At the ISTELive '24 conference, LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of the Learning Counsel, conducted an insightful interview with Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer of Instructure, the makers of Canvas. The discussion centered around Instructure’s ongoing research studies on educational tools and their impact on K-12 education.

LeiLani Cauthen opened the conversation by asking about the studies Instructure had conducted and their objectives. Melissa Loble responded by explaining the primary goal of their research: “Our research studies focus on the top tools being used by K-12 school districts around the country to really understand what's being used, how it's being used, and how we can help ensure it's being used in the best way possible.”

Loble highlighted the importance of these studies, emphasizing that they provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of educational technology. This understanding is crucial for developing strategies that enhance the effective use of these tools in classrooms.

Loble shared that 2024 marked the seventh year of conducting this report. Over the years, they have observed a consistent increase in the number of tools being used by districts, teachers, and students. “Every year we've seen an increase in the number of tools being used by a district, by a teacher, and by a student. For example, over 2,700 tools are being used by districts on average in a year,” she noted.

This significant rise in tool usage reflects the ongoing efforts of educators to engage students more effectively. Schools are exploring various technologies to meet students where they are, tailoring their approaches to different learning styles and needs. The increase in tool usage also indicates a proactive approach to integrating new technologies into the educational process.

One of the key findings from this year’s research is the impact of generative AI on educational practices. Loble pointed out, “They're using a lot more tools because they do want to engage students. They're also using more tools we found in our research this year because of generative AI and it's surfacing new ways to think about how do you interact with students, how do you teach more effectively.”

Generative AI is opening up new possibilities for personalized learning and interactive teaching methods. Educators are experimenting with AI-driven tools to find innovative ways to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. This experimentation is crucial for discovering the best practices for integrating AI into the classroom.

The ongoing research by Instructure underscores the dynamic nature of educational technology. The insights gained from these studies are instrumental in guiding schools on how to best utilize the myriad of tools available to them. By understanding how these tools are used and their effectiveness, Instructure aims to support educators in creating more engaging and effective learning environments.

The interview with Melissa Loble at ISTELive 24 shed light on the comprehensive research efforts by Instructure to understand and improve the use of educational technology in K-12 schools. The findings highlight the growing number of tools being used, the impact of generative AI, and the continuous experimentation by educators to enhance student engagement. As the landscape of educational technology continues to evolve, such research is invaluable for ensuring that these tools are used to their fullest potential, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students. 2024 EdTech Top 40 Report

Tune in to the full interview below.