“The societal changes unfolding before us, fueled by technological innovation and our evolving needs, compel us to reimagine educational paradigm designed for a bygone industrial age,” Garrett Smiley, CEO of Sora Schools, said in the company’s new report which outlines some of the latest trends and driving forces shaping K12 innovation today, according to District Administration.
The first—and obvious—trend is artificial intelligence. Once AI sparked fear in educators as they contemplated the technology’s ethical concerns for classroom use has now been elevated to that of a trusted ally. It has the ability to “automate mundane tasks and assist in creative processes like a skilled co-pilot,” the report reads.
The second trend highlighted in the report is the idea of teachers evolving into more of a coaching role, a shift that’s been accelerated as educators continue to harness the power of AI assistants.
In the past, teachers were forced to juggle a variety of mundane tasks like lesson plans and grading papers, resulting in less time spent engaging in quality time with each individual student. “The juggling act often overshadowed the superpower of teachers: their ability to unlock the potential within every student and build the human connection,” the report reads.
Thirdly, virtual and augmented reality are elevating learning experiences for students. This technology can be particularly impactful in subjects like science and history where the visual learning aspect is even more important, the report declares.
The fourth trend addressed in this report sheds light on the expansion of school choice and ESAs (Education Savings Accounts). Following the successful implementation of ESAs by Arizona and Florida, it is predicted that more states will embrace such programs.
“The expansion of ESA funding reflects a move toward more customized and diverse educational options for families and a more flexible and individual allocation of public education spending,” the report reads.
Another impactful force dominating the K12 space in 2024 is the rise of cross-disciplinary and project-based learning. Schools are now working to provide students with opportunities to deepen the application and meaning of learning by developing new ways of teaching. In 2024, expect to see more schools embracing a holistic and integrative approach to education.
Finally, the last trend addresses the shift toward increased learning management systems that prioritize student and guardian experiences. Thanks to Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER), schools have been able to invest in platforms that support online learning and meet the informational needs of K12 parents. “The pandemic woke us up to the need to design highly personalized learning environments for everyone,” Peter Hutton, founder and CEO of the Project Lab, said in the report.
District Administration
