This year is poised to witness a significant shift in how artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into everyday systems, according to the Education Technology Innovation Hub (ETIH). Rather than emerging as standalone products, AI is expected to become seamlessly embedded in existing planning platforms, reporting dashboards, and workflow software, initially going unnoticed by many users. This gradual integration is anticipated to culminate by 2026 when automation becomes the default setting, compelling educational institutions and employers to scrutinize the technology’s impact and ensure human oversight in critical areas.
As major technology companies deepen their involvement in education, ETIH predicts a transformative year ahead. Firms like Google, Microsoft, AWS, Meta, and OpenAI are set to transition from peripheral suppliers to central players shaping educational standards and practices. Their updates are expected to carry the weight of policy changes, influencing educational institutions to adapt more swiftly to product innovations than to their own strategic initiatives. The implications of this growing influence raise important questions about dependency, choice, and the long-term autonomy of educational systems.
In tandem with these technological shifts, governments are expected to tighten their approach to digital and AI readiness. What began as general guidance has evolved into specific requirements, with nations preparing to follow the United States in mandating AI literacy and responsible technology use in educational curricula. The UK is also enhancing its focus on embedding AI understanding into its educational framework. Policymakers are no longer debating the necessity of teaching AI but are instead engaged in discussions about when and how it should be integrated into learning, alongside the essential safeguards. This new direction may create tensions as institutions strive to keep pace with these ambitious government initiatives while addressing current gaps in training, infrastructure, and curriculum design.
The evolving landscape of workforce development is set to emerge as a key driver of growth in the education technology sector. Recent trends show that the most significant advances in EdTech are occurring outside traditional educational environments, as employers seek innovative ways to enhance their workforce’s capabilities. In 2026, organizations are anticipated to increasingly favor practical training options that provide employees with direct experience with AI and emerging technologies, moving away from reliance on universities or extended in-house training. Short-form learning, micro-credentials, and simulation-based training are becoming the preferred approaches, particularly in industries facing rapid skills shortages.
In the UK, companies such as Euan Blair’s Metaverse are actively shaping this new landscape by offering structured pathways that combine technical training, industry projects, and employer partnerships. ETIH views this approach—characterized by practical relevance and scalability—as pivotal in meeting the demand for effective upskilling amid swift digital transformations.
As AI continues to reshape educational paradigms, there is a growing emphasis on human-centered skills. The integration of AI into learning environments necessitates a rethinking of the skills that will be most valuable in the future job market. Stakeholders must grapple with how to balance the efficiency of AI with the essential human qualities that contribute to creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. The coming years will reveal how well educational institutions can adapt to these changes and prepare learners for a world increasingly influenced by AI technologies.
See also
Illinois Enacts Laws Protecting Immigrant Rights and Regulating AI Use in Education
AI Personalizes Learning and Reduces Teacher Workload in EdTech Revolution
UNESCO Hosts AI for Inclusion Summit to Advance Assistive Technologies in Education
Jinxin Technology Launches NAMI INSIGHT One: AI-Powered Learning Glasses for $404B EdTech Market
