Listen "Chris Hess - The Zone of Proximal Development"
Episode Synopsis
Zone of Proximal Development – In this episode, Chris Hess, from Pearson, helps connect the dots between training for a triathlon and preparing to take an exam. By targeting the zone of proximal development, he is helping Pearson develop AI tools for education that optimize learning experiences to achieve this state of higher performance.
Chris Hess currently serves as the director of AI product management for higher education at Pearson, where he combines his rich experience as a former university professor with his passion for educational technology. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Washington, Chris has transitioned seamlessly into the edtech space, focusing on the development and strategic vision of AI products in higher education. He has been instrumental in launching innovative AI tools for both students and instructors, enhancing the learning and teaching experience. These tools not only personalize student learning but also empower instructors with the ability to create customized assignments, thereby bridging the gap in understanding how AI can support education. Chris’s dedication to improving education through technology reflects his commitment to making learning more efficient, impactful, and enjoyable.
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
Links:
Chris Hess PhD:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchess/
Pearson:
https://www.pearson.com/
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
Colleen Kelley – Kids Chemical Solutions
https://youtu.be/30mpnm2QgaM
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at [email protected]
Chris Hess currently serves as the director of AI product management for higher education at Pearson, where he combines his rich experience as a former university professor with his passion for educational technology. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Washington, Chris has transitioned seamlessly into the edtech space, focusing on the development and strategic vision of AI products in higher education. He has been instrumental in launching innovative AI tools for both students and instructors, enhancing the learning and teaching experience. These tools not only personalize student learning but also empower instructors with the ability to create customized assignments, thereby bridging the gap in understanding how AI can support education. Chris’s dedication to improving education through technology reflects his commitment to making learning more efficient, impactful, and enjoyable.
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
Links:
Chris Hess PhD:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchess/
Pearson:
https://www.pearson.com/
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
Colleen Kelley – Kids Chemical Solutions
https://youtu.be/30mpnm2QgaM
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at [email protected]
More episodes of the podcast The Education Innovators Podcast
Marsha Enright - Enlightenment Education
06/01/2026
Looking Ahead
29/12/2025
Dr Amanda Gummer - Let Them Play
22/12/2025
Shai Reshef - The University of the People
15/12/2025
Jobs of the Future
08/12/2025
Lisa Pak - Playing for the Planet
01/12/2025
Teaching Game Design
24/11/2025
Google LearnLM
10/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.