Education Technology Trends to Watch in 2025

In schools, higher education and workplace learning, several EdTech trends are set to impact how we teach, learn and connect in 2025.

Globally, the EdTech market is expected to reach US$598.82 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of over 17%. These are exciting times for educators and L&D professionals as AI, gamification and immersive VR and AR learning become mainstream.  

There’s so much going on in the EdTech space that keeping on top of it all can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help. We’ve distilled the major EdTech trends of 2025 into a top ten list. These are the innovations you need to know about that will shape the future of digital learning.

AI is already transforming education, and none more so than in the area of personalised learning.

Thanks to AI platforms like Squirrel AI and Microsoft’s Reading Coach, educators can analyse learners’ strengths, weaknesses and preferred learning styles with unprecedented accuracy. These platforms then customise programs and tailor content to suit the individual learner’s pace and style.  

AI learning systems are a powerful tool that ensures no student is left behind. Educators can more easily make targeted interventions. Furthermore, personalised learning is the key to engagement, motivation, and, ultimately, retention of online students.   

According to Forbes, 60% of educators already use AI in their classrooms daily. We predict that number will increase as AI becomes an even bigger player in education.

When it comes to immersive learning, AR and VR are literally opening up a whole world of possibilities.

Students of all ages can be transported to Ancient Rome one day or explore complex anatomical structures the next. AR and VR enhance learning by offering memorable, hands-on experiences. They also allow students to refine their skills in an entirely safe online environment.

As the cost of VR and AR equipment becomes more affordable, its use in classrooms and learning spaces worldwide is set to increase.

Also on the increase is the use of gamification in EdTech. The power of gamification in engaging students has long been recognised. Tools like ClassDojo incorporate scavenger-hunt activities, competitive quizzes and leaderboards. These gamified platforms are more popular than ever and are reshaping how we engage with digital learning.

Next on our list of emerging EdTech trends are microdentials and digital badges. These online certifications are gaining traction as alternative ways to recognise and validate skills and knowledge. And they allow students to showcase their achievements in more dynamic ways.

As more educational institutions and companies adopt these credentials, learners will be able to pursue more flexible learning paths that align better with their career goals.

Flexibility is the order of the day for learners in 2025. While online education has many benefits, many of us still want some face-to-face interaction while studying. Education providers need to blend in-person and online learning to offer the best of both worlds. Doing so makes it easier to accommodate diverse learning preferences. And it also makes digital learning more accessible to a broader audience, as students have the flexibility to work anytime and anywhere.

Learning analytics involves collecting and analysing student data on performance, behaviours, outcomes, and much more. And it’s transforming how educators track performance and tailor their approach to teaching and learning.

However, the key innovation here is adaptive teaching. Learning analytics isn’t just about monitoring student performance. It’s about using those insights to inform practice and provide personalised support and resources. That way, every student has what they need to succeed.

Next up on our top ten list is blockchain technology, which is fast emerging as a more secure, transparent way to manage educational credentials. It involves creating a safe, tamper-proof digital ledger to verify and authenticate academic records.

Blockchain in education ensures the integrity of academic records and helps prevent fraud. Furthermore, validating credentials is a much simpler process for employers and educational institutions.

Nowadays, the term ‘revolutionary’ is often overused. However, when it comes to content creation, the impact of AI is indeed revolutionary. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Synthesia and LearntAI can generate high-quality materials, including lesson plans, multimedia resources and interactive quizzes.

Furthermore, AI tools can curate content from a wide variety of sources. In just a few clicks, educators are presented with a wealth of resources to enhance their teaching.

AI-powered content creation tools save time. And they also help ensure instructional materials are up-to-date and relevant.

Just as the world has become more conscious of environmental sustainability, so the EdTech sector is embracing green practices.

Energy-efficient learning management systems, digital textbooks, virtual labs, and other digital tools are being developed to reduce education’s carbon footprint. These tools optimise the use of resources and promote sustainable practices.

Explore more in our dedicated blog: Digital Learning Sustainability: Practical Strategies to Reduce Environmental Impact.

One of the often-quoted downsides of digital learning is the social isolation students can face. Social learning platforms help address those concerns. Learners have opportunities to collaborate and interact with educators and each other.

Social learning platforms offer peer-to-peer learning, discussion forums and group projects. Integrating these features into EdTech helps promote a sense of community among learners. Social learning platforms help maximise outcomes by creating an environment where students can connect, collaborate and engage.

Our final EdTech trend to watch out for in 2025 is cybersecurity. As educators become more and more dependent on digital tools, cybersecurity has become a top priority for the EdTech industry. Protecting sensitive student data and ensuring the security of digital learning environments is more critical than ever.

In 2025, EdTech companies will invest even more in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against data breaches. You can expect to see improvements in encryption, multi-factor authentication processes and threat detection tools.

While these are undoubtedly exciting times in EdTech, it’s fair to say it’s not all a bed of roses. There are also significant challenges ahead. Here are the headlines:

The digital divide: Not everyone has equal access to the infrastructure these advanced technologies require. Ensuring equitable access, especially in underserved communities, remains an issue.

Training and adaptability of educators: Integrating new technologies into classrooms and learning spaces requires ongoing professional development for educators. Teachers need to be trained and supported in how to use digital tools effectively in their daily teaching practice.

AI ethics: As AI becomes more integrated into education, ethical concerns around bias and transparency grow. Educators and EdTech companies must address these issues to ensure AI is used responsibly in education.

Despite the challenges, there are also plenty of opportunities. The trends we've outlined will improve educational outcomes. And it will make learning more accessible, engaging, and better suited to the diverse needs of today’s students. So, watch this space.

There’s a consensus among educational experts that this year will be dominated by advancements in AI, VR/AR and personalised learning. These look set to become standard in digital learning programs, classrooms and learning spaces worldwide.

According to Forbes, ‘EdTech is no longer a distant horizon; it’s the ground beneath our feet.' Forbes argues that, nowadays, educational leadership requires a blend of technological expertise, human-centred approaches, and a curiosity to challenge existing norms. 

The 2024 EDUCAUSE Analytics Landscape Study confirms that analytics will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital learning. Learning analytics will help educators make informed decisions that enhance teaching and learning. And student data will be the driving force behind more personalised learning experiences.

A new year is the perfect time to review your skills and knowledge. Being proactive and staying informed of all the exciting innovations in education keeps you sharp and supports career development.

Still haven't made a new year resolution? How about committing to embracing innovation to enhance your practice? The opportunity to make significant improvements to teaching and learning environments is within our grasp.