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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest co-host Gemma Lenowitz Picot of Samvid Ventures as they break down the latest developments in AI, workforce development, edtech adoption, and education policy.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:26] OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic expand AI workforce training initiatives
[00:10:30] Data center investments create new opportunities for workforce development
[00:15:59] Anthropic launches Claude Core to help nonprofits adopt AI
[00:21:00] AI safety concerns raise questions about education-specific AI models
[00:27:23] Khanmigo tops the new EdTech AI Visibility Index
[00:33:40] Teacher requests for AI tools on DonorsChoose have tripled
[00:38:26] AI adoption may accelerate growth in microschools and school choice
[00:41:22] UK proposes banning social media access for children under 16
[00:42:37] UK expands AI tutoring access for low-income students
[00:50:18] Satya Nadella introduces the concept of AI-powered organizational learning loops

Plus, special guests:
[00:54:02] Tom ap Simon, President of Higher Education and Virtual Learning at Pearson, on AI readiness, career pathways, and workforce outcomes
[01:16:03] France Hoang, Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, on AI collaboration, financial literacy, and preparing learners for an AI-powered future

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

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Anthony Salcito is President & GM of Enterprise at Coursera, where he leads partnerships with enterprises, universities, and governments to build job-relevant skills at scale. Previously, he held leadership roles at Microsoft and Nerdy (Varsity Tutors), and has spent his career at the intersection of technology, education, and workforce development.

💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Why skills are becoming the new currency in hiring.
2. How micro-credentials complement, not replace college degrees.
3. What AI-ready organizations do differently.
4. How the Coursera-Udemy merger expands learning opportunities.
5. Why lifelong learning is essential in the AI era.

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:02:00] Anthony explains the vision behind the Coursera-Udemy merger.
[00:05:22] Why employers increasingly value micro-credentials alongside degrees.
[00:11:17] Technology doesn't drive transformation; people and culture do.
[00:20:40] Why the future isn't degrees or micro-credentials, it's both.
[00:28:01] What AI-first organizations do differently to build lasting skills.
[00:31:57] How Coursera evolved from MOOCs to workforce-focused learning.
[00:36:40] Global partnerships are expanding access to AI and job-ready skills.
[00:38:48] Anthony shares the edtech trends he's most excited about, including entrepreneurial mindsets and making technology "less obvious but essential."

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail

George Siemens is the Chief AI & Innovation Officer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and one of the most influential learning theorists in modern education. He is the creator of Connectivism, co-creator of the first MOOC, and a leading voice on how AI is reshaping learning, higher education, and knowledge itself.

💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode

1. How AI is changing the architecture of knowledge and learning.
2. Why personal knowledge systems may become essential in the AI era.
3. What universities need to do to prepare learners for an AI-powered future.
4. How Connectivism applies to today's AI landscape.
5. Why human skills like judgment, wisdom, and sense-making matter more than ever.

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:03:31] AI's impact on today's education system and what comes next
[00:06:41] Why leaders need hands-on AI experience.
[00:10:48] Why learners need a "second brain" that extends beyond graduation.
[00:14:16] The origins of Connectivism and its relevance in the AI age.
[00:20:11] Is AI an expert, a connector, or something entirely new?
[00:25:39] Why universities struggle to keep pace with change.
[00:29:05] The concept of "cognitive escalation" and the future of human work.
[00:31:49] How universities can evolve beyond knowledge transfer.
[00:36:49] How universities, startups, and AI labs can collaborate.
[00:43:09] Lessons from MOOCs and what they teach us about AI-enabled learning.
[00:50:46] George's prediction for AI agents and knowledge work over the next year.
[00:52:21] George's recommended voices and resources.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.