EdTech Trends For Schools And How To Leverage Them

The Impact Of Global Factors On EdTech Trends For Schools

Education is undergoing tremendous change, with new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies surfacing to address every possible need—from classroom management tools to online proctoring systems. At the same time, learners’ preferences are changing, informed by increasing digitization, the pandemic-accelerated shift to online learning, and growing internet usage, leading to a rise in EdTech trends applicable for schools.

All of these factors have led to new trends in the EdTech industry. Some trends are a reaction to a dynamic job market while some are a response to escalating concerns about student well-being. Regardless of their drivers, the following EdTech developments share a common objective of making educational experiences more engaging, equitable, safe, and effective.

In this article, we’ll explore six key EdTech trends and how they’re reshaping education. We’ll also provide guidance on how schools can leverage these trends to promote positive student outcomes.

6 EdTech Trends For Schools To Leverage For Student Success

Although EdTech trends for schools are constantly evolving, below are six trends influenced by factors such as the widespread adoption of AI tools and the rising popularity of gaming among teenagers.

1. AI-Powered Personalized Learning

According to Future Data Stats, the market for Artificial Intelligence in personalized learning and education technology is expected to reach $48.70 billion by 2030. Schools’ increased use of adaptive learning systems to develop personalized learning pathways supports this projection.

For example, researchers in Boston University’s chemistry department partnered with Realize It, an adaptive learning system, to develop adaptive courseware for prerequisite modules. The courseware will consider students’ interactions and performance to match learners with modules that fit their needs, thereby making learning more individualized, engaging, and effective.

Another example of this trend is the use of AI tutors and teaching assistants. This year, Morehouse College partnered with VictoryXR to create virtual 3D spatial avatars that can help students with professor-created lessons. Yet another illustration is Khan Academy’s AI tutor. The tool differs from others in that it guides students toward finding the answers themselves instead of simply supplying solutions.

These use cases prove that AI-powered personalized learning will improve education by providing learning content that matches students’ proficiency levels and promoting—rather than eroding—their critical thinking skills. Additionally, by leveraging AI tools and systems, educators will have more time to work closely with learners and ensure they achieve the desired learning outcomes.

• Four ways schools can leverage this trend:
  • Leverage adaptive learning platforms to personalize learning content, sequence, pacing, and difficulty level.
  • Use AI tutors and chatbots to provide immediate assistance to students outside of the classroom (e.g., through clarification of lesson content and help with homework).
  • Adopt AI assessment tools to streamline grading and free up time for teaching, research, and one-on-one student interaction.
  • Employ generative AI tools to create more customized and engaging learning materials.

2. Career Readiness Tools And Initiatives

Artificial Intelligence, digitization, and other trends are transforming the job market, influencing what kind of skills and qualities companies are looking for in candidates. Cognitive skills, for one, are growing in importance, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 job report. DataCamp’s 2024 AI Literacy Report also found that 40% of leaders see AI literacy as a crucially growing skill.

The shift in what skills are most desired and the need to meet this demand has prompted higher education institutions to partner with course providers to offer micro-credentials. These short courses certify students in specific, high-demand skills like cybersecurity and data analytics. Just last year, The University of Texas System expanded its own micro-credential program with the online learning platform Coursera, making it the most comprehensive micro-credential program offered by a U.S. university system.

Besides these programs, AI chatbots have also emerged to help students with their career goals. For instance, CollegeVines’s chatbot and Verge AI’s chatbot can recommend suitable career paths and corresponding academic pathways so students can select programs relevant to their professional goals. AI career coaches are another aspect of the career readiness trend. For example, CareerVillage offers an AI career coaching program, which helps students identify skill gaps, create custom postgraduation action plans, and build their professional networks. Such solutions will ensure that students develop the skills and knowledge required for their chosen profession and necessary for remaining competitive in today’s dynamic job market.

• Four ways schools can leverage this trend:
  • Partner with course providers and employers to create micro-credential programs that help students build critical job skills.
  • Implement AI chatbots to offer students initial career and academic guidance, creating opportunities for more impactful, individualized human support.
  • Incorporate AI into the classroom so students can develop AI literacy skills.
  • Promote critical thinking by teaching students how to create effective prompts, evaluate AI outputs, and responsibly use AI to enhance their academic and professional work.

3. Student Safety And Wellness Solutions

Frequent school shootings and the mental health crisis among American youths have accelerated the emergence of student safety and wellness solutions. Investment in security measures is one step schools have taken to ensure safety. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 97% of schools control access to school buildings during operating hours, 97% require visitors to sign or check in and wear badges, and 93% use security cameras to monitor the school.

Companies like ZeroEyes and BarricAid Technology Group have also emerged to prevent school shootings and protect lives through advanced technology. The former leverages AI to detect weapons and notify authorities before a shooting occurs while the latter uses a system that automatically barricades doors at the sound of a single gunshot.

The current emphasis on social and emotional learning (SEL), which aims to develop students’ self-awareness, self-control, and empathy skills, further contributes to the safety and wellness trend. Various companies exist that support students’ social and emotional development through comprehensive platforms designed to improve student outcomes. And to support students’ mental health, there are companies which provide 24/7 virtual access to medical and mental health services.

• Four ways schools can leverage this trend:
  • Strengthen school security by investing in comprehensive and effective safety solutions.
  • Promote social and emotional learning by using EdTech tools that encourage reflection, connection, and self-management.
  • Leverage SEL assessment tools to measure and improve student success.
  • Collaborate with virtual health providers to expand students’ access to mental and medical health services beyond school-based care.

4. Hybrid Learning

Many schools have since returned to fully in-person instruction, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of the pandemic phase of COVID-19 last year. However, approximately 40% of instructors and 70% of students prefer some online elements.

Enter hybrid learning, which combines in-person and online education. While the face-to-face aspect of this model allows students to receive more support from their instructors and better connect with peers, the online aspect offers students more flexibility and convenience. This blended learning approach is on the rise. According to Kennesaw State University’s 2024 hybrid schools survey, average enrollment in hybrid schools grew from 152 in 2018 to 263 in 2023.

Furthermore, nonprofit organizations have helped promote hybrid learning. For example, the Charles Butt Foundation, a nonprofit in Texas, issued grants to help implement blended learning strategies throughout schools in Texas. The second cohort of the grant launched in 2021 and enabled 40 districts to implement blending learning techniques, impacting 75,000 students. Beyond that, virtual classroom platforms and online collaboration tools remain popular, signaling how digital tools can make learning more dynamic, interactive, and accessible.

• Four ways schools can leverage this trend:
  • Utilize Learning Management Systems (LMSs), video conferencing platforms, collaboration apps, and other digital tools to create a more flexible and engaging learning environment.
  • Ensure learning activities are suitable for both online and in-person instruction.
  • Use different teaching approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners.
  • Ensure accessibility by uploading all course materials, recording live sessions, using open educational resources, and leveraging accessibility features.

5. Edutainment

The new generation of learners, Generation Z and alpha, are known to prefer short-form, visual content and interactive experiences. This explains why “edutainment”—or the mixing of education and entertainment—is seeing a surge. Future Market Insights reports that the edutainment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.1% through 2034.

One obvious part of the edutainment trend is gamification. This includes the use of gaming elements like point systems, leaderboards, and badges in learning activities. Since 85% of U.S. teens reportedly play video games, young learners will welcome the opportunity to apply their knowledge through gamified quizzes, simulations, and more.

Examples of edutainment include the introduction of gaming and esports majors at higher education institutions. An educational gaming company has also created interactive games to build children’s math, science, and literacy skills. Additionally an AI music generation company introduced a teachers’ pilot program earlier this year so educators could leverage the tool to make more personalized and engaging lessons for students. There is also a company that creates STEAM toys centering on children from diverse backgrounds, showcasing how edutainment can be used not only to engage students but also to inspire them with empowering representations.

• Four ways schools can leverage this trend:
  • Use edutainment tools to develop educational songs, creative reading passages, and customized practice problems.
  • Incorporate educational games to evaluate student knowledge and incentivize performance.
  • Integrate various multimedia elements—such as text, images, video, and audio—into learning activities to enhance student engagement.
  • Employ digital storytelling and content creation tools to empower students to take ownership of their learning experience.

6. Immersive Learning

Immersive learning is an approach to education that creates engaging and interactive experiences for students. It involves the use of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) technologies, the first of which 85% of K-12 teachers believe will positively impact learning.

Given that Virtual Reality provides students with more memorable learning experiences where they’re able to apply their knowledge in realistic virtual settings, Fortune Business Insights reports that the global Virtual Reality in the education market will grow to over $65 billion by 2032. Just consider Meta’s plans to launch new software that will help educators use the company’s VR headsets in classrooms. Through the software, teachers will be able to access various educational apps and features and manage multiple headsets at once.

Another illustration of the rise of immersive learning in education is provided by a company that provides virtual labs and science simulations, allowing students to build their science knowledge and skills by practicing in realistic settings. Though these immersive learning solutions will undoubtedly make learning activities more engaging for students, they’ll also make complex concepts more understandable by offering instant, real-world applications. Ultimately, students will be more eager to learn and more likely to achieve learning outcomes.

• Four ways schools can leverage this trend: 
  • Select immersive technologies that align with learning objectives, budget constraints, and other key considerations.
  • Tailor immersive content to suit the needs of learners.
  • Use realistic settings, scenarios, and simulations to create a more engaging and effective learning experience.
  • Invest in comprehensive training so instructors can effectively guide students in immersive environments.

Conclusion: EdTech Trends For Schools

Today’s EdTech trends for schools reflect current technological advancements, safety concerns, and learner preferences. The rise of AI has led to the adoption of AI technologies in classrooms, leading to more personalized learning experiences. Meanwhile, gun violence in schools across the U.S. and the mental health crisis among American teenagers have prompted more school safety and social and emotional learning solutions.

At the same time, today’s Gen Z and alpha learners prefer more engaging, short-form learning content, driving growth in the edutainment market. Other trends like career readiness initiatives and tools, hybrid learning, and immersive learning similarly indicate as well as anticipate changes in how we work and learn.

To remain on top of these changes, educational institutions should find ways to leverage current EdTech trends for schools. From using adaptive learning platforms to offering micro-credential programs, K-12 schools and higher education institutions have several options for promoting student success. Ultimately, though, schools will have to decide how a particular trend aligns with the unique needs and desires of students, educators, and staff. And then from there, adopt the trend in a way that responds to those needs.

Originally published on October 7, 2024