Week in EdTech 10/29/25: Alpha School's Backlash, Chegg Layoffs, Kaplan’s AI Pivot, Mem0’s “Memory Layer,” Big Tech vs. Higher Ed, and More! Feat. Rebecca Winthrop & Jenny Anderson, Authors of The Disengaged Teen and Justin Reich, MIT Teaching Systems Lab

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Nov 7, 2025

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Join Justin Reich, director at MIT Teaching Systems Lab, as he shares insights on AI in classrooms and the realities of edtech's transformative promises. Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson dive into their research on student engagement in 'The Disengaged Teen,' exploring the alarming decline in enjoyment and defining vital learner agency. They introduce the four learner modes, offering practical strategies for reshaping disengaged students. This conversation navigates the intersection of technology and education, spotlighting the importance of thoughtful innovation.

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ADVICE

Design Memory For Interoperability

If you build a memory layer, ensure interoperability with major AI platforms to avoid being locked out.
Expect platforms to try solving memory themselves, so focus on secure, open integration.

INSIGHT

Avoid Binary Big-Tech Narratives

Headlines accusing Big Tech of 'taking' education risk polarizing debate and slowing school innovation.
Industry partnerships can bring resources and should be evaluated on benefits, not presumed malicious intent.

INSIGHT

Engagement Collapses In Adolescence

Engagement falls sharply from childhood to adolescence; by 10th grade only ~25% love school.
Disengagement must be addressed systemically, not blamed solely on social media.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they recap a post–New York EdTech Week full of highs and hard truths.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] Alpha School's backlash and what it reveals about AI-based education.
[00:06:58] EdTech’s new K–20 alliance with Microsoft and Google for responsible AI.
[00:10:09] The risks and lessons from Alpha School's rapid rise and fall.
[00:21:53] Chegg cuts 45% of staff amid AI disruption and market pressure.
[00:26:01] Kaplan launches AI tools built on 85 years of learner data.
[00:31:02] Mem0 raises $23M to build a universal AI memory layer.
[00:38:10] Cal State’s OpenAI deal sparks debate on Big Tech in higher ed.
[00:44:18] The media’s anti-AI narrative and its impact on innovation.

Plus, special guests:
[00:50:24] Rebecca Winthrop, Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, and Jenny Anderson, award-winning journalist and co-author of The Disengaged Teen, on student agency, engagement, and the four learner modes.
[01:11:14] Justin Reich, Director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, on AI in Schools: Perspectives for the Perplexed and how educators can experiment safely with emerging AI tools.

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