Week in EdTech 11/19/25: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for K–12, Google Deepens AI Push, Edtech Tools Face New Classroom Backlash, and More! Feat. Janos Perczel of Polygence & Dr. Stephen Hodges of Efekta Education

Nov 28, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Janos Perczel, CEO of Polygence, shares insights on scaling project-based learning with AI and how TeachLM optimizes student-teacher interactions. He emphasizes the importance of authentic data for training effective tutoring models. Joining him, Dr. Stephen Hodges, CEO of EFECTA Education, highlights how AI-driven tools are transforming language learning, providing students with personalized feedback and proven test score improvements. Together, they tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education.

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INSIGHT

Big Tech Freemiums Pressure EdTech Vendors

Major AI releases can suppress demand for niche edtech if they offer free, broadly useful features integrated with school systems.
Independent edtech must demonstrate clear differentiated value beyond generalized LLM capabilities.

ANECDOTE

PolyGence’s Mentor-Led Project Model

Janos Perczel describes PolyGence's model: one-on-one project-based learning guided by expert mentors.
He explains projects span topics from coding cancer detectors to historical dressmaking and serve over 10,000 students.

INSIGHT

TeachLM Needs Real Tutoring Data

Janos argues prompting alone can't close the gap between human tutors and AI; models need authentic student–teacher data.
TeachLM trains on real learning interactions to teach models how effective tutors behave.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down OpenAI’s unexpected launch of ChatGPT for K–12, Google’s accelerating AI momentum, and what these shifts mean for schools, teachers, and the edtech ecosystem.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:03] OpenAI unveils ChatGPT for K–12 educators—secure, curriculum-aware, and free through 2027
[00:03:02] The emerging AI Classroom Wars between OpenAI and Google across major U.S. districts
[00:07:36] Google’s big week: DeepMind tutoring gains and Gemini 3’s multimodal upgrades
[00:10:25] How district leaders will navigate growing community divides over AI adoption
[00:14:04] What OpenAI’s move means for MagicSchool, SchoolAI, Brisk, and other edtech players

Plus, special guests:
[00:19:26] Janos Perczel, CEO of Polygence on scaling project-based learning with AI and why TeachLM trains models on authentic student–teacher interactions

[00:41:36] Dr. Stephen Hodges, CEO of Efekta Education on AI-powered language learning for 4M students and early evidence of major test score gains

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