[00:08:26] Anthropic’s Mythos model withheld due to its ability to uncover critical security flaws across systems
[00:11:37] Growing need for AI systems to defend against AI-driven cybersecurity threats
[00:14:18] Schools question edtech effectiveness amid too many tools and limited evidence of impact
[00:15:23] Debate over screen time intensifies as some classrooms move toward eliminating devices
[00:20:47] Discussion on whether smaller, more personalized school models better serve students
[00:26:08] OpenAI faces leadership changes and increasing competition from Anthropic and Google
[00:30:30] Big Tech’s varying levels of investment in education reshape the competitive landscape
[00:33:25] AI disrupts entry-level job markets, raising concerns about college graduate employment
[00:36:12] Future workforce will demand adaptability, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning

Plus, special guest:
[00:37:34] Yoon Yang, CEO and Co-founder of Pensive, on AI-powered grading and personalized tutoring in higher education

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