Week in Edtech 9/24/25: AI Tutors Under Scrutiny, Gallup Shows K-12 Trust Collapse, CZI Launches Learning Commons, Phone Bans Rise, Higher Ed Struggles, and More! Feat. Jamie Candee of Edmentum & Nick Chen of PlayMath.org

Oct 3, 2025

Nick Chen, an edtech product veteran and founder of PlayMath.org, discusses the elements that make educational games effective, stressing the need for meaningful gameplay and immediate feedback. Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum, emphasizes the importance of career-connected learning, explaining how early exposure to various career pathways can enhance student engagement without pigeonholing them. They also delve into the rising use of VR for skilled trades training and the broader implications of current educational reforms and workforce needs.

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ANECDOTE

Product Journey From ST Math To PlayMath

Nick Chen described his product history from ST Math to Epic Reading and now PlayMath.org.
He explains PlayMath focuses on high-quality, chromebook-friendly math games for schools.

INSIGHT

Core Loop + Informative Feedback Drives Learning

Great educational games align the core gameplay loop directly with learning targets and deliver informative immediate feedback.
Nick emphasizes feedback that explains why an answer is wrong as the prime learning opportunity.

ADVICE

Design For Chromebooks, Not Just Mobile Skill

Avoid dexterity-heavy games that penalize students for Chromebook input limitations.
Design alternative modes (non-time) so gameplay assesses math thinking, not mouse skills.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they dive into the latest headlines shaping the future of education technology, from AI tutors and Gallup polls to new VR career pathways and the impact of phone bans in schools.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:38] Mashable compares AI tutors from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic
[00:10:45] Gallup poll shows confidence in K-12 at all-time low
[00:15:48] CZI launches Learning Commons open-source AI infrastructure
[00:20:41] CZI + Anthropic partnership expands AI tools for edtech
[00:23:31] Kahoot unveils new AI-powered study tools
[00:26:26] Phone bans spread in U.S. schools with positive results
[00:29:53] Higher ed faces declining international applications and demographic cliff

Plus, special guests:
[00:36:24] Nick Chen, Founder of PlayMath.org, on educational gaming and product lessons
[01:00:40] Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum, on career pathways, durable skills, and VR workforce prep

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