Starring Trump, IBM, Duolingo and more: ETIH rolls out the biggest education technology news stories of the week
It’s Monday, and ETIH is here to catch you up on what’s been happening across the EdTech space. From mandatory AI lessons in U.S. schools to Duolingo going AI-first and UNICEF’s massive school connectivity push in Africa, we’ve pulled together the stories making headlines, and raising eyebrows, this week.
U.S. mandates AI education in schools as IBM’s Andreas Horn highlights need for early AI literacy
1. U.S. mandates AI education in schools as IBM’s Andreas Horn highlights need for early AI literacy
Photo Credit: Craighead, Shealah
Move signals growing recognition of AI literacy as a core requirement for the future workforce
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing mandatory artificial intelligence education across all U.S. elementary and secondary schools.
The order, titled Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, outlines plans to integrate structured AI instruction into school curricula, preparing students for an economy increasingly shaped by automation and machine learning.
2. Early childhood education specialist KinderCare taps Legion Technologies workforce management platform
Legion Technologies is working with KinderCare Learning Companies on the early education and care provider’s ability to design staff schedules at its more than 1,530 community-based centers across the United States.
“Providing our center staff with tools that make their daily work easier ensures they have more time to spend supporting families and children,” says Lindsay Sorhondo, Chief Innovation Officer, KinderCare Learning Companies.
3. Duolingo to replace contractors with AI, as its moves to become ‘AI-first’ company
Language learning app Duolingo announces it is moving toward ‘AI-first,’ as CEO says the company will stop working with contractors on any tasks that can now be completed by AI.
Image: Duolingo
Sharing an email sent to all staff on LinkedIn, Duolingo’s CEO Luis von Ahn says: “Duolingo is going to be AI-first,” adding that the company will be gradually stop using contractors “to do work that AI can handle”.
4. Duolingo, Kahoot!, and Chegg top TIME’s EdTech list as sector shows strength despite global uncertainty
Duolingo, BYJU’S, Chegg and Kahoot! dominate the top 10 as content platforms and test prep tools rise to the top
TIME and Statista have published their 2025 list of the World’s Top EdTech Companies, spotlighting 350 education technology providers across a wide range of products, services, and regions.
5. Online skills marketplace and learning platform Udemy appoints new Chief Customer Experience Officer
Neeracha Taychakhoonavudh joins Udemy as Chief Customer Experience Officer (CCO), aiming to accelerate enterprise strategy at the online learning platform.
Taychakhoonavudh will be Udemy’s first ever CCO, overseeing enterprise customer adoption, expansion and retention strategies to meet the changing needs to the company’s customer base across the world.
6. Denmark invites U.S. researchers amid science funding uncertainty, says Danish Chamber of Commerce
The Danish Chamber of Commerce calls for American researchers to relocate to Denmark through a fast-track program
Brian Mikkelsen, chief executive officer at The Danish Chamber of Commerce, has issued a direct invitation to American researchers, encouraging them to consider opportunities in Denmark as concerns over science funding and political instability grow in the United States.
UNICEF to connect 500,000 African schools to the internet through large-scale procurement strategy
Procurement initiative seeks to reduce costs and encourage donor and private sector investment
UNICEF is launching an ambitious procurement process to connect 500,000 schools across Africa to the internet by 2030. This initiative, leveraging the organization’s global procurement expertise, aims to lower costs and stimulate new opportunities for private suppliers.
UiPath launches free agentic automation training for public sector professionals
UiPath offers agentic automation training and certification for public sector professionals impacted by layoffs or looking to upskill and future-proof their careers.
Automation and AI software provider UiPath is hoping to equip public sector workers with the skills needed for real-world automation and AI projects amid changing workforce demands.
Stonyfield Organic and Ms Rachel launch ‘O is for Organic’ program
‘O is for Organic’ aims to educate families on the benefits of organic, nutritious foods as Stonyfield launches yogurt pouches featuring YouTube star Ms Rachel.
Leading American organic yogurt brand Stonyfield is partnering with YouTube and Netflix star Ms Rachel on a new range of yogurt pouches and a campaign promoting the benefits of nutritious foods for young children.
Apprenti and SHRM Foundation team up to launch Human Resources Apprenticeship Program
With the Human Resources Apprenticeship Program (HR RAP), Apprenti and SHRM Foundation have created a new learning pathway for apprentices.
HR RAP aims to blend a mixture of classroom learning and paid, on-the-job experience leading to long-term careers in human resources.
