Each year, we examine the most popular topics at ISTELive to gauge the hottest trends in edtech. It’s interesting and instructive to see how the topics shift each year to reflect the changing times. If you enjoy comparing yearly trends, you can look at our previous lists:

• Hottest Edtech Topics 2021

• Hottest Edtech Topics 2022

• Hottest Edtech Topics 2023

This year, we looked at the number of ISTELive24 sessions tagged with a particular topic, such as equity and inclusion or AR/VR/XR. Many sessions have multiple topics, so there is some overlap between the various categories. We narrowed the topic list down to those that had at least 50 associated sessions, but our hottest topic of the year had a whopping 258 sessions.

Based on this analysis, here are the 2024 hottest edtech trends, in order from least to most popular:

8. Project-based learning

It’s no surprise that PBL continues to be a hot topic for educators, especially those focused on edtech. Tech tools excel at creating immersive experiences for students and allowing them to express their learning outcomes in personal and innovative ways. And, as the technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for curriculum enhancements continue to grow.

With PBL, teachers are engaging students by challenging them to find solutions to real-world problems, encouraging them to work together to solve puzzles and virtual escape rooms, and offering makerspace-style experiences that provide tools for innovation and the chance to build marketable skills.

7. Computer science and computational thinking

The computer science and computational thinking category has made our trend list for the past few years, and we continue to see educators weaving computer science skills into their lessons across subject matter in increasingly creative ways. There’s still a lot of energy dedicated to coding, robotics, and circuits, but now computer science learning is blended with science, history, storytelling projects, and more.

6. Augmented, virtual and extended reality (AR/VR/XR)

Augmented, virtual, and extended realities topped our list last year, but dropped to sixth place at ISTELive24. It was bumped from the top five by a new topic: Innovative Learning Environments. While AR/VR/XR is a subset of this new realm, it’s not surprising that as we move further from the online classrooms of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators are looking for more creative in-person educational opportunities. Still, the use of AR/VR/XR can offer students opportunities to engage in virtual experiences, such as field trips, science experiments, and even historical reenactments that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access.

5. Innovative learning environments

The ISTELive24 sessions focused on innovative learning environments encompassed both in-person and online learning. They explored neighborhood and community projects, nature walks and gardening, and visits to libraries and maker spaces. They also touched on using robots, deep-diving with open-world gaming like Minecraft, and virtual field trips. Whether in-person or virtual, the trend highlights an interest in engaging students beyond the four walls of classrooms, whether in real-world scenarios or via the use of virtual reality. When paired with the continued focus on project-based learning, the opportunities for creating immersive learning experiences are endless.

4. Equity and inclusion

While social-emotional learning didn’t make the trending list for 2024, equity and inclusion continue to be among the top focus areas in edtech. Engaging and nurturing students across cultures, abilities, learning styles, interests, and identities requires conscious and ongoing effort. In particular, artificial intelligence tools, which are becoming ubiquitous, offer both assistance (such as individualized lesson plans and assessments) and challenges (such as inherent biases in underlying models). With or without AI, educators are still prioritizing efforts to make learning accessible to all students, regardless of their ability or background. This includes girls in STEM initiatives, the use of technology for adaptive and accessible learning, and utilizing technology to support new ELL students.

3. Creativity and curation tools

As the focus continues on project-based learning, authentic assessments, and equity and inclusion, there is an ongoing demand for tools that help students express themselves and share what they’ve learned, which can be a key part of applying or transferring learning. For those educators who don’t have the time or desire to experiment, there are always other teachers who are happy to share their suggestions.

2. Online tools, apps, and resources

This topic is a broad one and has some significant overlap with our number three entry, but it demonstrates the interest educators continue to have in sharing resources and tools. Not only is the landscape of edtech changing at a rapid rate, but teachers and administrators are constantly finding creative ways to utilize available tech resources, whether or not they were intended for educational use. This never-ending stream of new tools may feel overwhelming, but there’s no need to go it alone. Educators can team up to divide and conquer whatever new technology pops up throughout the year.

1. Artificial intelligence

Perhaps not surprisingly, AI rose from second on the list last year to number one this year. The ISTELive24 sessions tagged as AI-related outpaced the next most popular topic by 3 to 1, solidifying its spot as the hottest edtech trend of 2024. But, as we know, AI considerations in education are broad, encompassing everything from ethics and DEI to authentic assessments and customized lesson plans. The addition of AI tools such as transcription, custom chatbots/interactive lessons, text summaries and automated feedback are changing the face of education and, in some cases, the very nature of roles teachers play and how students learn. Understanding how AI can be used thoughtfully and safely to enhance learning and empower teachers and students alike will obviously be a key area of focus for schools in the year–and years–ahead. And it’s one where ISTE is dedicated to providing robust and nuanced support.

We’re excited to see what trends will develop over the next year. What interesting things are happening in your classroom, school, or community? We hope you’ll bring your expertise and enthusiasm to ISTELive25.

Image: Shutterstock.