eSchool News is counting down the 10 most-read stories of 2025. Story #2 focuses on predictions educators made for AI in 2025.
When it comes to education trends, AI certainly has staying power. As generative AI technologies evolve, educators are moving away from fears about AI-enabled cheating and are embracing the idea that AI can open new doors for teaching and learning.
AI tools can reduce the administrative burden so many educators carry, can personalize learning for students, and can help students become more engaged in their learning when they use the tools to brainstorm and expand on ideas for assignments and projects. Having AI skills is also essential for today’s students, who will enter a workforce where AI know-how is becoming more necessary for success.
So: What’s next for AI in education? We asked educators, edtech industry leaders, stakeholders, and experts to share some predictions about where they think AI is headed in 2025. (Here’s our list of 50 predictions for edtech in 2025.)
Here’s what they had to say:
In 2025, online program leaders will begin to unlock the vast potential of generative AI, integrating it more deeply into the instructional design process in ways that can amplify and expedite the work of faculty and instructional designers. This technology, already making waves in instruction and assessment, stands poised to transform the creation of online courses. By streamlining time-intensive tasks, generative AI offers the promise of automation, replication, and scalability, enabling institutions to expand their online offerings at an unprecedented pace. The key is that we maintain rigorous standards of quality–and create clear guardrails around the ethical use of AI at a time when increasingly sophisticated models are blurring the lines between human design–and artificial intelligence. Generative AI holds extraordinary promise, but its adoption must be grounded in practices that prioritize equitable and inclusive access, transparency, and educational excellence.
–Deb Adair, CEO, Quality Matters
In 2025, education in the United States will reflect both the challenges and opportunities of a system in transition. Uncertainty and change at the federal level will continue to shift decision-making power to states, leaving them with greater autonomy but also greater responsibility. While this decentralization may spark localized innovation, it is just as likely to create uneven standards. In some states, we’ve already seen benchmarks lowered to normalize declines, a trend that could spread as states grapple with resource and performance issues. This dynamic will place an even greater burden on schools, teachers, and academic leaders. As those closest to learners, they will bear the responsibility of bridging the gap between systemic challenges and individual student success. To do so effectively, schools will require tools that reduce administrative complexity, enabling educators to focus on fostering personal connections with students–the foundation of meaningful academic growth. AI will play a transformative role in this landscape, offering solutions to these pressures. However, fragmented adoption driven by decentralized decision-making will lead to inequities, with some districts leveraging AI effectively and others struggling to integrate it. In this complex environment, enterprise platforms that offer flexibility, integration, and choice will become essential. 2025 will demand resilience and creativity, but it also offers all of us an opportunity to refocus on what truly matters: supporting educators and the students they inspire.
—Scott Anderberg, CEO, Moodle
As chatbots become more sophisticated, they’re rapidly becoming a favorite among students for their interactive and personalized support, and we can expect to see them increasingly integrated into classrooms, tutoring platforms, and educational apps as educators embrace this engaging tool for learning. Additionally, AI is poised to play an even larger role in education, particularly in test preparation and course planning. By leveraging data and predictive analytics, AI-driven tools will help students and educators create more tailored and effective learning pathways, enhancing the overall educational experience.
—Brad Barton, CTO, YouScience
As we move into 2025, we’ll move past the AI hype cycle and pivot toward solving tangible classroom challenges. Effective AI solutions will integrate seamlessly into the learning environment, enhancing rather than disrupting the teaching experience. The focus will shift to practical tools that help teachers sustain student attention and engagement–the foundation of effective learning. These innovations will prioritize giving educators greater flexibility and control, allowing them to move freely around the classroom while effortlessly managing and switching between digital resources. An approach that ensures technology supports and amplifies the irreplaceable human connections at the heart of learning, rather than replacing them.
–Levi Belnap, CEO, Merlyn Mind
The year 2025 is set to transform science education by implementing AI-driven learning platforms. These platforms will dynamically adjust to the student’s interests and learning paces, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in education. Additionally, virtual labs and simulations will rise, enabling students to experiment with concepts without geographical constraints. This evolution will make high-quality STEM education more universally accessible.
–Tiago Costa, Cloud & AI Architect, Microsoft; Pearson Video Lesson Instructor
In the two years since GenAI was unleashed, K-12 leaders have ridden the wave of experimentation and uncertainty about the role this transformative technology should have in classrooms and districts. 2025 will see a shift toward GenAI strategy development, clear policy and governance creation, instructional integration, and guardrail setting for educators and students. K-12 districts recognize the need to upskill their teachers, not only to take advantage of GenAI to personalize learning, but also so they can teach students how to use this tech responsibly. On the back end, IT leaders will grapple with increased infrastructure demands and ever-increasing cybersecurity threats.
—Delia DeCourcy, Senior Strategist, Lenovo Worldwide Education Team
AI-driven tools will transform the role of teachers and support staff in 2025: The advent of AI will allow teachers to offload mundane administrative tasks to students and provide them more energy to be at the “heart and soul” of the classroom. Moreover, more than two-thirds (64 percent) of parents agreed or strongly agreed that AI should help free teachers from administrative tasks and help them build connections with the classroom. Impact of technological advancements on hybrid and remote learning models in 2025: AI is revolutionizing the online learning experience with personalized pathways, tailored skills development and support, and enhanced content creation. For example, some HBS Online courses, like Launching Tech Ventures, feature an AI course assistant bot to help address learners’ questions and facilitate successful course completion. While the long-term impact remains uncertain, AI is narrowing the gap between online and in-person education. By analyzing user behavior and learning preferences, AI can create adaptive learning environments that dynamically adjust to individual needs, making education more engaging and effective.
–David Everson, Senior Director of Marketing Solutions, Laserfiche
In education and digital publishing, artificial intelligence (AI) will continue transitioning from novelty applications to solutions that address real-world challenges facing educators and students. Successful companies will focus on data security and user trust, and will create learner-centered AI tools to deliver personalized experiences that adapt to individual needs and enhance efficiency for educators, enabling them to dedicate more time to fostering meaningful connections with students. The ethical integration of AI technologies such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is key to this evolution. Unlike traditional large language models that ingest information from the Internet at large, RAG delivers AI outputs that are grounded in authoritative, peer-reviewed content, reducing the risk of misinformation while safeguarding the integrity of intellectual property. Thoughtfully developed AI tools such as this will become partners in the learning journey, encouraging analysis, problem-solving, and creativity rather than fostering dependence on automated responses. By taking a deliberate approach that focuses on ethical practices, user-centered design, and supporting the cultivation of essential skills, successful education companies will use AI less as innovation for its own sake and more as a means to provide rich and memorable teaching and learning experiences.
—Paul Gazzolo, Senior Vice President & Global General Manager, Gale, a Part of Cengage Group
Adaptive learning technologies will continue to personalize curriculum and assessment, creating a more responsive and engaging educational journey that reflects each student’s strengths and growth areas. Generative AI and other cutting-edge advancements will be instrumental in building solutions that optimize classroom support, particularly in integrating assessment and instruction. We will see more technology that can help educators understand the past to edit materials in the present, to accelerate teachers planning for the future.
—Andrew Goldman, EVP, HMH Labs
We’ll witness a fundamental shift in how we approach student assessment, moving away from conventional testing models toward more authentic experiences that are seamless with instruction. The thoughtful integration of AI, particularly voice AI technology, will transform assessment from an intermittent event into a natural part of the learning process. The most promising applications will be those that combine advanced technology with research-validated methodologies. Voice-enabled assessments will open new possibilities for measuring student knowledge in ways that are more natural and accessible, especially for our youngest learners, leveraging AI’s capabilities to streamline assessment while ensuring that technology serves as a tool to augment, rather than replace, the critical role of teachers.
–Kristen Huff, Head of Measurement, Curriculum Associates
AI is already being used by many educators, not just to gain efficiencies, but to make a real difference in how their students are learning. I suspect in 2025 we’ll see even more educators experimenting and leveraging AI tools as they evolve–especially as more of the Gen Z population enters the teaching workforce. In 2024, surveyed K-12 educators reported already using AI to create personalized learning experiences, provide real-time performance feedback, and foster critical thinking skills. Not only will AI usage continue to trend up throughout 2025, I do believe it will reach new heights as more teachers begin to explore GenAI as a hyper-personalized asset to support their work in the classroom. This includes the use of AI as an official teacher’s assistant (TA), helping to score free response homework and tests and providing real-time, individualized feedback to students on their education journey.
–John Jorgenson, CMO, Cambium Learning Group
The new year will continue to see the topic of AI dominate the conversation as institutions emphasize the need for students to understand AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, and real-world applications outside of the classroom. However, a widening skills gap between students and educators in AI and digital literacy presents a challenge. Many educators have not prioritized keeping up with rapid technological advancements, while students–often exposed to digital tools early on–adapt quickly. This gap can lead to uneven integration of AI in classrooms, where students sometimes outpace their instructors in understanding. To bridge this divide, comprehensive professional development for teachers is essential, focusing on both technical skills and effective teaching strategies for AI-related topics. Underscoring the evolving tech in classrooms will be the need for evidence of outcomes, not just with AI but all tools. In the post-ESSER era, evidence-based decision-making is crucial for K-12 schools striving to sustain effective programs without federal emergency funds. With the need to further justify expenditures, schools must rely on data to evaluate the impact of educational initiatives on student outcomes, from academic achievement to mental health support. Evidence helps educators and administrators identify which programs truly benefit students, enabling them to allocate resources wisely and prioritize what works. By focusing on measurable results, schools can enhance accountability, build stakeholder trust, and ensure that investments directly contribute to meaningful, lasting improvements in learning and well-being.
—Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer, Instructure
With AI literacy in the spotlight, lifelong learning will become the new normal. Immediate skills need: The role of “individual contributors” will evolve, and we will all be managers of AI agents, making AI skills a must-have. Skills of the future: Quantum skills will start to be in demand in the job market as quantum development continues to push forward over the next year. Always in-demand skills: The overall increase in cyberattacks and emerging risks, such as harvest now and decrypt later (HNDL) attacks, will further underscore the continued importance of cybersecurity skills. Upskilling won’t end with AI. Each new wave of technology will demand new skills, so lifelong learners will thrive. AI will not be siloed to use among technology professionals. The democratization of AI technology and the proliferation of AI agents have already made AI skills today’s priority. Looking ahead, quantum skills will begin to grow in demand with the steady advance of the technology. Meanwhile cybersecurity skills are an evergreen need.
—Lydia Logan, VP of Global Education & Workforce Development, IBM
This coming year, we’ll see real progress in using technology, particularly GenAI, to free up teachers’ time. This will enable them to focus on what they do best: working directly with students and fostering the deep connections crucial for student growth and achievement. GenAI-powered assistants will streamline lesson planning after digesting information from a sea of assessments to provide personalized recommendations for instruction to an entire class, small groups, and individual students. The bottom line is technology that never aims to replace a teacher’s expertise–nothing ever should–but gives them back time to deepen relationships with students.
—Jack Lynch, CEO, HMH
Looking to 2025, I anticipate several key trends that will further enhance the fusion of educators, AI and multimodal learning. AI-powered personalization enhanced by multimedia: AI will deliver personalized learning paths enriched with various content formats. By adapting to individual learning styles–whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic–we can make education more engaging and effective. Expansion of multimodal learning experiences: Students will increasingly expect learning materials that engage multiple senses. Integrating short-form videos created and vetted by actual educators, interactive simulations, and audio content will cater to different learning preferences, making education more inclusive and effective. Deepening collaboration with educators: Teachers will play an even more critical role in developing and curating multimodal content. Their expertise ensures that the integration of technology enhances rather than detracts from the learning experience.
–Nhon Ma, CEO & Co-founder, Numerade
AI and automation become a competitive advantage for education platforms and systems. 2025 will be the year for AI to be more infused in education initiatives and platforms. AI-powered solutions have reached a tipping point from being a nice-to-have to a must-have in order to deliver compelling and competitive education experiences. When we look at the education sector, the use cases are clear. From creating content like quizzes, to matching students with education courses that meet their needs, to grading huge volumes of work, enhancing coaching and guidance for students, and even collecting, analyzing and acting on feedback from learners, there is so much value to reap from AI. Looking ahead, there could be additional applications in education for multimodal AI models, which are capable of processing and analyzing complex documents including images, tables, charts, and audio.
—Rachael Mohammed, Corporate Social Responsibility Digital Offerings Leader, IBM
Agentic and Shadow AI are here. Now, building guardrails for safe and powerful use will be key for education providers and will require new skillsets. In education, we expect the start of a shift from traditional AI tools to agents. In addition, the mainstream use of AI technology with ChatGPT and OpenAI has increased the potential risk of Shadow AI (the use of non-approved public AI applications, potentially causing concerns about compromising sensitive information). These two phenomena highlight the importance of accountability, data and IT policies, as well as control of autonomous systems. This is key mostly for education providers, where we think there will be greater attention paid to the AI guardrails and process. To be prepared, educators, students, and decision makers at all levels need to be upskilled in AI, with a focus on AI ethics and data management. If we invest in training the workforce now, they will be ready to responsibly develop and use AI and AI agents in a way that is trustworthy.
—Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President & Chief Impact Officer, IBM
Rather than replacing human expertise, AI can be used as a resource to allow someone to focus more of their time on what’s truly important and impactful. As an educator, AI has become an indispensable tool for creating lesson plans. It helps generate examples, activity ideas, and anticipate future students’ questions, freeing me to focus on the broader framework and the deeper meaning of what I’m teaching.
–Sinan Ozdemir, Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Shiba Technologies; Author, Quick Start Guide to Large Language Models
Data analytics and AI will be essential towards tackling the chronic absenteeism crisis. In 2025, the conversation around belonging will shift from abstract concepts to concrete actions in schools. Teachers who build strong relationships with both students and families will see better attendance and engagement, leading more schools to prioritize meaningful connection-building over quick-fix solutions. We’ll see more districts move toward personalized, two-way school communications that create trust with parents and the larger school community. In order to keep up with the growing need for this type of individualized outreach, schools will use data analytics and AI to identify attendance and academic patterns that indicate students are at risk of becoming chronically absent. It won’t be dramatic, but we’ll see steady progress throughout the year as schools recognize that student success depends on creating environments where both students and families feel valued and heard.
—Dr. Kara Stern, Director of Education and Engagement, SchoolStatus
As access to AI resources gains ground in classrooms, educators will face a dire responsibility to not only master these tools but to establish guidelines and provide best practices to ensure effective and responsible use. The increasing demand for AI requires educators to stay informed about emerging applications and prioritize ethical practices, ensuring AI enhances rather than impedes educational outcomes.. This is particularly critical in STEM fields, where AI has already transformed industries and is shaping career paths, providing new learning opportunities for students. To prevent the exacerbation of the existing STEM gap, educators must prioritize equitable access to AI resources and tools, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to engage with and fully understand these technologies. This focus on equity is essential in leveling the playing field, helping bridge disparities that could otherwise limit students’ future success. Achieving these goals will require educators to engage in professional development programs designed to equip them with necessary skills and content knowledge to implement new technology in their classrooms. Learning how to foster inclusive environments is vital to cultivating a positive school climate where students feel motivated to succeed. Meanwhile, professionally-trained educators can support the integration of new technologies to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in this new educational landscape.
—Michelle Stie, Vice President, Program Design & Innovation, NMSI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to increase in use in K-12 classrooms, with literacy instruction emerging as a key area for transformative impact. While educators may associate AI with concerns like cheating, its potential to enhance human-centered teaching is gaining recognition. By streamlining administrative tasks, AI empowers teachers to focus on connecting with students and delivering personalized instruction. One trend to watch is AI’s role in automating reading assessments. These tools reduce the time educators spend administering and analyzing tests, offering real-time insights that guide individualized instruction. AI is also excelling at pinpointing skill gaps, allowing teachers to intervene early, particularly in foundational reading areas. Another emerging trend is AI-driven reading practice. Tools can adapt to each student’s needs, delivering engaging, personalized reading tutoring with immediate corrective feedback. This ensures consistent, intentional practice–a critical factor in literacy growth. Rather than replacing teachers, AI frees up educator time for what matters most: fostering relationships with students and delivering high-quality instruction. As schools look to optimize resources in the coming year, AI’s ability to augment literacy instruction can be an important tool that maximizes students’ growth, while minimizing teachers’ work.
—Janine Walker-Caffrey, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, EPS Learning
We expect a renewed focus on human writing with a broader purpose–clear communication that demonstrates knowledge and understanding, enhanced, not replaced by available technology. With AI making basic elements of writing more accessible to all, this renaissance of writing will emphasize the ability to combine topical knowledge, critical thinking, mastery of language and AI applications to develop written work. Instead of being warned against using generative AI, students will be asked to move from demand–asking AI writing tools to produce work on their behalf, to command–owning the content creation process from start to finish and leveraging technology where it can be used to edit, enhance or expand original thinking. This shift will resurface the idea of co-authorship, including transparency around how written work comes together and disclosure of when and how AI tools were used to support the process.
—Eric Wang, VP of AI, Turnitin
GenAI and AI writing detection tools will evolve, adding advanced capabilities to match each other’s detectability flex. End users are reaching higher levels of familiarity and maturity with AI functionality, resulting in a shift in how they are leveraged. Savvy users will take a bookend approach, focusing on early stage ideation, organization and expansion of original ideas as well as late stage refinement of ideas and writing. Coupling the use of GenAI with agentic AI applications will help to overcome current limitations, introducing multi-source analysis and adaptation capabilities to the writing process. Use of detection tools will improve as well, with a focus on preserving the teaching and learning process. In early stages, detection tools and indicator reports will create opportunities to focus teaching on addressing knowledge gaps and areas lacking original thought or foundation. Later stage detection will offer opportunities to strengthen the dialogue between educators and students, providing transparency that will reduce student risk and increase engagement.
—Eric Wang, VP of AI, Turnitin
Advanced AI tools will provide more equitable access for all students, inclusive of reaching students in their home language, deaf and hard of hearing support through AI-enabled ASL videos, blind and visually impaired with real time audio descriptions, tactiles, and assistive technology.
–Trent Workman, SVP for U.S. School Assessments, Pearson
Generative AI everywhere: Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is getting smarter and more influential every day, with the market expected to grow a whopping 46 percent every year from now until 2030. By 2025, we’ll likely see AI churning out even more impressive text, images, and videos–completely transforming industries like marketing, design, and content creation. Under a Trump administration that might take a more “hands-off” approach, we could see faster growth with fewer restrictions holding things back. That could mean more innovative tools hitting the market sooner, but it will also require companies to be careful about privacy and job impacts on their own. The threat of AI-powered cyberattacks: Experts think 2025 might be the year cybercriminals go full throttle with AI. Think about it: with the advancement of the technology, cyberattacks powered by AI models could start using deepfakes, enhanced social engineering, and ultra-sophisticated malware. If the Trump administration focuses on cybersecurity mainly for critical infrastructure, private companies could face gaps in support, leaving sectors like healthcare and finance on their own to keep up with new threats. Without stronger regulations, businesses will have to get creative–and fast–when it comes to fighting off these attacks.
–Alon Yamin, Co-Founder & CEO, Copyleaks
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
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