Educational technology (EdTech) is revolutionizing education by making learning more accessible, engaging, and effective through tools like AI-powered tutoring and virtual reality. Despite challenges such as ensuring equitable access and safeguarding data, EdTech continues to innovate, offering flexible and personalized learning experiences that prepare individuals for a changing world.
According to the 2025 State EdTech Trends report by SETDA, artificial intelligence has become the top priority for state education leaders, surpassing cybersecurity, which remains a significant concern with steady interest but insufficient funding. The report highlights the need for continued investment in education technology infrastructure, including both AI and cybersecurity, to ensure safe and secure learning environments for students.
The educational technology sector is navigating challenges such as uncertain funding, cybersecurity concerns, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI, with organizations like CoSN and SETDA tracking these trends and advocating for strategic investments. As federal support shifts to states, districts must be proactive in leveraging multiple funding sources and collaborating with technology leaders like CDW to optimize their digital ecosystems and prioritize cybersecurity spending.
Deloitte's research emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to transition from AI experimentation to impactful implementation, highlighting the rapid adoption and compounding innovation in the technology sector. The report stresses the importance of redesigning processes rather than merely automating them, as traditional infrastructures are inadequate for AI's demands, and organizations must adapt to continuous learning and strategic hybrid models to stay competitive.
In 2025, Google achieved significant AI research breakthroughs with models like Gemini 3 and Gemma 3, enhancing AI's reasoning, multimodality, and efficiency, which led to new products and features across its portfolio. These advancements have not only transformed Google's products but also contributed to scientific progress and global challenges, with a strong focus on responsible AI development and collaboration.
The study compared the effectiveness of iPhone-native transcription and OpenAI's Whisper ASR model in veterinary ophthalmology education, finding that iPhone transcription outperformed Whisper in readability, technical accuracy, and clinical flow. AI-assisted SOAP-format summarization improved clarity and perceived learning value, and the integration of smartphone transcription and LLM summarization was deemed practical and effective for veterinary education, though human supervision remains essential for clinical use.
In 2026, AI tools significantly enhance students' writing, research, and presentation abilities by providing platforms like Grammarly, Wordtune, and ScholarAI, which improve clarity, grammar, and research efficiency. Ethical use of these tools is crucial, as they should complement critical thinking and creativity without replacing original work, ensuring students remain engaged and responsible in their learning processes.
Research from Pearson highlights concerns among UK educators about inadequate preparation of students for an AI-driven future, with many teachers feeling unprepared to teach and use AI effectively. The report calls for increased AI training for teachers, emphasizing the need for investment in tools and resources to ensure both educators and students are equipped for the evolving digital landscape.
A new report by the Center for Democracy and Technology highlights the rapid increase in AI use in K-12 classrooms, with 85% of teachers and 86% of students using AI during the 2024-25 school year, raising concerns about its negative effects on student-teacher relationships and critical thinking skills. The report emphasizes the need for schools to provide AI training and develop policies to mitigate risks, as less than half of teachers and students have received adequate training or information on AI use, despite its growing presence in educational settings.
