Bridging AI and Human Connection in Education with Libby Hills and Owen Henkel of Ed-Technical Podcast

Send us Fan MailLibby Hills co-leads the Jacobs Foundation’s global EdTech investment portfolio, focusing on the intersection of technology, research, and education. With over 15 years in education, including roles in teaching, tech leadership, and charity boards, she also co-hosts the Ed-Technical podcast. Libby holds degrees in Education and Social Business from Oxford and LSE.Owen Henkel is an AI in Education researcher at the University of Oxford, specializing in natural language processing for foundational literacy and numeracy. He leads the R&D team for Rori, a chatbot for personalized math tutoring on low-cost mobile phones, and co-hosts Ed-Technical with Libby. Owen has a dual MBA/MA from the University of Michigan and is completing his Ph.D. at Oxford.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:The future of AI-powered tutoring and its potential impact.Key components that make tutoring effective.Jacobs Foundation’s approach to cost-effective hybrid AI-human models.Current limitations of AI in understanding student learning.New UK government initiatives supporting AI in education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:22] Generative AI’s limitations in understanding student learning.[00:00:57] Carnegie Mellon’s AI-human hybrid tutoring model.[00:04:37] Four pillars of effective high-dosage tutoring.[00:08:17] History and evolution of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS).[00:11:26] Rori, a math tutoring chatbot for underserved regions.[00:17:18] Hybrid models reducing tutoring costs and training needs.[00:24:42] AI modeling new thinking processes for students.[00:26:35] UK government-backed AI content hubs and resources.[00:31:32] Raising minimum quality standards in education with AI.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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. 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.