New LearnPlatform by Instructure Report Finds Increases in More Unique Digital Tools Accessed by K-12 Institutions, Students, and Teachers

Rhea-AI Summary

LearnPlatform by Instructure has released its seventh EdTech Top 40 report, detailing the use of digital tools in K-12 education during the 2023-24 school year.

The report shows an 8% increase in the number of unique edtech tools accessed compared to the previous year, with 3.9 million student and teacher interactions recorded.

On average, K-12 institutions accessed 2,739 distinct tools annually and 1,436 tools monthly. The report highlights the importance of selecting interoperable, effective, and safe tools.

New entrants to the Top 40 include PBS, Panorama Education, Scratch, Adobe, and Grammarly, reflecting the rise of AI technology in schools.

32% of the tools in the 2024 EdTech Top 40 have ESSA-aligned research supporting their effectiveness. The data was gathered from over 57 billion engagements across more than 9,000 products.

All data complies with federal and state privacy laws, ensuring student data protection.

Positive

• 8% increase in unique edtech tools accessed compared to the previous year.
• 3.9 million student and teacher interactions recorded.
• 32% of tools have ESSA-aligned research supporting their effectiveness.
• Annual access to 2,739 distinct tools and 1,436 monthly tools.
• New Top 40 entrants include AI-related tools like Adobe and Grammarly.

Negative

• None.

The seventh EdTech Top 40 report highlights the reliance on edtech in our schools and the importance of maintaining an interoperable technological ecosystem

SALT LAKE CITY, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LearnPlatform by Instructure today published its seventh EdTech Top 40 – the latest report on the usage of digital solutions, tools and resources in K-12 districts, schools and classrooms within the United States during the 2023-24 school year. In addition to highlighting the top 40 education technology products, which represent more than 3.9 million student and teacher interactions, the report provides insights on trends, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)-aligned evidence and categorical rankings relevant to K-12 decision-makers as well as edtech product leaders.

According to the report, K-12 institutions are accessing eight percent more tools aggregated annually from the prior academic year–continuing a similar trend seen in recent years' reports. This year also saw an increase in unique edtech tools accessed individually by both students and teachers.

"The evidence is clear: tech-enabled learning is here to stay," said Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure. "As districts continue to explore different tools to enhance learning, the obstacles they now face aren't just about picking the best tool, but picking safe, effective and interoperable tools that work together to build a highly effective learning ecosystem. Districts need trusted guidance and transparent information to empower them to make efficient and effective decisions that will improve teaching and learning."

School districts accessed an average of 2,739 distinct edtech tools annually, with an average of 1,436 tools accessed each month during the school year. This indicates that districts are continuing to explore different technological tools over the course of the school year in order to improve or assist the learning experience.

"The increase in tools used isn't a surprise," said Shiren Vijiasingam, Chief Product Officer at Instructure. "On the one hand, we know districts are actively looking for opportunities to consolidate their edtech, but with the explosion of new AI-enabled tools, there has been a lot of experimentation. We expect scrutiny on how these tools are helping the teaching and learning process."

As with previous years, the top 40 tools continue to remain consistent with only a handful of new products joining the list. The five new entrants to the EdTech Top 40 this academic year include PBS, Panorama Education, Scratch, Adobe, and Grammarly; the latter three indicating the quickly increasing prevalence of AI in schools and drawing attention to the need for best practices to guide its use.

Educators are using technology to boost student engagement, personalize learning and save time, but how do they know what's making a difference? The report found that 32% of the tools on the 2024 Edtech Top 40 have published research that meets one of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) four tiers of evidence. The ESSA framework offers an accessible model for educators to identify research-backed edtech, ranging from innovative new solutions to established tools with empirical validation. School districts are increasingly seeking ESSA-aligned research as part of their vetting processes to make evidence-based decisions.

Consistent with previous years, this report analyzed products performing specific functions to provide a deeper look at the top education technology tools within key categories. This year's categories include Learning Management Systems (LMS), Supplemental Platforms, Courseware Platforms, Study Tools, Classroom Response & Assessment Tools, and Sites and Resources. Recognizing the rise of LMS solutions as the hub of teaching and learning, the report also offered a snapshot of the fifteen solutions most commonly accessed within Canvas, the second-most used LMS, and found just under 50% overlap with the Top 40 list.

Data for both the rankings and usage metrics was gathered via LearnPlatform's Inventory Dashboard from September 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. This Inventory Dashboard seamlessly integrates with browsers and mobile device management systems, providing transparent insight into the edtech tools utilized by students and educators in any U.S. educational institution. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of over 57 billion engagements spanning more than 9,000 education technology products throughout the year.

Analysis, tools and reports are compliant with all federal and state student data privacy laws, including FERPA, COPPA, CIPA and PPRA. The Edtech Top 40 is based solely on quantitative analysis of engagement, and does not reflect user sentiment, effectiveness, or utility. (For additional detailed insights, evidence, and more information on any education technology, educators and leaders should access LearnPlatform by Instructure)

"Year after year, the EdTech Top 40 has provided comprehensive data of K-12 education technology engagement across our nation's districts," Loble concludes. "Data-driven decision-making is more important than ever when assessing the role of technology in our schools. This is why the EdTech Top 40 remains more relevant than ever."

The report and an accompanying infographic are available at: www.instructure.com/edtech-top40.

ABOUT INSTRUCTURE
Instructure (NYSE: INST) powers the delivery of education globally and provides learners with the rich credentials they need to create opportunities across their lifetimes. Today, the Instructure ecosystem of products enables educators and institutions to elevate student success, amplify the power of teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together. With our global network of learners, educators, partners and customers, we continue to deliver on our vision to be the platform that powers learning for a lifetime and turns that learning into opportunities. We encourage you to discover more at www.instructure.com.

CONTACT:
Brian Watkins
Corporate Communications
Instructure
(801) 658-7525
brian.watkins@instructure.com 

 

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FAQ

What did the LearnPlatform EdTech Top 40 report reveal about K-12 digital tool usage in 2023-24?

The report revealed an 8% increase in unique edtech tools accessed, with 3.9 million interactions recorded and an average of 2,739 distinct tools accessed annually.

Which new tools were added to the EdTech Top 40 in the 2023-24 report?

New entrants include PBS, Panorama Education, Scratch, Adobe, and Grammarly, indicating a rise in AI technology use in schools.

How many unique edtech tools did K-12 institutions access monthly according to the 2023-24 report?

K-12 institutions accessed an average of 1,436 unique edtech tools monthly during the 2023-24 school year.

What percentage of the EdTech Top 40 tools have ESSA-aligned research in 2024?

32% of the tools in the 2024 EdTech Top 40 have ESSA-aligned research supporting their effectiveness.

What data privacy laws does the LearnPlatform EdTech Top 40 report comply with?

The report complies with federal and state student data privacy laws, including FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, and PPRA.