How effective are new education tools and technology in the classroom? And how does one get into the business of creating them?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Accelerator for Learning Executive Director Isabelle Hau to discuss the efficacy of tech tools in schools, and what can happen when the goals of public good and profit collide. Hau sheds light on several facets of the industry, including:

What’s driving the growth in edtech investment
Challenges schools face in adoption, including low usage of new tools, equity gaps due to funding models, and a lack of evidence-based decision-making tools for school decision makers
How to balance for-profit motivations with the best interests of students and teachers
Opportunities for edtech developers to innovate successfully, including tips for development, funding, and how to align innovations with research for better outcomes
A look to future edtech solutions that ensure equitable access, measurable impact, and adaptability in a changing landscape that includes AI-driven tools

Isabelle Hau is the executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and in her role she works with scholars, students and external collaborators to leverage the latest advances in brain and learning sciences. In addition to spearheading the Accelerator’s university-led initiative to improve educational outcomes for children and adults, she has worked at the intersection of philanthropy, impact investing in education, for more than 20 years. To learn more about her work, visit her website.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

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