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As we enter 2026, the conversation around using artificial intelligence in classrooms is louder than ever. Many schools are in the process of integrating AI into their curriculum or beginning broader community conversations about its role in education. In July 2025, The 74 conducted a survey of 2,232 U.S. public schools and found that 60% of teachers use artificial intelligence tools for classroom management.
There are valid concerns surrounding the use of AI in schools. Many fear that AI could encourage cheating, spread false information, or even replace teachers altogether. While these criticisms deserve attention, what if AI were viewed as a stepping stone in the classroom rather than a replacement? A study published by the National Library of Medicine in September 2025, conducted by Yajun Chen, found that medical students who used AI for personalized feedback scored significantly higher than those who did not.
Educators across disciplines are increasingly exploring AI tools, including in the field of speech and debate coaching. Finding strong resources for speech and debate can be challenging, and even the most dedicated coaches cannot be available to their students 24/7. One emerging tool addressing this gap is Yoodli, which is changing how speakers practice and receive feedback.
Yoodli aims to bridge this gap through AI-powered personalized feedback. Founded in 2021 by Varun Puri and Esha Joshi, Yoodli gained traction by offering real-time feedback for speeches. As demand grew for faster and more reliable critique, Yoodli’s recording feature allowed users to revisit and review their sessions, supporting a more holistic approach to improvement.
Yoodli uses an AI-driven coaching system that provides real-time feedback on recorded speeches. It evaluates eye contact, speaking rate, and filler word usage. Users can also create AI-powered role plays to practice specific skills, such as conducting a cross-examination or delivering a professional presentation. This role-play feature allows for consistent access to feedback and structured practice.
In 2023, coaches at Babson Camp within Capitol Debate were asking similar questions about how to provide timely, effective feedback. That same year, Capitol Debate began working with Yoodli. Rachel Christoph, Director of Camp Operations, Training, and Enrollment at Capitol Debate, explained the motivation behind the integration: “I shared what we were trying to do at camp: give students real-time, useful feedback they could act on immediately. That first summer, that’s exactly what Yoodli gave us. We built a rubric inside the platform focused on presentation, delivery, rate of speech, and overall clarity. Campers could record a speech, review it, and make adjustments almost right away.”
After that first summer, it became clear that Yoodli was helping campers make significant improvements. Christoph added, “The growth we saw was huge. Students weren’t just improving because coaches told them what to fix—they could watch themselves and figure it out on their own. From a coaching perspective, it was just as powerful. We could actually see progress from day one to day twelve, which made our feedback more specific and more meaningful.”
Capitol Debate then expanded its use of Yoodli into its Club League, using the presentation mode to provide students with performance analytics alongside coach feedback. From there, Yoodli was integrated into camps and even corporate training programs. As the platform evolved, the AI role-play feature became an especially valuable tool for coaches. Sam Ward, Director of the Virtual Club Debate League, explained, “Yoodli empowers our students in the Club League. Every speech and role play a student conducts with Yoodli includes a report with metrics on their performance. For example, they can see their speaking rate and filler words. This helps them track their own improvement in real time.”
In August 2024, Yoodli conducted a study on how Capitol Debate integrated the platform into its camps. The study found that coach one-on-one time increased by 25%, allowing coaches to spend more time delivering deeper, personalized feedback in real time. Additionally, Yoodli enables students to revisit both AI-generated insights and coach feedback on their recorded speeches.
Yoodli demonstrates how the future of education is already taking shape. With real-time feedback, personalized goals, and continuous access to support, students are better equipped to push themselves academically. When paired with dedicated coaches and teachers, AI tools like Yoodli can help students gain the feedback and confidence they need to truly thrive.
Turning Feedback Into Growth
How AI Is Enhancing Learning
There are valid concerns surrounding the use of AI in schools. Many fear that AI could encourage cheating, spread false information, or even replace teachers altogether. While these criticisms deserve attention, what if AI were viewed as a stepping stone in the classroom rather than a replacement? A study published by the National Library of Medicine in September 2025, conducted by Yajun Chen, found that medical students who used AI for personalized feedback scored significantly higher than those who did not.
Educators across disciplines are increasingly exploring AI tools, including in the field of speech and debate coaching. Finding strong resources for speech and debate can be challenging, and even the most dedicated coaches cannot be available to their students 24/7. One emerging tool addressing this gap is Yoodli, which is changing how speakers practice and receive feedback.
Yoodli aims to bridge this gap through AI-powered personalized feedback. Founded in 2021 by Varun Puri and Esha Joshi, Yoodli gained traction by offering real-time feedback for speeches. As demand grew for faster and more reliable critique, Yoodli’s recording feature allowed users to revisit and review their sessions, supporting a more holistic approach to improvement.
Yoodli uses an AI-driven coaching system that provides real-time feedback on recorded speeches. It evaluates eye contact, speaking rate, and filler word usage. Users can also create AI-powered role plays to practice specific skills, such as conducting a cross-examination or delivering a professional presentation. This role-play feature allows for consistent access to feedback and structured practice.
In 2023, coaches at Babson Camp within Capitol Debate were asking similar questions about how to provide timely, effective feedback. That same year, Capitol Debate began working with Yoodli. Rachel Christoph, Director of Camp Operations, Training, and Enrollment at Capitol Debate, explained the motivation behind the integration: “I shared what we were trying to do at camp: give students real-time, useful feedback they could act on immediately. That first summer, that’s exactly what Yoodli gave us. We built a rubric inside the platform focused on presentation, delivery, rate of speech, and overall clarity. Campers could record a speech, review it, and make adjustments almost right away.”
After that first summer, it became clear that Yoodli was helping campers make significant improvements. Christoph added, “The growth we saw was huge. Students weren’t just improving because coaches told them what to fix—they could watch themselves and figure it out on their own. From a coaching perspective, it was just as powerful. We could actually see progress from day one to day twelve, which made our feedback more specific and more meaningful.”
Capitol Debate then expanded its use of Yoodli into its Club League, using the presentation mode to provide students with performance analytics alongside coach feedback. From there, Yoodli was integrated into camps and even corporate training programs. As the platform evolved, the AI role-play feature became an especially valuable tool for coaches. Sam Ward, Director of the Virtual Club Debate League, explained, “Yoodli empowers our students in the Club League. Every speech and role play a student conducts with Yoodli includes a report with metrics on their performance. For example, they can see their speaking rate and filler words. This helps them track their own improvement in real time.”
In August 2024, Yoodli conducted a study on how Capitol Debate integrated the platform into its camps. The study found that coach one-on-one time increased by 25%, allowing coaches to spend more time delivering deeper, personalized feedback in real time. Additionally, Yoodli enables students to revisit both AI-generated insights and coach feedback on their recorded speeches.
Yoodli demonstrates how the future of education is already taking shape. With real-time feedback, personalized goals, and continuous access to support, students are better equipped to push themselves academically. When paired with dedicated coaches and teachers, AI tools like Yoodli can help students gain the feedback and confidence they need to truly thrive.
