It鈥檚 never too early to think about impactful educational trends when a new year is on the horizon. Since November 2022, the educational ecosystem has been dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). The emerging technology still commands attention while school districts and institutions of higher education consider investing in AI literacy and implementing policies. Despite the overwhelming emphasis on AI, other areas increasingly influence teaching, learning and preparing students for their futures. Spending the final months of the year assessing trends projected for the new year is a great way to prepare for changes that are poised to make an impact.
While the future is never guaranteed, I鈥檝e compiled five聽trends that education should look out for in 2025.
1. Using assistive technology will likely expand.
Assistive technology has long been a fixture in special education. Still, as we move into 2025, it will likely become more accessible in mainstream classrooms as well. Traditionally, individuals with disabilities or specific needs relied on these tools, devices or systems to support learning, working and daily living. In classrooms, assistive technology ranges from low-tech options like pencil grips or magnifying glasses to high-tech solutions like speech-to-text software, screen readers and adaptive keyboards. Advancements in assistive technology, including the rise of AI, are driving the development of a new wave of assistive tools.
In 2025, educators can anticipate growth in customized assistive technology solutions that can easily integrate into classrooms. Students with disabilities will have greater autonomy to participate fully in learning environments. Plus, all students will have the chance to use innovative learning tools. Here are a few examples:
- AI-powered speech recognition: Advanced text-to-speech tools provide accurate real-time transcription, which helps students with hearing impairments or learning disabilities follow along with lectures or discussions.
- Wearable devices with haptic feedback: Devices like smartwatches or virtual reality gloves vibrate to signal directions or alert students who require visual or hearing support.
- Eye-tracking: This technology allows students to communicate by selecting words or phrases with their gaze. Students who have physical or verbal disabilities benefit from the opportunity to interact and express themselves.
- Smart pens and note-taking devices: Tools that capture audio as students write can assist students with ADHD or dyslexia. Students can review or revisit content as needed.
2. Repurposed classrooms will likely support immersive learning.
Many school districts have empty classrooms as . Typically, empty classrooms serve as storage units, but innovative approaches are transforming these spaces into dynamic educational centers equipped for unique learning opportunities. Move over boxes of books 鈥� immersive learning has entered the building!
These educational environments incorporate technology to simulate real-world scenarios, providing students with engaging and interactive learning experiences. Plus, early exposure to technology allows students to develop familiarity with tools they may use in the workplace one day. Educators rely on augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality to create immersive learning classrooms. Some examples include:
- Virtual field trips: Students can experience places as if they were physically present, making content more relatable and memorable.
- Career preparation: It supports career and technical education courses such as those for health professions where students use augmented reality to explore the human body in a 3D space.
- Interactive learning: Through mixed reality, students can interact with digital elements, such as a 3D model of a house, which is anchored in their real environment.
Another popular use of repurposed classrooms is sensory rooms designed to support students with sensory processing issues such as autism or ADHD. In such rooms, students are immersed in an environment for calmness or de-stimulation, helping them with self-regulation.
3. Universal Design for Learning will likely gain in popularity.
Like assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is rooted in special education. Recently, UDL has become more mainstream as educators have found that the foundational principles of the framework are applicable in various educational settings. There are three main principles of UDL:
- Multiple means of representation: It presents information in various formats so all students can access and understand it.
- Multiple means of action and expression: It promotes demonstrating learning in multiple ways, which accommodates students鈥� different skills and strengths.
- Multiple means of engagement: It emphasizes focusing on students鈥� interests and motivating them through relevant content and activities.
The Center for Applied Special Technology, officially known as CAST, developed UDL to promote the idea that learning resources should be proactively designed for accessibility for everyone instead of reactively adapting based on specific needs. The organization provides , and there are also credentials and certifications available.
4. Leading students to gain new skills through bite-sized learning will likely increase.
Youth and adult learners will benefit from the expansion of . The days of one-size-fits-all learning are fading away. Innovative approaches such as microlearning, in which content is broken down into units, segments or modules, allow students to master specific skills without becoming overwhelmed by large quantities of information.
For younger students, microlearning may be part of a more extensive system of competency-based learning. This approach builds mastery of subject matter through comprehensive programs. For adults, microlearning may be valuable through online learning or blended environments to accommodate busy lifestyles. Resources used in microlearning include but aren鈥檛 limited to video snippets, digital assessments, interactive modules or practice bursts.
Delivering content in short units can realign objectives toward skill-building. Educators can focus on increasing engagement, retention and comprehension, making learning more accessible and manageable.
5. More districts will likely embrace outcomes-based contracting.
Most resources purchased for schools require a desire to use a resource and the funding source to enter into a purchasing agreement. Traditionally, contracts focused on delivering services or resources regardless of impact on student achievement.
Under , contracts and funding are tied to specific, measurable and educational outcomes. Examples of outcomes include improving performance on standardized assessments, increasing graduation rates or reducing achievement gaps.
District leaders are seeking ways to justify spending as tightening budgets become a reality after Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds spurred by the pandemic wane. Benefits of outcomes-based contracting include a focus on student improvement, efficiency in using resources, encouraging innovation, and providing avenues of accountability and transparency. These benefits promote support among school boards and communities.
Of course, it鈥檚 not without challenges. Leaders developing outcomes should avoid measures that are too narrow or too broad. Finding a balance that is both meaningful and measurable can take time. Establishing outcomes-based contracting procedures takes the coordination and collaboration of multiple departments, which can prove difficult. In addition, equity concerns can arise if one group of students are prioritized over another.
The new year has the potential to shift toward more personalized, inclusive and outcomes-based learning environments. Educators can continue to adapt their methods as they embrace emerging and innovative technologies. Ultimately, we are moving toward an educational landscape where every student has the resources and support they need to thrive 鈥� an educator鈥檚 ultimate goal!
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