Episode 33 | Live from ISTE: Navigating AI Risks with Alex Sarlin

Summary

In this conversation, Kyle Wallgren interviews Alex Sarlin, an expert in the EdTech space. They discuss the AI revolution in education, the challenges of selling AI products to schools, and the importance of building positive goodwill around AI in education. They also touch on the potential of AI in individualized learning, the concerns around deepfake technology, and the value of networking in the EdTech industry.

Takeaways

- The AI revolution in education is a game-changer and has the potential to transform the industry.
- Selling AI products to schools is complicated, and it is important to build positive goodwill and showcase the power of AI in education.
- AI can enable individualized learning paths for students and provide personalized content and feedback.
- Deepfake technology poses challenges in terms of authenticity and trust, but it is crucial for the education community to embrace AI and showcase its potential.
- Networking is essential in the EdTech industry and can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

Sound Bites

"I've really never seen anything like this AI revolution that we're sort of facing right now, facing and getting to experience."
"AI can do almost anything and it can basically mimic and simulate human thinking as closely as we've ever been able to do so far."
"If we don't have enough momentum and enough positive stories about why AI is so powerful education, I'm afraid that some negativity will lead to a full regression and schools starting to be really nervous about using it in any context."

Chapters

00:39 Introduction and Background

02:43 AI's Potential and Risks in Education

05:06 Empathy and Risk Management for EdTech Founders

08:44 Understanding AI's Core Functionality and Future Use

12:18 Overcoming AI Limitations and Embracing Creativity

15:32 The Rise of Deepfakes and Its Educational Implications

20:45 The Power of Networking in EdTech

22:18 Effective Networking Strategies for EdTech Founders

About Alex Sarlin

Alex brings over 15 years of experience in education technology, specializing in product and learning design. With a strong background in online course development, curriculum design, and educational psychology, Alex has led innovative projects in both start-ups and established organizations.

Currently, Alex serves as a Senior Advisor, Product at Cambiar Education, advising and investing in edtech companies reshaping education. As an Angel Investor at Readocracy.com, Alex supports a platform that tracks online attention and credibility. Additionally, Alex is the Founder of Edtech Insiders, a podcast and newsletter offering insights into global edtech trends. Alex holds an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, an MA in Instructional Design and Technology from Columbia University, and a BA from Cornell University.

Connect with Alex
LinkedIn: @alex-sarlin
X: @AlexSarlin