From Classrooms to Global Startegy at UNICEF: How Olli Vallo is Rethinking EdTech

In this wide-ranging and often deeply human conversation, Chris Kosman sits down once again with Olli Vallo — former teacher, co-founder of Education Alliance Finland, and now EdTech Strategist at UNICEF's Global Learning Innovation Hub.

They begin with Olli's shift in perspective since joining UNICEF: how seeing EdTech in crisis regions, low-resource schools, and underfunded programs reframes the conversation around what "innovation" really means. It's no longer about flashy features. It's about learning outcomes, accessibility, and survival.

Olli and Chris discuss the global learning crisis and how it shows up as both a student literacy issue and a shortage of qualified teachers. They explore how technology might help address both — if it's deployed thoughtfully and evaluated properly. Olli shares the frameworks used by UNICEF to assess EdTech tools based on pedagogy, curriculum alignment, and usability.

The conversation also tackles a tough question: is AI in EdTech just a bubble? Olli offers a surprisingly funny and sobering response: "There can't be a bubble if there's no capital." The segment is equal parts humorous and brutally honest about the funding reality in 2025.

Other standout moments include a powerful discussion about education during conflict, the need for accessibility beyond disability, and the role of teachers as "educational hackers" who test, share, and scale tools from the ground up.

Finally, Chris asks a signature closing question: what gives you hope for the future of education? Olli’s answer brings it full circle — back to the power of connection, community, and the shared belief that learning can change lives.

If you care about the future of learning, don't miss this episode. The full interview will leave you inspired, informed, and just a bit more hopeful.

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