Deanne Watt

When a major platform like Duolingo steps back from classroom-focused education tools, it sends a message the industry needs to hear: Consumer engagement and classroom learning are not the same thing. For years, edtech has chased the same formula, streaks, notifications, rewards, dopamine loops, and short-form interactions designed to maximize retention. That model works extremely well for consumer growth. It builds habits. It drives daily active users. It creates scale. What it does not...

Digital games have transformed childhood, offering immersive, creative, and social experiences that keep kids engaged for hours. Games like Minecraft Education, Roblox Education, and Prodigy are used in classrooms and homes alike, often marketed as learning tools. But as these platforms expand, a deeper question emerges: Are kids actually learning, or just playing with an educational wrapper? While exploration and fun are essential to motivation, unrestricted play can overshadow meaningful...

Equity and inclusion must be at the heart of innovation. While digital learning platforms have expanded access for many, they often fall short for neurodiverse learners and students with learning differences. True accessibility means meeting every child where they are, academically, cognitively, and emotionally. At ZillyPlanet, this mission is core to our design. With the release of our new Text-to-Speech (TTS) feature in beta, combined with personalized learning and scaffolded math content,...