Year-End Special Part 1: 2024 Reflections and 2025 Predictions by Alex and Ben

Send us Fan Mail2024 was an incredible year for EdTech, filled with transformative shifts and groundbreaking innovations!In this special year-end episode, Alex and Ben dive into the defining trends of the year—from the ESSER funding cliff reshaping K-12 strategies to the rise of AI-powered learning tools. They also look ahead to 2025, making bold predictions about the future of education technology, including the potential of gaming, assessment overhauls, and micro-company innovation.Stay tuned for Part 2, coming in January, where Alex and Ben will share predictions from thought leaders across the EdTech space to kick off the new year!✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:43] 🎄 Kicking off the year-end special with reflections on a transformative 2024.[00:01:38] 📉 ESSER funding cliff and its implications for K-12 EdTech investments.[00:02:17] 🚀 The Cambrian explosion of AI and its impact on innovation and startups.[00:04:02] 🤖 AI in K-12 education: challenges, successes, and lessons from the field.[00:06:24] 🗺️ Big Tech’s growing influence on education and learning models.[00:08:03] 🎉 Reflecting on EdTech Insiders' major milestones and community highlights.[00:11:46] 🎮 Predictions for AI-driven gaming and real-time multimodal learning tools.[00:13:21] 📊 The coming assessment revolution and its transformative potential.[00:18:55] 🎓 Higher education’s pivot toward career-focused, practical learning models.[00:23:20] 💼 Workforce learning shifts: upskilling for productivity in a competitive market.[00:27:02] 🤔 AI agents and their transformative potential in education and beyond.😎 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.