Chalk and Code

Flexion
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Chalk and Code Podcast is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of education technology. Hosted by Flexion, a partner to visionary edtech companies, each episode dives into the realities of scaling purpose-driven products, navigating uncertainty, and building tools that matter.

  1. How Hands-On Learning at NCLab Achieves Nearly 100 Percent Program Completion

    3D AGO

    How Hands-On Learning at NCLab Achieves Nearly 100 Percent Program Completion

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jennilee Bertrand sits down with Leonard Lafrance, President and CEO of NCLab, a Nevada-based company rethinking online vocational education for data analysts, Python programmers, and automation technicians. At a time when most online courses struggle with single-digit completion rates, NCLab stands out with nearly 100% learner completion and graduates who are genuinely job-ready. Leonard shares how his background in software and entrepreneurship revealed a critical gap between credentials and real skills, and why traditional lecture-based learning often fails learners. At NCLab, he champions a radically different approach grounded in learning by doing real-time feedback, and gamified progression that builds confidence one skill at a time. If you’re curious about why most online learning doesn’t stick, how vocational education can close the workforce readiness gap, and what it truly means to prepare people for work in a rapidly changing economy, this conversation is a must-listen. Key Moments 02:51 Principles behind long-term learner motivation 05:33 "Active Learning Over Passive Consumption" 07:36 "Challenges of Online Learning" 12:52 "AI-Assisted Problem-Solving Approach" 14:19 "Scalable Online Training Empowering Women" 19:59 "Gamified Learning and Engagement" 21:10 "Transformative Learning System Petitioned" 24:04 "Employment Readiness Assessment Tool" Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode challenges long-held assumptions about online learning and workforce preparation. You’ll hear how Leonard Lafrance has built a model that prioritizes skill mastery over seat time, and why confidence, feedback, and perseverance matter more than lectures or credentials alone. Leonard also shares: Why completion rates skyrocket when learning feels like problem-solving, not studyingHow gamification and real-time feedback change learner mindsetWhat employers actually look for beyond resumes and degreesWhy vocational education is becoming central to the future of work Connect with Leonard Lafrance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonard-lafrance-710349b5 Website: https://nclab.com Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    26 min
  2. Building Safer Virtual Worlds for K–12, and the Future of Online School with Topia’s CTO

    3D AGO

    Building Safer Virtual Worlds for K–12, and the Future of Online School with Topia’s CTO

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Christopher Psiaki, Chief Technology Officer of Topia Interactive, to explore how spatial media and real-time communication can make online learning feel more human Topia is a cloud-based spatial media platform where participants move through persistent, customizable worlds, and connect through proximity-based audio and video. Christopher shares how his background in software development and game-inspired world-building shaped Topia’s technical direction, and why human connection remains central to the platform’s design. The conversation covers what makes spatial communication different from traditional video calls, how Topia supports virtual classrooms and large-group instruction, and how K–12 safety, moderation, and access controls are built into district and partner implementations. Christopher also discusses the emerging creator economy for educators, the importance of scalable infrastructure, and the real questions edtech teams must solve as AI becomes part of learning environments. Key Moments 01:10 Christopher’s path into software and startups 05:46 Real-time spatial communication, explained 07:57 Broadcasting, screen sharing, and running large sessions 10:57 Designing for K–12 safety, privacy, and moderation 13:41 What implementation looks like with virtual schooling partners 15:39 SchoolSpace for districts, and how it differs 18:05 LMS integrations, LTI 1.3, and chaperone mode 21:06 Engagement without building an attention economy 24:29 Unexpected student behaviors, and what they reveal 27:59 Belonging, social connection, and student motivation 32:09 Teacher-created worlds and sharing at scale 36:16 Challenges ahead, cost, scale, and AI 41:03 AI-driven historical NPCs, guardrails, and multiplayer context 44:36 What edtech should talk more about, human connection Why You’ll Love This Episode This conversation is a grounded look at what it takes to build virtual learning spaces that feel natural, engaging, and safe. If you’re thinking about community, student motivation, synchronous learning, or what AI could look like inside interactive environments, this episode offers a practical view from the technical leadership side. Connect with Christopher Psiaki LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-psiaki-41275b15 Website: https://topia.io/ Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    48 min
  3. Happiness economics and emerging tech, Kiera Peltz on building access at scale

    JAN 13

    Happiness economics and emerging tech, Kiera Peltz on building access at scale

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jill Foley sits down with Kiera Peltz, Founder and CEO of The Coding School, to explore how happiness economics, equity, and emerging technology education are deeply connected. Kiera shares her journey from studying happiness at Brown to launching The Coding School from her college dorm room at 19, driven by a belief that access to technical skills is foundational to agency and wellbeing. She reflects on global perspectives gained in China, early validation from school leaders, and the urgency she felt to rethink how and when students are introduced to computer science. Throughout the conversation, Kiera unpacks what equity looks like in practice, from high-touch retention strategies to designing programs that work for students learning on mobile devices. She also shares how bold experimentation led to scaling quantum computing and AI education, partnerships with IBM, and earning a $3M Department of Defense grant. The episode closes with a forward-looking view of why depth, not just awareness, is essential in preparing students for a rapidly evolving future. Key Moments 01:08 What happiness economics is and why it matters 04:29 Education, skill-building, and control over one’s future 06:13 Global perspectives and the urgency to act early 09:16 Early validation from a school principal 10:11 The Coding School’s access-focused program model 13:38 Equity at scale, funding, and retention through human connection 19:06 Dropout patterns and shifting from in-person to online learning 24:27 Introducing quantum computing and pushing past skepticism 26:57 Scaling during the pandemic with IBM 30:32 Turning outcomes into a $3M Department of Defense grant 32:17 Designing for mobile learners and listening with humility 37:35 What’s next for The Coding School and emerging tech education 42:58 Why tech literacy matters for every future path 44:57 “It’s not on the students, it’s on us.” Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode reframes emerging technology education as a human-centered endeavor. Kiera makes a compelling case that rigorous STEM learning can and should be accessible to every student, and that retention, personalization, and humility are essential parts of equity. Kiera also shares: Why STEM fluency is a pathway to happiness and agencyHow retention can be an equity strategyWhat it takes to teach complex topics like quantum computing at scaleWhy “intro-only” exposure to AI and emerging tech isn’t enoughConnect with Kiera Peltz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kierapeltzThe Coding School : https://blog.the-cs.org/Connect with Us Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    45 min
  4. AI, Adaptive Testing, and the Future of Assessment with Dr. Nathan Thompson

    JAN 6

    AI, Adaptive Testing, and the Future of Assessment with Dr. Nathan Thompson

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Dr. Nathan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Assessment Systems Corporation, to explore how assessment science is evolving in an era shaped by AI, adaptive testing, and increasing demands for integrity and personalization. Dr. Thompson explains what psychometrics really is, why it underpins high-quality assessment, and how computerized adaptive testing works in practice. The conversation dives into how AI is changing item development, test security, and cheating detection, and why human expertise is still essential even as automation advances. With more than two decades in the assessment industry, Dr. Thompson shares how Assessment Systems Corporation helps organizations modernize testing, from certification and licensure to large-scale educational and workforce assessments. Key Moments01:03 Meet Nathan Thompson and the work of ASC02:36 What psychometrics is, and why it matters04:14 Computerized adaptive testing explained06:17 What score changes really mean, and why “small gains” can mislead08:10 Assessment literacy, and interpreting results responsibly11:08 What ASC does, and what “full service” assessment support looks like32:16 Cheating, new item types, and test forensics34:37 Detecting disengagement and response-time effort41:17 Micro-credentials, digital badges, and the future of skills validation44:26 What’s next for assessment over the next 5–10 years46:34 Why personalization is coming back in a big way48:01 How to connect with Nathan Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation offers a clear look at what’s behind modern assessments, and why the future of testing will depend on both smarter technology and stronger guardrails. If you’re building learning products, designing credentials, or relying on test data to make decisions, Nathan’s perspective helps connect psychometrics, adaptive testing, and AI into a practical, real-world view of where assessment is headed. Connect with Nathan ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanthompsonascWebsite: https://assess.com/ Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    49 min
  5. Designing Playful, High-Accountability Learning with Dr. Johannes Ziegler, CEO of Miaplaza

    12/23/2025

    Designing Playful, High-Accountability Learning with Dr. Johannes Ziegler, CEO of Miaplaza

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Dr. Johannes Ziegler, CEO of Miaplaza, the company behind Miacademy, MiaPrep, and their accredited online high school. Johannes shares how a small social networking project evolved into a full learner-centered ecosystem for homeschoolers and online high school students. What began as kids’ “edutainment” grew into a mastery-based K–12 model built around motivation, pacing, safety, and authentic engagement. He also reflects on the entrepreneurial side of building Miaplaza, the role of the right team, and how AI and automation are reshaping the skills students will need next. Key Moments 00:46 How Miacademy began and why students shaped the pivot 11:02 Mastery-based learning and real starting levels 13:34 Why math gaps matter and how to prevent them 15:43 Personalization through placement, pacing, and remediation 17:00 Fixing foundational gaps, including fractions 18:56 Doubling down on learner strengths 26:59 What students learn from play, shops, and the in-app economy 32:17 Supporting highly engaged and hands-off parents 38:13 Entrepreneurial lessons on team and mission 43:14 Automation, AI, and the future of needed skills 49:49 Where to learn more about Miacademy Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation goes beyond online vs. traditional schooling. You’ll hear a grounded look at how mastery-based learning, playful design, and real-world skills come together in a scalable ecosystem. Johannes shares what it takes to build rigorous yet engaging learning, how to design for strengths instead of gaps alone, and why the future of work demands deeper—not less—education. Connect with Dr. Johannes ZieglerLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneszieglerWebsite: https://careers.miaplaza.com/  Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/  If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    51 min
  6. AI, open source, and the new entry-level: Tyler Menezes on preparing students for tech careers

    12/16/2025

    AI, open source, and the new entry-level: Tyler Menezes on preparing students for tech careers

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Tyler Menezes, CEO of CodeDay, a nonprofit that creates welcoming, project-based experiences for underserved students to explore a future in technology through 24-hour coding events and open source–focused internships. Tyler shares his journey from Y Combinator–backed startup founder to nonprofit leader, and why CodeDay is obsessed with helping students build real things, not just pass tests. He breaks down how experiential learning, mentorship, and open source contributions can close the gap between “I have a degree” and “I can actually do the work” in an AI-saturated job market. From rethinking hackathons as creative entry points for beginners, to using open source as a verifiable micro-credential, to confronting how AI is eroding traditional entry-level roles, this conversation looks squarely at what students really need to become workforce-ready in computer science and beyond. Key Moments 01:09 Tyler’s journey from college dropout and YC-backed founder to nonprofit CEO 02:32 Why CodeDay started with students who had little or no prior interest in coding 03:44 Using creativity, games, art, and music to make coding feel fun and accessible 04:25 Where CodeDay sits on the “systems vs. individual learner” continuum 10:19 How teachers find CodeDay and why there is a learning curve on both sides 26:14 New grads hiring is down, mid/senior hiring is up: what that means for CS programs 27:55 Rethinking the value of a CS degree in an AI-driven labor market 28:32 AI as the new “junior engineer” and the shrinking space for entry-level roles 38:47 The Open Source Fellowship and supporting students over multiple years 40:00 How CodeDay measures engagement, readiness, and long-term impact 41:04 Using application, interview, and offer data as a near-term signal of employability 42:07 Classifying student standups with AI to find who is stuck and intervene early Why You’ll Love This Episode If you care about how to actually get students from “I took the class” to “I can get hired and contribute on day one,” this episode is a must-listen. Tyler challenges the assumption that more content or more credentials automatically lead to opportunity, and instead argues for experiences that build independence, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. Connect with Tyler Menezes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylermenezes Website : https://www.codeday.org/e/labs/2uvhp7v7qak11i2tv28sscd6f8 Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc Company Website: https://flexion.us/ If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    45 min
  7. Rebuilding at Scale: Nolan Frausto on Simplicity, Stability, and Early Learning Innovation

    12/09/2025

    Rebuilding at Scale: Nolan Frausto on Simplicity, Stability, and Early Learning Innovation

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jennilee Bertrand talks with Nolan Frausto, CTO of AdaptedMind, about what it takes to scale a learning platform for millions of young children. Nolan shares why the team rebuilt their entire engineering system, how the “boring stack” philosophy drives reliability, and why early learning requires a careful balance between fun, pedagogy, and healthy screen time. From adaptive learning and subscription infrastructure to AI-assisted content creation and leadership lessons, this conversation offers a grounded, practical look at building edtech that truly supports young learners. AdaptedMind’s approach stands out in a crowded early-learning market, and Nolan explains how the team measures engagement through genuine learning, not just entertainment. He shares why limiting screen time is intentional, how thoughtful design builds trust with parents, and what it means to create products that help children grow confident, curious, and ready to explore new ideas. Key Moments  00:00 Welcome and episode introduction 00:16 Nolan’s background and path into edtech 01:58 Engineering lessons brought to AdaptedMind 03:07 Why the team chose a full system rebuild 04:50 What the legacy codebase revealed 05:48 Challenges of the 18-month rebuild 06:31 The “boring stack” and benefits of simplicity 08:24 Managing pushback around newer tools 09:49 Switching from PayPal to Stripe and outcomes 12:27 Subscription tools aligned to school-year needs 14:29 How AdaptedMind uses AI internally and for early learners 18:51 Avoiding game-like design and protecting learning quality 24:24 Nolan’s leadership lessons and focus on simplicity Why You’ll Love This Episode You’ll hear how AdaptedMind:- Rebuilt its foundation to support long-term stability, scale, and new product lines- Uses simplicity and reliability as strategic advantages- Designs subscription and billing tools around real family needs- Applies AI to accelerate animation, content, and engineering workflows- Avoids “game-first” designs to protect learning quality for young children- Builds a culture where reducing complexity is shared across teams Connect with Nolan FraustoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolanfrausto/ Website: https://www.adaptedmind.com/  Connect with UsFlexion on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incFlexion Website: https://flexion.us/ If this conversation sparked new ideas or challenged your thinking, share the episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    27 min
  8. Human-in-the-loop AI tutoring: Raj Valli on guaranteed learning outcomes

    11/25/2025

    Human-in-the-loop AI tutoring: Raj Valli on guaranteed learning outcomes

    In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Raj Valli, Founder and CEO of Thinkster Math, an AI-driven tutoring company that blends patented AI with human coaches to deliver measurable outcomes in math learning.Drawing on experience across 12 industries and decades of nonprofit work in education, Raj unpacks why so many students still struggle with foundational math and what it really takes to design systems that reliably close learning gaps instead of just delivering content. From AI-powered diagnostics that probe “wells of knowledge” to deep analytics that surface patterns like “this student struggles with two-digit multiplication when numbers end in 9,” Raj explains how Thinkster uses data, instructional design, and human tutors together to guarantee outcomes rather than hope for them. He also explores the limits of today’s AI, arguing that most models still rely on crystallized intelligence, while truly transformative learning and innovation depend on human fluid intelligence. If you care about how AI, behavior science, and human relationships can be combined to help learners “learn better, faster, sooner,” this conversation offers a practical, grounded look at what high-accountability edtech can be Key Moments 00:00 Welcome to Chalk and Code and introduction to the episode 01:22 Raj’s journey across 12 industries and nonprofit education work in India 02:21 The “airlines” analogy and the shocking reality that 40–50% of students are failing in math basics 04:14 Why “passionately curious” is the mindset behind Thinkster’s constant iteration 07:08 Positioning Thinkster as a learner-centric, “cradle to grave” solution rather than just a K–12 tool 09:55 The five key nodes: AI, data and analytics, curriculum design, human-in-the-loop tutoring, and behavior 13:48 Why behavior, discipline, and intrinsic motivation are as critical as content and technology 16:10 Rethinking diagnostics: using AI “dipsticks” to find where a learner’s true starting point should be 19:12 How probabilistic assessment works and why diagnostics must feel confidence-building, not punitive 23:24 Designing for emotion as well as intelligence so learners feel more confident as they progress 27:08 Giving tutors real insight, not just data: “this student struggles with numbers ending in 9” 29:44 AI as “actual intelligence”: why human judgment is still essential for context and bias 31:49 Crystallized vs. fluid intelligence and why Raj is skeptical of claims that AI will fully replace humans 35:31 Shifting from delivery of knowledge to adaptive use of knowledge as the core goal of education 36:40 Why adaptive knowledge and real-world application matter more than memorization Why You’ll Love This Episode This episode challenges the default assumptions behind most learning technology. Instead of starting with “What can AI do?”, Raj starts with “What does the learner need, right now, to move forward?” and builds from there. You’ll hear how Thinkster: Uses AI diagnostics and behavioral data to find each learner’s true starting point and close gaps with precision.Combines human tutors, curriculum design, analytics, and behavior science into a single, outcome-focused model. Gives tutors actionable insights instead of dashboards for their own sake, so every session is targeted and high impact.Frames AI as a powerful tool for crystallized intelligence while insisting that fluid intelligence, context, and values remain deeply human responsibilities.Re-centers education around adaptive knowledge: not just what students can recall, but what they can do with what they know.Connect with Raj ValliLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajvalliThinkster Math: https://hellothinkster.com/ Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/ If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology. Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.

    39 min
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About

Chalk and Code Podcast is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of education technology. Hosted by Flexion, a partner to visionary edtech companies, each episode dives into the realities of scaling purpose-driven products, navigating uncertainty, and building tools that matter.

Information

  • Creator
    Flexion
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Flexion