Tech Outlook 2026: What Education Leaders Expect this Year
In an open call last month, we asked technology leaders in education for their predictions on how the tech landscape will change for schools and districts in the coming year. Responses covered topics ranging from AI and data integration to cybersecurity and workforce readiness. Here's what they told us.
Career Skills Will Be a Priority
"In 2026, workforce readiness will no longer be seen as someone else's responsibility, but will become a collective mission. Schools, employers, families, and policy-makers will increasingly work together to connect students' strengths to real opportunities. Career and technical education (CTE) and industry certifications will move to the center of the conversation as districts rethink graduation requirements to prioritize alignment between student aptitudes and workforce demand. The goal will shift from 'graduation' to readiness. Students don't lack ambition; they lack connection between what they're good at and where those talents are needed. When education, industry, and community align, that connection becomes clear. The result? A generation that enters the world not just credentialed, but confident and capable." — Edson Barton, CEO & co-founder, YouScience
"In the coming year, the most impactful trends will be those that tighten the bond between classrooms and careers. AI-driven personalization will move from experimentation to expectation. Adaptive platforms will help instructors differentiate instruction in welding, health science, IT pathways, and many others. This will meet students where they are while maintaining industry standards. When implemented properly and used effectively, AI will support teachers, not replace them. Use of simulation and extended reality tools for CTE will continue to grow in the next year. Virtual labs and augmented reality overlays will allow students to practice high-risk or high-cost skills before ever touching real equipment, improving safety, confidence, and access. Credentialing will become more granular and portable. Ed tech platforms that align coursework with industry-recognized micro-credentials will help students build résumés while still in school, giving employers clearer signals of job readiness. Education and workforce systems are under growing pressure to demonstrate value for learners and employers. Access is not enough; outcomes matter now more than ever. The year ahead is not about more technology; it is about smarter and more intentional use that prepares learners for real work, real wages, and real futures." — Dr. Lotoya West, director of Career & Technical Education, Escambia County Schools
"K-12 education is accelerating toward industry certifications and skills-focused learning pathways to prepare students for the workforce and meet the evolving industry needs. Job-ready competencies, modular learning, and agile upskilling are key focal points of career and technical education institutions. Hybrid learning models will be the future for CTE schools because they blend hands-on experiences with online formats. Institutions therefore must invest in robust digital infrastructure to ensure seamless transitions between modalities. Focus areas will include flexible LMS platforms, device compatibility, and user-friendly virtual environments. Online platforms will be in demand because they provide accessible, standards-aligned courses and opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields such as agricultural science and finance." — Dr. Richard McPherson, agricultural science teacher, Rio Rico High School
"In 2026, we'll see AI continue to shape how students evaluate their career paths. As automation transforms many entry-level white-collar roles, more students will gravitate toward hands-on, AI-resilient careers where human skill and expertise remain essential. We'll also see continued growth in student, parent, and school counselor interest in the skilled trades. Gen Z will stay focused on the return on investment of their education, seeking faster, more affordable pathways that lead directly to stable, in-demand jobs. Counselors, who play a key role in shaping post-secondary decisions, will increasingly highlight technical training options as strong, high-value alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. Once skeptical parents will follow suit, recognizing the strength of employer partnerships and the career potential these programs provide." — Tracy Lorenz, division president, Universal Technical Institute
Artificial Intelligence Will Move Beyond the Hype
"Vendors have been hyping AI to educators in the past year and will increase the hype in 2026. However, to use AI (and any technology tool) effectively and not open a school to cyber abuse and attacks, education institutions must consult first with their IT/ed tech personnel as subject-matter experts in technology being offered." — Melony N. Myers, executive director of information technology, Mater Dei High School
"The use of AI-infused and personalized learning tools will continue to grow in 2026, becoming a norm instead of a novelty in K-12 education. More public use of AI will lead to an increased focus on the ethical use of AI, and data privacy will continue to become more of a central office/district priority. Districts will need to ensure they have strong policies in place to protect student information and support the ethical use of AI. District leaders will also need to prioritize training for both teachers and administrators on how to effectively use AI in their own jobs, and for classroom instruction. AI has enormous potential to bring efficiency and innovation to schools and districts, but it needs to be done in a thoughtful way that puts student safety first." — Ulysses Navarrete, executive director, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS)
"I'm done battling the bots. AI chatbots may be around forever, but the most useful AI tools are already embedded in the platforms we use every day — helping us innovate faster and automate basic tasks. And yet, I still hear school leaders, educators, parents, and students worry about AI's impact on cheating, bias, accuracy, and mental health. These concerns are real, but they're also the growing pains of immature technology evolving at breakneck speed. As we look to 2026, we need to flip the script. We must stop treating AI as a content vending machine — where we passively consume whatever it spits out — and start using it strategically to support human creativity and critical thinking. Most importantly, we need to stop being wowed by AI 'conversations' that feel human and rededicate ourselves to real human learning. After 30-plus years in ed tech, I still believe relationships are the most durable skill of all. Humans learn better together. The future isn't a chatbot teacher for every learner — it's people working together on meaningful, challenging work." — Chris Walsh, chief product and technology officer, PBLWorks
"A major AI topic in education will be determining which elements of educational context should be shared with AI systems, what must remain private, and how institutions can enforce these boundaries. As AI tools become more capable and more deeply woven into instructional workflows, institutions will increasingly focus on building comprehensive AI strategies that encourage innovation while maintaining strong oversight. These strategies will define governance structures, compliance expectations, and evaluation processes to ensure that AI adoption aligns with institutional values, legal requirements, and student protections. Ultimately, AI in education will evolve from isolated experiments to coordinated, policy-guided ecosystems, where the value of AI is balanced with the responsibility to safeguard learner information and uphold trust." — Curtiss Barnes, CEO, 1EdTech
"AI will shift from 'teacher tool' to 'district infrastructure.' By 2026, AI in K–12 will no longer be treated as an optional add-on or shiny app. Instead, districts will standardize on one or two approved AI ecosystems that sit inside existing platforms (LMS, SIS, assessment, communication tools) and quietly power daily workflows." — Tina Deets, instructional technology specialist, Hernando County School District
"The novelty stage of AI is over. We're past the 'look at this cool thing it can do' moment. In 2026, we're going to see AI used to actually solve the big systemic challenges we're facing in education. It's less about experimenting now and more about applying AI where it can genuinely make a difference, whether that's addressing absenteeism, supporting mental health, closing learning gaps, or making school feel more relevant for students again." — Kris Astle, manager of learning and adoption, SMART Technologies
"Education's future lies in intentional innovation guided by informed leadership. As educators and school leaders, we must deeply understand AI-powered tools before crafting policies for their ethical and effective use. This expertise will position us to balance advancement with student well-being, ensuring innovation energizes rather than exhausts learners. Instead of chasing one-size-fits-all solutions, we can root ourselves in sound pedagogy while embracing new possibilities. Our calling is to ignite curiosity, empower students as thoughtful leaders, and model conscious decision-making. When we commit to truly understanding these transformative tools, we help students build the futures they envision for themselves." — Brittanie Bates, principal, US Diploma Pathway, Crimson Global Academy
Ed Tech Will Become More Human-Centered
"In K–12 education, I predict that 2026 will mark a shift from debating the tech-enabled classroom to embracing the tech-enabled educator. Over the past year, technology adoption accelerated as educators and administrators saw firsthand how AI and digital tools can reduce administrative burden while improving the quality and impact of their work. Now that we see nearly everyone working in schools embracing technology in some way, we can truly accelerate creative, human-centered solutions that make the work experience of educators better for all." — Kate Eberle Walker, CEO, Presence
"Classroom learning is undergoing a radical transformation. The "Future of Jobs Report" notes that 60% of employers expect digital expansion to reshape their industries by 2030. For the future workforce to be ready, schools have to be ready now. In 2026, schools will increasingly blend physical and digital spaces, reshaping how students engage, reflect, and take ownership of their education. Virtual learning is no longer a secondary option; it is the blueprint for asynchronous, mastery-based education. By unburdening instruction from the rigid seven-period bell schedule, technologies like adaptive learning systems, interactive simulations, and AI co-explorers allow students to move seamlessly between digital activities and deep, project-based exploration. This integration helps classrooms move beyond one-size-fits-all instruction toward personalized, purpose-driven learning where teachers provide real-time, targeted coaching. Ultimately, these experiences cultivate the independence and resilience required for a rapidly evolving world. The skills of tomorrow demand innovation today. In 2026, the most effective technologies won't just deliver content; they will empower self-directed learners to take ownership of their education and create their own futures." — Dr. Sara Cutler, executive director, Wisconsin Virtual Academy
"In 2026, technology will increasingly serve as a catalyst for engagement and opportunity, focusing on three key evolutions. First, the student experience will become more individualized. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, technology will help tailor instructional time to each learner's unique pace and interests, creating a more responsive and effective classroom environment. Second, technology will expand the reach of career exploration. By virtually connecting students to diverse industries, both within their local communities and far beyond their regions, we can broaden their access to life-changing opportunities. These digital windows allow students to 'test-drive' wide-ranging careers, ensuring that every learner can envision a future in high-demand fields regardless of their location. Third, technology will act as a vital assistant for educators, providing the insights needed to direct the right resources to the right students at precisely the right time. However, these advancements are not a replacement for the human element. Technology remains an enabler and accelerator, not a substitute for the hands-on, problem-based learning facilitated by skilled teachers. In 2026, the most impactful classrooms will be those that leverage tech to strengthen the human connection, keeping mentorship and student-led discovery at the heart of the educational journey." — David Dimmett, president and CEO, Project Lead The Way
"In the coming year, K-12 education will pivot toward 'hyper-learning,' where students leverage agentic AI not as a search tool, but as a collaborative partner to learn, unlearn, and relearn in real time. This evolution can be made visible through immersive AV environments that transform classrooms into hubs for student-led content creation rather than passive consumption. By decentralizing the 'front of the room,' we can empower every learner — especially in rural districts — to become a creator in a digital-first world." — Miguel Quinteros, K-12 technology coach, Mason County Central Schools
"Educational technology once meant 'the technology of education': the pedagogical tools, environments, and strategies that best supported learning outcomes. Over time, that definition narrowed to mean computers and software in classrooms — and was accelerated, even normalized, during the pandemic. Now we're seeing the tension. Pushback around screen time isn't anti-technology; it's a response to imbalance. Too much learning has become synonymous with being online, individualized, and automated. It may be efficient, but often shallow. Looking toward 2026, the real question isn't how much more technology to add, but which technologies truly support learning. Power drills, soldering tools, reverse engineering, whiteboards, gameboards, and art supplies are learning technologies too. Educational technologists have a responsibility and opportunity to help redefine the field. Real learning is messy, social, and deeply human. In 2026, we need to lead the reprioritizing of balance, relationships, and hands-on learning over screens alone." — Pamela Rabin, Ed.D., coordinator, Educational Technology, San Diego County Office of Education
"In 2026, live virtual instruction will become a more mainstream solution to the teacher shortage crisis. Districts will stream certified subject-matter experts into classrooms, bringing Algebra II, physics, and multilingual instruction to students who previously lacked access. This model will redefine what it means to be in the classroom by pairing virtual teachers with on-site facilitators to ensure engagement and rigor. Beyond filling vacancies, it will diversify the teaching workforce, drawing in retired educators and professionals who might otherwise leave the field, and turning equity and access into a nationwide standard." — Dr. David Lawrence, superintendent, Dayton Public Schools, and founding member, Elevate K-12 National Advisory Council.
Institutions Will Move from Fragmented Data to Connected Insights
"Right now, most institutions are trapped in a data bottleneck where closed-off systems and isolated applications force them into manual, spreadsheet-driven work and prevent them from seeing a complete, connected view of each student. Within the next year, more institutions will leverage open interoperability standards to unlock core systems and establish seamless, modern integrations throughout their learning ecosystem. As data flows become standardized, institutions will be able to link information across applications with far less noise and far more reliability. This shift could dramatically reduce the cost and expertise required to make sense of institutional data, replacing bespoke integrations with a unified approach that scales, and giving institutions the ability to easily and responsibility share the metrics needed for meaningful analytics and decision-making. Part of the success will require data sharing agreements that act as enablers instead of barriers by prioritizing best practices, shared responsibility, and inclusive stakeholder input. In this future, connected data becomes the norm, empowering educators with clearer insights and a holistic view of each learner." — Curtiss Barnes, CEO, 1EdTech
"In 2026, the education sector will face a scarcity in data issue. With federal education research programs and large-scale data collections at risk from budget cuts, schools and policy-makers may lose some of the most reliable longitudinal information available to understand student progress. This erosion of this reliable infrastructure comes at a time when academic recovery remains uneven and the demand for clear, contextualized data has never been greater. In response, districts and states will increasingly look to independent, transparent sources for timely, nonpartisan insights they can trust. Expect to see new public-facing data tools emerge to fill this void — providing consistent, comparable information to guide policy and restore confidence in education decision-making. Reliable data isn't just a technical necessity; it's the foundation for building public trust, addressing persistent education challenges, and supporting educational equity." — Dr. Karyn Lewis, VP of research and policy partnerships, NWEA
"Schools aren't short on data — they're short on time to use it. The next real progress won't come from collecting more information but from shrinking what educators actually see at once. We'll move toward narrower, context-aware dashboards that surface only what's actionable for that day, that student, that teacher. The real progress isn't in generating more insight, but in reducing noise so educators can act with clarity." — Dr. Joy Smithson, data science manager, SchoolStatus
Evolving Attacks Will Require New Approaches to Cybersecurity and Governance
"Education institutions will continue prioritizing ransomware defense, but some of their most critical vulnerabilities will come from areas they're not yet focused on. A widening quantum-readiness gap, combined with persistent staffing and resource shortages, will create risks that outpace their ability to manage them. As schools and universities accelerate the adoption of cloud services, artificial intelligence tools, and digital learning platforms, many will struggle to keep up with the long-term security implications of these technologies, especially as quantum decryption becomes a real threat. Highly decentralized IT environments will further expand these blind spots. Institutions that fail to act now will face greater exposure, more disruptions, and soaring recovery costs as adversaries exploit weaknesses long underestimated." — Gary Barlet, public sector chief technology officer, Illumio
"AI will turn data exfiltration into a precision weapon. Data exfiltration is now used by 96% of all publicized ransomware attacks, and this is no accident. Encryption has become easier to defeat and requires constant engineering to stay ahead, so attackers are increasingly targeting the real prize: the data itself. The rapid evolution of AI provides powerful new tools for attackers to identify and exploit specific organizations and individuals, significantly improving the precision and effectiveness of every attack. This trend will accelerate even further in 2026, as access to even more powerful AI tools expands, and organizations continue to lack adequate monitoring and protection against data exfiltration." — Dr. Darren Williams, founder and CEO, Blackfog
"As AI-assisted attacks become more sophisticated, organizations will need to strengthen both their technical defenses and their human readiness. Privacy and security will increasingly depend on a combined strategy that pairs effective software safeguards with ongoing staff training. Given the time and resource constraints facing technology teams, institutions will need to adopt centralized reviews of all apps and platforms, assessing them alongside their privacy and security documentation. Aligning these tools with procurement policies centered on privacy, security, interoperability, accessibility, and gen AI will shift from a recommended practice to an essential one. This approach provides clear visibility into what technologies are in use and what commitments vendors make. By taking this more disciplined approach, institutions can make informed decisions before renewing contracts or purchasing new tools, ultimately strengthening their overall risk management." — Curtiss Barnes, CEO, 1EdTech
"The unchecked 'Wild West' rush to deploy AI without proper safeguards will trigger a major security and trust reckoning in 2026. Over the past year, countless AI tools and systems rolled out with minimal oversight ... and the fallout is coming due. We anticipate the first high-profile security breach caused directly by an autonomous AI agent in 2026, validating warnings that poorly governed AI can create new failure modes. Attackers are already leveraging AI as a force multiplier: Classic threats like phishing are being supercharged by flawless deepfake voices and personalized automation, allowing minor vulnerabilities to chain into major breaches at machine speed. In 2026, smart organizations will rein in some of their initial AI deployments with rigorous security assessments, access controls, and real-time monitoring of AI behaviors. However some will not, and the results will be devastating. Hopefully we'll see the rise of AI governance frameworks and possibly new laws holding companies accountable for AI-induced harm. Meanwhile, the deluge of deepfake-generated disinformation and fraud will prompt a fight for digital truth. As AI blurs the line between reality and fabrication, the concept of authenticity is emerging as the new pillar of cybersecurity. Companies will start investing in verification technologies (watermarks, provenance tracking, digital signatures) to ensure that what users see and hear is genuine." — Karl Holmqvist, founder and CEO, Lastwall