Week in Edtech 11/12/2025: Google DeepMind AI Forum Recap, Duolingo Crash, Parents Turn to Screen-Free EdTech, AI Companions in Schools, and More! Feat. Michelle Culver (The Rithm Project), Erin Mote (InnovateEDU), & Ben Caulfield (Eedi)

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Nov 21, 2025

Guest

Erin Mote

In this engaging discussion, guests Ben Caulfield, CEO of Eedi, reveals how their AI tutoring matches human performance, thanks to groundbreaking research with Google DeepMind. Michelle Culver, founder of The Rithm Project, addresses the psychological risks of AI companions, emphasizing pro-social design in education. Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, talks about the vital need for safety and transparency in AI tools. The group explores rising demand for screen-free edtech, reflecting a new direction in educational technology.

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ADVICE

Adopt Hybrid Digital-Physical Models

Edtech companies should consider hybrid digital+physical strategies to address parent concerns over screens.
Offer offline materials or audio-first options to reach families seeking less screen time.

INSIGHT

Why AI Companions Hook Youth

AI companions are attractive because they are judgment-free, always available, and affirming to youth.
Those same qualities risk displacing messy but essential human reciprocal relationships.

ADVICE

Use SAFE Guardrails For School AI

Prioritize safety, accountability, fairness, transparency, and efficacy (SAFE) when deploying AI in schools.
Avoid unchecked personalization without guardrails to protect trust with parents and students.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they unpack the breakthroughs and backlash following the Google DeepMind AI for Learning Forum in London—and what it means for the future of edtech.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:30] Google DeepMind’s AI for Learning Forum sets a new global tone for learning innovation
[00:06:58] Google’s “Learn Your Way” tool personalizes entire textbooks with AI
[00:08:12] AI video tools like Google Flow redefine classroom content creation
[00:13:40] Why this could be the moment for teachers to become AI media creators
[00:18:36] Risks of AI-generated video: deepfakes, disinformation, and youth impact
[00:22:19] Duolingo stock crashes over 40% amid investor fears of big tech competition
[00:23:52] Screen time backlash accelerates: parents turn to screen-free edtech
[00:26:14] Why physical math books and comic-style curricula are surging in demand
[00:27:35] A wave of screen-free edtech: from LeapFrog alumni to audio-first tools

Plus, special guests:

[00:28:51] Michelle Culver, Founder of The Rithm Project, and Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, on the psychological risks of AI companions, building trust in AI tools, and designing for pro-social relationships
[00:51:48] Ben Caulfield, CEO of Eedi, shares groundbreaking findings from their Google DeepMind study: AI tutors now match—and sometimes outperform—humans in math instruction, and how Eedi powers the future of scalable, safe AI tutoring.

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