Navigating the edtech landscape: top learning technologies of 2025  

At Kaltura, education has a special place in our hearts, and so does the development of learning technology. Over recent years the options and technologies for remote learning, for instance, have grown and improved both due to improved capacity and necessity. However, if you’re completely new to the field of learning technology or are just somewhat unfamiliar wondering what it does and doesn’t encompass, in this article, we’ll explore the infusion of tech into classrooms, and identify key tools and how to use them.

Understanding learning technology

Learning technology is a term used to describe a wide range of communication, information, and technology tools used for enhancing teaching, learning, and educational assessment. Frequently it is applied to computer-based and/or online learning as well as multimedia materials that supplement course activities. It essentially includes the range of digital tools and media for learning and teaching.

The role of learning technology in contemporary education

• • Learning technology plays dual roles in contemporary education: first, it makes education more accessible. Students can access learning materials from anywhere an internet connection is available, eliminating physical barriers that might come between them and their courses.

• • Learning technology’s second role is to make education more engaging and interactive. Rather than acting as a passive “vessel” where knowledge is “poured into” the student while absorbing textbook or lecture content, interactive lessons with features such as interactive whiteboards, virtual reality simulations, and educational games give the student a more hands-on role. This active engagement enhances the learning experience.

• • In general, the role of learning technology for teachers and educators should be to improve effectiveness and further their teaching goals. For students, successful learning technology can increase their self-responsibility, empower them to learn collaboratively and individually, and help them gain an understanding of how lessons apply beyond the classroom.

Types of learning technologies

As we mentioned above, there are many apps, tools, and techniques that might be under the umbrella of “learning technology.” However, we can identify four very broad categories of technology and usage that are useful in education.

• • Tutorials: Tutorials are designed to teach new concepts within a structured format. In a broader sense, this is the category for an “online class” although it’s not limited solely to a formalized class–it encompasses instruction such as actual video tutorials (a shorter, informal lesson), study guides, summaries, etc. The content doesn’t necessarily have to be video based but would typically be in a digital or online format.

• • Simulations: Simulations are designed to model a scenario, task, or experiment. When discussing learning technology, this may typically involve a gamified or virtual reality aspect on a computer. However well-funded/equipped training facilities may have actual in-person simulations (such as in healthcare or emergency response) and additionally “lab work” done in a learning context can also simulate a problem or scenario.

• • Productivity tools: Productivity tools are digital tools designed to simplify tasks, streamline workflow, and otherwise organize and access information quickly. It covers software such as spreadsheets, word processors, design tools, and office suites. These tools might not have been designed specifically as learning technology and see heavy use in the workplace. However, their demonstrated usefulness has made them a part of education and everyday life as well.

• • Communications tools: Communications tools can be similar to productivity tools in that they were not necessarily created for use as learning technology, such as email or video conferencing. However, they might also represent custom-built educational tools that are part of an online learning platform: video or text chats, whiteboards, and other systems in place that allow students and instructors to communicate, exchange ideas, and collaborate.

Learning technologies you should know in 2024

For a more specific look, here are some of the key learning technologies to be aware of in the present day, how they’re used, and some thoughts on how they might evolve in the near future.

Assessment tools

Various software can be applied to assessing and/or grading students and their work and generally assessing learning. Some tools can include in-depth digital testing and scoring systems or data gathering and analysis but also simpler systems or apps including quizzing, polling, or feedback surveys.

Hybrid & online learning

A very broad category of learning technology, hybrid, and online learning environments provide a virtual space for classes that may replace or merely supplement in-person courses. Additionally, some technologies facilitate learning activities that might not be possible in person, such as an online lab simulation. Online learning can also provide more flexibility and accessibility for instructors and students, and new opportunities for innovation in course creation and teaching. Increasingly, hybrid and online learning depends on online learning platforms to provide additional communication and collaboration features as opposed to simply shifting courses to deliver content through a video conferencing platform or something similar.

One important note is that classroom lectures and other in-person methods do not automatically translate easily to an online format, so in applications of this learning technology it can be important to reimagine courses and lessons, particularly in the areas of active engagement and interactivity.

Collaboration tools

Collaboration tools improve the learning experience by allowing students and instructors to exchange information and resources through different means. This can include “productivity tools” such as document and resource sharing as well as “communication tools” such as web conferencing. Most collaboration tools are online (or, in the case of productivity software, easily enabled for online use) so there should be some thought given to technical and learning concerns. Ideally, select easy-to-use collaboration tools, but be aware there can be a learning curve especially if a more complex tool is required.

Canvas/LMS

Learning management systems or LMS are technology tools that enable instructors to manage the digital distribution of class materials, course calendars, assignments, grading, and other aspects of teaching their courses. Canvas is one such LMS in particularly widespread use. The concept originated with e-learning, and LMS have expanded massively in use, partially owing to the need to switch to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A learning management system is not necessarily identical to an online learning platform, which can be designed to expand the capabilities of an LMS. However, most online learning platforms are designed to integrate with an LMS.

Video & multimedia

While video and multimedia have been with us for a while, and found varying uses in training and education, they are of increased use in remote and online learning. Growth in technology supporting LMS and learning platforms, as well as the ubiquity of video-enabled smart devices and high-speed internet connections, has supercharged video as a teaching, learning, and communicating method. Video and multimedia can be instrumental in communicating and engaging complex concepts and ideas.

Empowering educators with learning technologies

In addition to specific tools and technologies, learning technology generally falls into four main categories: administration, authoring, delivery, and social collaboration. When selecting a type of learning technology, it’s always essential to go in prepared: be sure you’ve identified your needs, researched a type of technology and market segment as best as possible, and can additionally identify a few products or solutions that can fit the bill.

Transforming learning experiences

Learning technology can transform and support education in numerous ways and will be a powerful tool in both the short and long term. “Anywhere, anytime” learning experiences have been enabled by both the globalized nature of the internet and widening access to smart mobile devices that can connect to the online world. Going forward, a learning environment does not necessarily need to look like a physical classroom, although those will assuredly still be with us. Instead, there will be far more options to tailor schedules, content, and course accessibility/availability to individuals and much better means to learn and interact than absorbing a pre-recorded lecture. However, to make the most of these new opportunities educators and instructional designers will also need to continue to re-envision what classes and learning can be.

Emerging horizons in learning technology

While much of this learning technology exists and may be in use today, these areas in particular are making waves that will undoubtedly be felt in coming years.

Mobile learning / content platforms

We pointed this out in the discussion about LMS and online learning platforms but it bears repeating. Digital content platforms for mobile and online learning are poised to continue increasing in popularity. These platforms will continue to provide access to high-quality educational content to anyone in the world with an internet connection, offering an array of resources for teachers and students alike into the future.

AI

As artificial intelligence technology grows, it will of course be integrated into education, especially e-learning. AI-enabled technologies such as language processing and machine learning will be increasingly used in classrooms to make learning more engaging and easier. AI integrated into educational tools will also provide more personalized experiences for students and help instructors tailor material to better meet individual needs.

AR and VR

These technologies are tailored to immersion, and virtual reality in particular is an ideal learning technology for simulation and experiential learning. As these technologies advance and are more attainable, they will no doubt make their presence felt in education. Students will be better able to practice tasks and engage in simulations for skill-building and other experiential learning suited to their individual needs.

Automation and adaptive learning

Automated assessment tools are already being used in student evaluation, and the potential for this field of learning technology to become even more commonplace in the future should not be overlooked. Likewise, adaptive learning is likely to become a major emerging trend in education, leveraging technology to allow courses to be tailored to the individual needs of students. This data-driven approach to facilitating learning and customized experiences is already being taken up by many educational institutions.

In summary

In summary, learning technology has seen accelerated improvement over the past decade and will have an increasing, and possibly dramatic, influence on classes, curriculums, and instructional methods. It will be important to keep an eye both on the state of technology, and the road ahead!