Week in EdTech 3/11/26: OpenAI Launches Interactive Learning Tools, Stanford AI Education Meta-Study Raises Questions, AI Backlash Grows, K–12 Cybersecurity Risks Rise, and More! Feat. Oliver Page of CyberNut

Mar 20, 2026

Oliver Page, Co-founder and CEO of CyberNut, leads an AI-powered cybersecurity training startup that gamifies phishing defense for K–12 schools. He discusses why schools are uniquely vulnerable to phishing, how AI is fueling more personalized attacks, and why engaging, regular simulations beat once-a-year compliance training. He also explains student-focused reporting tools and scaling tactics for school adoption.

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INSIGHT

AI Backlash Will Persist Without Clear Wins

Public sentiment toward AI is in backlash: worries about screen time, AI harms, job disruption, and high-profile controversies are driving skepticism.
Both hosts say this will persist until widely distributed, well-documented positive learning outcomes appear.

INSIGHT

Districts See AI Increasing Cyber Risk

81% of districts believe AI increases cybersecurity risk and ~30% see a significant increase, per Clever—amplifying fears and driving scrutiny of edtech.
This statistic fuels parent and district anxiety about student safety online.

ADVICE

Three Layer Strategy To Fight EdTech Backlash

Counter backlash with a three-layer approach: clear top-level messaging, equip policymakers with evidence, and provide grassroots playbooks for local evaluation.
Ben Kornell urges task forces and kits so districts don't just turn tech off.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from OpenAI’s push into interactive learning to new research on AI efficacy, growing AI backlash, and rising cybersecurity threats in K–12 schools.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:05:30] OpenAI launches a new suite of 70+ interactive science and math learning experiences built on cognitive science and visual learning principles
[00:12:22] Stanford and SCALE release a meta-analysis of 800+ AI education studies finding only 20 with strong causal evidence of learning impact
[00:19:44] Growing backlash against AI, screen time, and edtech as public concern rises about technology’s impact on children and learning
[00:21:10] Clever report finds more than half of school districts have experienced cyberattacks and 81% believe AI is increasing cybersecurity risk

Plus, special guest:
[00:29:19] Oliver Page, Co-founder and CEO of CyberNut, on why K–12 schools are uniquely vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyber threats

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