Fixing Education in America: What's Stopping Us?
Over half of Americans live in childcare deserts, while 90% of brain development happens before the age of five. All the while, education and childcare remain among the most resistant sectors to technological change. Billions of dollars have been spent, but outcomes continue to lag. Why?
In this episode, we dive into the systemic issues—misaligned incentives, political resistance, and the lack of a shared vision around the purchase of an education. We also explore how technology and entrepreneurial innovation may be shifting the tide.
You’ll hear from Anurupa Ganguly (Prisms), Chris Bennett (Wonderschool), Anna Edwards (Whiteboard Advisors), and a16z General Partner Jeff Jordan discuss the criticality of early childhood education, how public-private partnerships are required for scale, and how we can engage risk-averse decision-makers.
Listen to learn how the next generation can reclaim the American dream.
Resources:
Find Jeff on Twitter: https://x.com/jeff_jordan
Find Chris on Twitter: https://x.com/8ennett
Find Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakimseyedwards/
Find Anurupa on Twitter: https://x.com/aganguly26
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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A New Era of VR: From the Court to the Classroom
As VR technology inches forward, completely new experiences loom on the horizon.
In today’s episode, we expose listeners to the very real-world use cases already present on these devices, from fitness to education.
First up is Gym Class VR, one of the top-rated apps on the Quest. Cofounder, Paul Katsen, shows us how to dribble and dunk in the metaverse, but more importantly, discusses the social impact of VR, the technological prerequisites to get there, and the role of AI as we progress.
Following on is a founder on a mission to revolutionize education. Anurupa Ganguly from Prisms VR, explores how virtual reality has the potential to close the gap – one where 70% of US 8th graders are not proficient in foundational math.
Head over to our YouTube channel to see two a16z Podcast firsts: a full interview in VR, and host Steph slam dunking on an NBA court.
Topics Covered:
00:00 - The current state of VR
03:38 - How do you build the #1 VR app?
05:56 - How will VR become an everyday activity?
07:37 - The social and the technical arc of VR
11:47 - Untapped opportunities in VR
13:24 - Integrating AI into VR
17:09 - Prisms VR
20:10 - Why it’s critical to fix America’s math problem
21:12 - Why put VR in classrooms now?
23:23 - The successes of VR in the classroom
26:03 - Stats from the impact report
27:44 - Other curriculums could benefit from VR
31:04 - Opportunities for AI in VR
Resources:
Find Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pavtalk
Learn more about Gym Class: https://www.gymclassvr.com
Find Gym Class in Meta Quest: https://www.meta.com/experiences/3661420607275144/
Find Anurupa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anurupa-ganguly-92790379
Learn more about Prisms VR: https://www.prismsvr.com
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Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/
Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Stay Updated:
Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube
Find a16z on X
Find a16z on LinkedIn
Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify
Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts
Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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