Week in Edtech 1/15/2025: LA School Fires, ChatGPT's To-Do's & Reminders Feature, PowerSchool Data Breach, $175M for Element451, Student Loan Forgiveness, and More! Feat. Emily Lai of Pearson, Dominik Kovacs of Colossyan and Adele Smolansky of AI-Learners

Send us Fan MailHappy New Year! Welcome to the first Week in EdTech episode of 2025! Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower as they dive into the biggest stories shaping the education technology landscape, from AI innovations to major edtech funding and cybersecurity challenges.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:16] 🌐 OpenAI introduces a feature enabling ChatGPT to handle reminders and to-dos.[00:05:04] 🔥 LA schools face closures and damage as wildfires disrupt education.[00:22:54] 🔐 PowerSchool data breach exposes student and staff data, raising cybersecurity concerns.[00:29:55] 🎓 $4.2 billion in student loans canceled for 150,000 borrowers under Biden’s plan.[00:41:44] 💼 Element451 secures $175M for its AI-first CRM and student engagement platform.Plus, special guests:[00:44:22] 🎙️ Emily Lai, VP of Learning Impact Measurement at Pearson, discusses how AI tools improve study habits & learning outcomes and the Pearson end-of-year AI report.[00:56:15] 🎙️ Adele Smolansky, CEO of AI-Learners, explains how AI Learners is enhancing accessibility in education.[01:06:42] 🎙️ Dominik Mate Kovacs, CEO at Colossyan, explores the future of AI-driven video and personalized learning.😎 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: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. 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. 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. 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.