In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the future of education and technology with Greg Banks, a veteran teacher, school administrator, researcher, and author. Greg brings over 20 years of experience in K-12 education and chemistry teaching, along with a deep perspective on how AI is reshaping classrooms.

From the early days of clickers and smart boards to today’s AI-powered tools, Greg explains what works, what doesn’t, and what founders building in EdTech must keep in mind. Together, we explore how AI can empower teachers rather than replace them, and why the human connection in classrooms will always matter.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Why AI reveals the shortcomings of today’s education system.

• The two big questions: What should students learn? vs. How should they learn?

• How COVID-era online schooling exposed the limits of tech in classrooms.

• Why banning devices isn’t the answer—and how to rethink their role in learning.

• The “three pillars” of education: personal exchange, curriculum, and classroom exchange.

• How EdTech founders should design products that take work off teachers’ plates.

• Why personalization is the real superpower AI brings to education.

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🎧 What You’ll Learn

• The difference between integrating AI for students vs. for teachers.

• Where EdTech startups are oversaturated—and where real opportunities still exist.

• The long-term impact of AI on classrooms, teaching careers, and learning outcomes.

• Why interpersonal skills and human connection will define education in an AI era.

👤 About Greg Banks

Dr. Greg Banks is a veteran educator, researcher, entrepreneur, and edtech thought leader with over 20 years of experience teaching and leading in public, exam, and private K-12 schools. With a PhD in Chemistry and a deep focus on how teacher beliefs shape classroom practice, Greg brings a rare blend of real-world classroom insight and rigorous academic research to the table. He recently led a pilot study with Eddo Learning and the Einstein Project exploring how AI can help teachers adopt new science curricula more effectively.

His Substack, Aligned: AI in Education, and his newly released book, Aligned: A Love Letter to Developers on What We Need from AI to Improve Education, aim to bridge the gap between edtech creators and the classroom—because great tools start with deep understanding.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-banks-ph-d-15733113/

https://gregorybanks.authorsites.co/

https://gregorybanksphd.substack.com/

Episode Highlights

• [02:00] Greg’s journey from chemistry teacher to AI and EdTech thought leader

• [06:00] The gap between what kids can do with AI and what schools still teach

• [09:00] Why Zoom classes failed during COVID—and what it means for EdTech

• [13:00] Prohibiting ChatGPT vs. integrating AI into lessons

• [17:00] Why teachers are still at the center of the classroom experience

• [22:00] The debate on banning phones and laptops in schools

• [28:00] Surprising lessons from AI pilot programs with teachers

• [31:00] Where EdTech should (and shouldn’t) focus its innovation

• [39:00] What AI will never replace in education

• [42:00] Why Greg is optimistic about the future of classrooms