Week in Edtech 1/7/26: Tech Backlash, PowerSchool Layoffs, Consumer AI Learning, Screen Time Scrutiny, AI’s Role in Schools, and More! Feat. Eli Luberoff of Desmos Studio & Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution from Edtech Insiders

Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell

Week in Edtech 1/7/26: Tech Backlash, PowerSchool Layoffs, Consumer AI Learning, Screen Time Scrutiny, AI’s Role in Schools, and More! Feat. Eli Luberoff of Desmos Studio & Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution

1 hour 12 minutes Posted Jan 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

] Growing tech backlash around screen time, phone bans, and distrust of edtech. [00:03:55] PowerSchool layoffs reflect private equity pressure and profitability focus. [00:06:30] Layoffs hig...

Growing tech backlash around screen time, phone bans, and distrust of edtech.

PowerSchool layoffs reflect private equity pressure and profitability focus.

Layoffs highlight the human cost for educators working in edtech.

Screen time skepticism reaches adult learning and professional assessments.

Big Tech ramps up AI competition as Meta, Amazon, and Apple reposition.

Consumer AI learning startups draw VC attention amid edtech valuation gaps.

Funding: Obo raises $16M Series A for AI-generated, multimodal courses.

UX, speed, and multimodality emerge as key edtech differentiators.

Speechify secures NYC schools deal, blending accessibility with consumer-grade UX.

Engagement-first consumer learning apps challenge traditional edtech models.

Eli Luberoff, Founder of Desmos Studio, on creative math tools and Desmos Professional.

Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, on how AI risks currently outweigh benefits for students without better guardrails.

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Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging Week in EdTech conversation covering tech backlash, AI in education, market consolidation, consumer learning tools, and major voices shaping the future of teaching and learning. ✨ Episode Highlights: [

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