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Amanda Shipka

Overview​

Amanda Shipka works with Alpha Schools, specifically on the Two-Hour Learning platform. She appears to be involved in product development and management, focusing on the homeschool/direct-to-parent product offering. She's particularly knowledgeable about the platform's technical aspects, roadmap, and current development priorities.

Professional Role & Responsibilities​

  • Works on the homeschool/direct-to-parent version of the Two-Hour Learning platform
  • Developing the onboarding and placement flow for new students
  • Working on the product roadmap and development priorities
  • Involved in explaining the product to potential customers/partners

Current Focus Areas​

  • Building a new version of the platform to improve scalability and visual appeal
  • Developing the "AlphaLearn" delivery UI
  • Creating placement assessment tools to properly assign students to appropriate grade levels and subjects
  • Working on content development to move away from third-party solutions like IXL
  • Developing dynamic learning paths for students

Key Insights Shared​

  • The current Two-Hour Learning product works well but "doesn't look like a $10,000 experience"
  • The platform is being rebuilt to improve scalability, as the current version requires manual management of course plans
  • Key development priorities include content creation, dynamic learning paths, and improved onboarding
  • Parents using the platform don't need to teach their children - the system handles the instruction
  • Projected timeline suggests significant platform improvements will roll out "within a few months" (as of May 2025)

Notes​

Amanda appears to have deep technical knowledge of the Two-Hour Learning platform and is focused on the practical aspects of product development. She provided balanced and realistic assessments of the current state of the platform, acknowledging its limitations while emphasizing that it delivers on its core promises. She seemed particularly concerned with scalability challenges and the need to move away from manual processes.

Interactions​

  • 2025-05-21: Video call with Gary Sheng and Joe Marone discussing the Two-Hour Learning platform, its business models, and development roadmap.

Next Steps​

  • Share upcoming product demos and information with Gary for potential homeschool families
  • Continue discussion on top-of-funnel sales and marketing opportunities

Transcripts​

Transcript IDDateSummary
2025-05-21-alpha-two-hour-learning-discussion2025-05-21Discussion of Two-Hour Learning platform business models, current product state, development roadmap, and potential collaboration opportunities