EdTech is focusing on the wrong fixes as students find themselves stuck in an education system where learning doesn’t connect with what they really care about.

That’s the view of Garrett Smiley, CEO at Sora Schools, a online middle and high school specialist.

In a LinkedIn post, Smiley said: “It's painful to tell you this, but EdTech is accelerating off a cliff. The dominant message is: “Just help students learn faster! Get out of their way!” Sure, that might work for some kids. But, here's a reality check: 52% of teens say what they learn in school has zero connection to real life. They don’t believe school matters at all.”

He added: “They’re stuck in a system where adults tell them what to do - and none of it seems to connect to what they care about. That’s the real problem! EdTech is doubling down on the wrong fixes. They say: “Just give them adaptive tools and AI tutors!” Or “Shorten school!” Or “Bribe them with credits or cash!” That will work for some students, but it doesn't address the REAL underlying issue.”

Smiley believes that you don’t engage kids by making school smaller or faster. Rather, you engage them by connecting learning to purpose - to something that feels real. If they genuinely care about what they're doing and see how it connects to their goals, it doesn't need to fit in two hours per day.

“Learning isn't a gross medicine you want to drink as quickly as possible. That's bleak. Learning and solving problems we care about-being useful for those we love - is deeply fulfilling and a cornerstone of human flourishing,” he commented.

“This is what true, rigorous project-based learning is designed to solve. It gives students an authentic context - a "why" for what they’re learning. It invites them to creatively solve real-world problems with the knowledge they’re acquiring. It’s what happens when pedagogy and technology fuse.”

Smiley concluded: “If your students are asking, “Why does this matter?" or "When will I ever use this?”, the answer is not to shrink school into a smaller box. The answer is to make learning feel vitally important to their goals, identity, and worldview. That's what Sora Schools is solving.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

Our sister title, Retail Technology Innovation Hub, is proud to announce the launch of the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

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