SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A recent report from Jotform titled EdTech Trends 2026: A Survey of What’s Working, What’s Not, and Where AI Is Heading, reveals that 65% of educators are now utilizing artificial intelligence to address resource gaps, despite facing challenges related to platform fatigue and system integration. The study, which surveyed 50 K–12 and higher education professionals, highlights a resilient workforce grappling with significant budget cuts and burnout.
The report indicates that respondents, comprised of teachers, instructors, and professors evenly divided between higher education and K–12, express deep concern over recent reductions in U.S. education funding. Approximately 56% of participants reported being “very concerned” about these cuts. Yet, 65% are actively employing AI tools, with nearly half (48%) integrating AI into both student learning and administrative tasks, such as summarizing lengthy documents and automating feedback processes.
“We conducted this survey to better understand the pain points educators have with technology,” said Lainie Johnson, Director of Enterprise Marketing at Jotform. “We were surprised that our respondents like their tech tools so much. Because while the tools themselves are great, their inability to work together causes a problem.”
Key findings from the report underscore a significant “integration gap.” While 77% of educators believe their current digital tools perform well, 73% cited a “lack of integration between systems” as their biggest hurdle. One educator remarked, “The No. 1 thing I would like for my digital tools to do is to talk to each other. I feel like often we have to jump from one platform to another just to get work done.”
The challenge of managing digital tools is further emphasized by the phenomenon of platform fatigue; educators are currently juggling an average of eight different digital tools, with half feeling overwhelmed by the “too many platforms” situation. Despite the availability of advanced technology, educators reportedly spend an average of seven hours per week on manual tasks, which detracts from their teaching responsibilities.
Interestingly, 58% of respondents indicated that they use AI primarily as a productivity tool for activities such as research, brainstorming, and writing. However, concerns surrounding data security and ethical implications loom large, as these issues remain the top priorities for educators when implementing AI solutions.
Jotform’s findings reflect a broader trend in the educational technology landscape, where the adoption of AI is seen as a potential remedy for persistent resource shortages. While many educators recognize the advantages of AI, the disconnect between various educational tools highlights an urgent need for improved integration and collaboration.
As educational institutions continue to navigate budgetary constraints and the challenges of modern pedagogy, the role of technology—and particularly AI—will likely become increasingly critical. The ongoing dialogue around the ethical use of AI and data security will also shape its future integration in classrooms, influencing how educators utilize these tools to enhance learning experiences.
For more information, the full EdTech Trends 2026 report is available on Jotform’s website. Established as a pioneer in no-code form building and automation, Jotform serves over 35 million users globally, equipping organizations, including top educational institutions, with tools to create effective workflows and leverage technology to improve efficiency and student outcomes.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
