Week in EdTech 10/1/25: OpenAI’s Sora 2 Transforms Learning, Anthology Files for Bankruptcy, Code.org Launches, LingoKids & Outsmart Funding, and More! Feat. Sari Factor & Jason Fournier of Imagine Learning and Caleb Hicks of SchoolAI

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Matt Tower as they break down the biggest headlines shaping the future of education technology. From OpenAI’s new video model to major EdTech funding rounds and the rise of curriculum-informed AI.✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:56] EdTech Week 2025 preview at Columbia University featuring OpenAI’s education keynote.[00:06:50] SETDA report: AI overtakes cybersecurity as top K–12 tech priority.[00:09:05] OpenAI’s Sora 2 video model brings lifelike multimodal AI to education.[00:14:10] Rise of AI actors like “Tilly Norwood” underscores new media literacy concerns.[00:18:30] Code.org launches Hour of AI to expand AI literacy in schools.[00:24:40] Debate: Is “learn to code” still essential in the AI age?[00:29:30] Microsoft Copilot adds Study Mode with shareable learning tools.[00:32:00] Anthology (Blackboard) bankruptcy exposes failed 2021 PE merger.[00:38:10] Funding: LingoKids raises $120M; Outsmart (ex-Duolingo) raises $40M.[00:43:50] National test score slump fuels “End of Thinking” education debate.[00:46:10] Calls for clear new visions of learning in the AI era.Plus, special guests:[00:53:00] Sari Factor, Vice Chair & Chief Strategy Officer, and Jason Fournier, VP of Product Management for AI & Data at Imagine Learning, on curriculum-informed AI.[01:04:00] Caleb Hicks, CEO & Co-founder of SchoolAI, on AI tutors 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/s: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.