Best EdTech Product Is Invisible: Insights from Marcin Demkowicz
- Krzysztof Kosman
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Lessons from Marcin Demkowicz: father of eight, founder of ShareTheBoard, and quiet reformer of education.
In the latest episode of EdTech Dots, I sat down with Marcin Demkowicz, founder of ShareTheBoard. This tool uses AI to bring traditional whiteboards to life in hybrid and online classrooms. What started as a conversation about the best EdTech quickly unfolded into something much deeper. We discussed what it means to teach, parent, and rethink education from the ground up.
The Whiteboard That Changed Everything
Marcin's journey began, surprisingly, at the back of a massive lecture hall at the University of Texas. He simply couldn’t see the board. Years later, after going fully remote in 2012, he realized that the analog surfaces we use—whiteboards, flipcharts, chalk—had vanished from digital life.
To solve this issue, Marcin built a tool that doesn’t try to replace the teacher but instead removes friction. ShareTheBoard is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. It requires no training or significant behavioral change. You write, and it works. It’s EdTech that gets out of the way.
"We didn’t want to build something that teachers needed to adapt to," Marcin says. "We wanted to build something that adapted to them."
A Father of Eight (Yes, Eight) and a Case for Homeschooling
Marcin is not just a software developer; he is also a father of eight children, all of whom have been homeschooled from day one. For many, this might sound unimaginable, but for Marcin and his wife, it’s both a personal mission and a practical solution.
He challenges the common belief that both parents must work to afford school or daycare. Marcin argues that the cost of outsourcing a child's care and education often exceeds the value of one parent staying home. This is true financially, emotionally, and developmentally.
"Parents bring more than tasks to their children. They bring a relationship. And that’s worth more than 200 jobs."
What homeschooling has provided his children goes beyond knowledge. It has instilled personal responsibility, curiosity, and a love for learning—qualities that are often difficult to nurture in large systems focused on control and efficiency.
Team Sports, Texas, and What Schools Are Missing
One surprising insight from Marcin's experience with the U.S. education system is the power of team sports. Team sports offer benefits beyond physical health; they contribute significantly to identity, collaboration, and social cohesion. Marcin finds this aspect noticeably lacking in most European educational institutions.
“Team sports create micro-identities, build camaraderie, and involve parents. They're not just fun — they shape how children learn to relate to others.”
The Role of Team Sports in Education
Team sports can foster relationships among students, parents, and educators. They create an environment where children can learn teamwork and develop social skills. In traditional educational settings, such opportunities are often sidelined for academic rigor.
Encouraging participation in sports can also promote physical health. It helps children blow off steam and develop a more balanced lifestyle. As Marcin illustrates, the value of team sports is profound—it goes beyond mere play.
On AI, Speed, and the Jurassic Park Rule
In a world increasingly dominated by AI and automation, Marcin offers a grounded perspective. His advice? Slow down. Ask if we should, not just if we can. He refers to this approach as the Jurassic Park Rule, reminding us that not all innovation leads to progress.
“Most EdTech is now solving problems caused by earlier EdTech. Maybe the best solution isn't more tech — it's better questions.”
Marcin isn't anti-technology. His product utilizes machine learning. However, he believes that technology should solve problems without demanding significant behavioral change. This means allowing people to maintain their humanity, letting teachers teach, and letting kids play.
Rethinking Our Approach to Education
In considering new technologies and innovations, educators must prioritize the needs and well-being of students. A more thoughtful approach can create an environment that is conducive to learning.
The Human Element in Education
At the heart of education is the relationship between teachers and students. Technology should enhance these relationships rather than replace them. Marcin emphasizes that building a curriculum that appreciates this relationship is fundamental to effective learning.
This Conversation Is About More Than Best EdTech
Marcin Demkowicz doesn't rely on slogans; he speaks from lived experience as a builder, father, and observer of the educational landscape. Whether you're a startup founder, policymaker, or parent, this conversation offers insights that will make you reconsider your approach to education.
Marcin’s reflections invite us all to pause, rethink, and possibly rewrite the narrative around learning and teaching.
🎧 Listen to the full interview
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/PxhTSNtrNI8
