The GSV Big 10: Zoom Doom
The GSV Big 10: Zoom Doom
College rankings, over-parenting, and Mr. Beast...
Chart of the Week
The Big 10:
💡 ICYMI: Learning in the Intimacy Economy | Dash Media x Artificiality
Dave Edwards, a longtime friend and pioneer in the innovation economy, is on the forefront in the era of AI with Artificiality, a company he co-founded alongside his wife, Helen. We are immensely grateful to Dave and Helen for putting together this great research piece, which was enhanced by insights from members of our education network.
The Return of the One-Room Schoolhouse | The Free Press
COVID accelerated the future to the present in the education world. The pandemic also inspired a ragtag militia of moms to get organized and arm their children with the education they needed to thrive. What was once a weapon against learning loss is now a full-blown revolution. Florida remains at the forefront of innovation in education.
The John Stuart Mill Fellowship | Brendan McCord on X
You had us at hello.
‘s Cosmos Institute is on a mission to build “a network of thinkers and builders advancing human flourishing in the AI era”…that is speaking our love language. The Mercatus Center’s John Stuart Mill Fellowship is a one-year program for entrepreneurs to study the philosophical underpinnings of big ideas relating to markets, politics, and society. This is what it’s all about!Zooming to Class Slows Student Learning | Education Next
Is in-person interaction the way to go for most things? We say yes. But here's the real question: how can online learning complement, enhance, and widen access to the in-person experience? There's an unmet challenge to show what can actually be done better online than face-to-face, and AI is likely to be a game-changer in tackling this. It's a crying shame when people elect to take classes or conduct meetings virtually out of sheer laziness – the argument isn't about choosing one or the other, but rather how to effectively use both. Too often, people mistake activity for effectiveness – I’ve found that a single in-person meeting often carries as much weight as a dozen Zoom calls. The key is to use technology appropriately to boost results, and to remember that human connection is often the most efficient approach.
Gen AI Demands We Teach Critical Thinking | Getting Smart
Critical thinking is the bedrock of learning. It has only become that much more so in the age of AI. Outsourcing one’s brain to a computer will result in mediocrity at best, and self-destruction at worst. AI should be a research assistant, not a substitute. Powerful technology tools combined with our ability to question, be curious, think, and reason will unleash unprecedented levels of human achievement.
Closing American Universities Abroad Undermines U.S. Interests | RealClear Policy
You say potato, I say potato. Qatar is an enigma…long-viewed as maybe not the bad boy, but the bad boy’s accomplice, the argument expressed here is that getting closer increases the opportunity for us all to be friends. The other side of the coin is the question of supporting and reinforcing bad behavior. Despite Qatar desperately trying to show its star power and influence on the global stage (including last year’s World Cup), it has some obstacles it needs to overcome. Money is nice, supporting Hamas and Hezbollah is not. It’s a beautiful place…and hopefully one that can be a key part of the decades ahead.
Are We Over-Parenting Our Kids? | Raising Parents with Emily Oster
Emily Oster, an economist, professor, and parenting expert, is known for her data-driven approach to pregnancy and parenting decisions. “Moneyballing Motherhood” is a rising theme of ours, centered around the shift from anecdotal decision-making to data-driven strategies. That said, the over-coddling wave that has been building for decades needs to take a chill pill. Oster's new show in partnership with the Free Press, "Raising Parents," tackles complex questions about raising children in today's world.
Opting out of the selective-college craziness is always an option | Thomas B. Fordham Institute
The riots, encampments, and generally disgusting behavior that have plagued elite institutions have accelerated a conversation around whether you really want your kids to go to an elite school even if they get in. It used to be that a Harvard degree guaranteed a lifetime of success…that’s changing. Hopefully, these institutions can get their acts together and remember that elite needs to mean excellence.
2024 State Edtech Trends Report | Whiteboard Advisors
Ben Wallerstein and team continue to set new standards in providing invaluable research and strategic guidance to leaders in the education sector. Check out our recent Ed on the Edge podcast episode with Ben here.
The Mr. Beast Memo is a Guide to the Gen Z Workforce |
Mr. Beast’s manifesto on how his generation works is an important read, whether you find yourself a believer or not. History has shown that every generation thinks the younger ones are messed up…but if you want to understand the future, you have to study young people. His document highlights that Gen Z prioritizes work quality over quantity, emphasizing results, communication, and fair compensation. This generation values adaptability, constant learning, informal communication, technology-driven results, blending work with personal interests, and transparency. Nobody has a pulse on this generation better than Mr. Beast, the leader of his 320 million-follower kingdom on YouTube.
BONUS: Pro Athlete Community brings support for retired athletes to Austin | KXAN
I had the privilege of speaking at the Pro Athlete Community (PAC) event in Austin this week, participating in a fireside chat with Marques Colston, the New Orleans Saints legend turned venture capitalist. My friend Chip Paucek has clearly tapped into something powerful with his new venture.
Birds of a feather flock together, and organizations like YPO have demonstrated the value of such gatherings. These professional athletes have achieved extraordinary success at a young age and are now seeking ways to apply their strong work ethic to excel in business and life. The event provided an inspiring platform for these driven individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. Good stuff!
This Week’s People Moves
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Guillaume Marquis: VirtualBrain ➡️ Basalt 🪨, CTO & Co-founder
Rikin Patel, MBA: Comcast ➡️ Ascend Learning, Technical Product Owner
Thomas Burgess: Third Space Learning ➡️ MyTutor.co.uk, Senior Partnerships Manager
Francesca Roberts: Let's Go ➡️ Our Learning Cloud, Innovation and Partnership Manager
Melanie Robinson: Purposeful Ventures ➡️ Camden Learning, Director of Finance and Operations