Scratch: Margaret Honey on the Platform That Makes Kids Feel Like Superheroes

Send us Fan MailDr. Margaret Honey joined the Scratch Foundation as the organization’s President & CEO in January 2024. She is widely recognized for her work using digital technologies to support children’s learning and brings decades of non-profit leadership experience and expertise to the Scratch Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Honey led the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) for 15 years, where she leveraged the museum as a platform for innovation in STEM education and developed NYSCI’s distinctive Design-Make-Play approach to STEM learning. A graduate of Hampshire College with a doctorate in developmental psychology from Columbia University, Margaret Honey has helped to shape the best thinking about learning and technology with special attention to ensuring that all young people have access to high-quality creative learning opportunities.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Scratch empowers children through creativity, coding, and community.The history and growth of Scratch into a global platform with over 46 million users.The unique philosophy of learning that sets Scratch apart from traditional edtech tools.How Scratch is approaching AI integration to foster exploration and child agency.Why sustainable, mission-driven models are essential for educational platforms.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:27] “There’s no learning without inspiration.”[00:03:59] Scratch hits 46 million users and 21.5 million new sign-ups in 2024.[00:06:51] Scratch empowers kids with agency and creative coding.[00:07:47] Global education shifts toward creativity and problem-solving.[00:13:50] 35 million studios show Scratch’s thriving peer-to-peer community.[00:18:29] “It would be impossible to do now what Scratch did then.”[00:24:34] Scratch explores AI as a tool for creativity, not instruction.[00:32:29] A museum exhibit inspires a child: “I have superpowers.”[00:34:15] Rethinking education to match the pace of technological change.😎 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/s: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.