What’s In, What’s Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff

Welcome to our playful yet informative journey into the ever-evolving world of education technology! As we stand on the brink of 2025, let’s explore the dynamic shifts and trends that are reshaping how educators and students interact with technology. From the role of cellphones in classrooms to the integration of artificial intelligence, and the ever-present concerns of cybersecurity, we’ll dive into what’s hot and what’s not in the ed-tech landscape. Buckle up as we navigate through the exciting changes that await us in the new year!

Print Education technology changes quickly, and so do the trends that define how educators and students use it. What was hot one year can easily be passé the next, and keeping abreast of those fast-changing dynamics can challenging.2024 was no different: There has been a major shift nationwide in how schools approach students’ use of cellphones in class, and artificial intelligence continues to shake up every aspect of education. With the U.S. Supreme Court set to rule on significant cases dealing with social media and broadband funding for schools, more big changes are on the horizon.What does 2025 have in store for education technology? Here is a look at our predictions, based on news developments over the past year.

In the heart of the 21st-century educational hub, a futuristic classroom buzzes with an symphony of digital engagement. Students, armed with laptops and restricted cellphones, are deeply immersed in a variety of ed-tech activities. Some are navigating interactive 3D models of historical events, while others are engrossed in adaptive learning platforms that seamlessly adjust to their skill levels. The air is filled with a palpable sense of excitement and curiosity, as students collaborate on shared documents and participate in real-time quizzes, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their screens.

Assisting the teachers are state-of-the-art AI assistants, ever-vigilant and ready to provide personalized support. These AI entities, equipped with advanced natural language processing capabilities, circulate the room virtually, appearing on students’ screens to offer hints, explanations, or even a encouraging word when needed. They work in tandem with the teachers, allowing educators to spend more time on individualized instruction and complex tasks, creating a harmonious blend of human touch and digital efficiency.

Prominently displayed at the front of the class is a sprawling screen, dedicated to cybersecurity awareness—a constant reminder of the importance of safe digital citizenship. The display cycles through tips on creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and the dangers of oversharing on social media. It’s a testament to the classroom’s commitment to preparing students not just academically, but also for the digital challenges they’ll face in the interconnected world beyond the classroom walls. Students occasionally glance up at the display, taking mental notes before returning to their tasks, their minds enriched with a balanced blend of knowledge and digital literacy.

Student Cellphone Use in School

In the early 21st century, educators enthusiastically embraced the integration of cellphones into classroom learning. The rationale was clear: as personal, portable devices with increasing computational power and internet connectivity, cellphones could provide immediate access to educational resources, enable interactive learning experiences, and even facilitate better communication between students, teachers, and parents. Proponents argued that leveraging these devices in classrooms could prepare students for the modern, technology-driven world, while also appealing to young people’s natural affinity for and interest in these devices.

However, as the presence of cellphones in classrooms became more ubiquitous, so did concerns about their potential drawbacks. Educators and researchers began to observe that cellphones could serve as a significant source of distraction. Students might be tempted to engage in off-task behaviors, such as texting, accessing social media, or playing games, rather than focusing on academic activities. A study published in the journal Educational Psychology found that students who used cellphones in class had lower grades and poorer satisfaction with their courses than those who did not. Moreover, the constant connectivity afforded by cellphones raised mental health concerns. Excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a constant online presence have all been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances among young people.

In response to these mounting issues, many educational institutions have shifted their policies, moving from encouragement to restriction or outright ban of cellphones in classrooms. For instance, in 2018, the Ontario government in Canada announced a ban on cellphones in classrooms for all public schools. Similarly, France implemented a nationwide ban on mobile phones in schools for students aged 3 to 15. These policies aim to:

• Minimize distractions and encourage focus on learning
• Promote social interaction and physical activity during breaks
• Mitigate mental health risks associated with excessive screen time

However, critics of these bans argue that they may be an overreaction, and that schools should instead focus on teaching responsible use of technology. They point out that outright bans may not be practical or enforceable, and that students will eventually need to learn how to manage their technology use in various settings.

AI Use in Education

In recent years, the educational landscape has witnessed a significant shift in the perception and utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Initially, educators expressed genuine concerns about the rise of AI-driven cheating. The accessibility of AI tools sparked fears that students could easily generate essays, solve complex problems, or even create original content without true understanding. This apprehension was not unfounded, as incidents of AI-assisted plagiarism and academic dishonesty began to surface. Educators were confronted with the challenge of ensuring academic integrity in an era where traditional methods of assessment might no longer be sufficient.

However, as AI technology continued to evolve, a transformative shift occurred. Educators started to recognize the potential of AI as a powerful tool to enhance learning rather than just a threat to academic honesty. This shift was driven by several factors, including the increasing sophistication of AI algorithms and the growing body of research highlighting the benefits of AI in education. Educators began to explore how AI could be integrated into various educational tasks, not to replace human intelligence, but to augment it. This change in perspective was crucial in paving the way for AI to be embraced as a personal assistant in educational settings.

The embrace of AI as a personal assistant has manifested in numerous ways, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences. Some of the key applications include:

• Personalized Learning:

  AI can analyze student data to provide personalized learning paths, tailoring educational content to individual needs and paces.

• Intelligent Tutoring Systems:

  These systems offer immediate and personalized instruction or feedback to learners, usually without intervention from a human teacher.

• Automated Grading:

  AI can assist in grading objective and even some subjective assignments, freeing up educators’ time to focus on more complex tasks.

• Content Creation:

  AI can generate practice problems, quizzes, and other educational materials, ensuring a steady stream of fresh content.

• Accessibility:

  AI-powered tools can provide support for students with disabilities, such as text-to-speech for visually impaired students or speech-to-text for those with hearing impairments.

This evolution from fear to embrace underscores the adaptability and resilience of the educational community in the face of technological advancements.

Spotlight on TikTok

The future of TikTok in the United States remains shrouded in a thick fog of uncertainty, a situation that has been brewing for some time now. The app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny due to concerns over data privacy and national security. The U.S. government has expressed fears that the app could be used to collect data on American users, potentially putting it at odds with U.S. interests. Several proposals have been floated, from a complete ban to a forced sale to a U.S. company, but no definitive resolution has been reached. This limbo state has left users, creators, and investors in a state of flux, unsure of what the landscape will look like in the coming months.

Despite these concerns, TikTok has emerged as a valuable resource for educators, offering a unique platform to engage with students and create interactive learning experiences. The app’s popularity among younger demographics has made it an effective tool for reaching students where they already spend much of their time. Educators have leveraged TikTok to create bite-sized educational content, from

• quick historical facts
• science experiments
• language lessons

and more. The hashtag #LearnOnTikTok has amassed billions of views, demonstrating the app’s potential to support education in innovative ways.

However, TikTok’s role in education is not without its challenges. The app’s algorithm can be a double-edged sword, surfacing relevant content to users but also promoting misinformation and distracting content. Educators must navigate this complex landscape, ensuring that students are engaged but also media literate. Moreover, the app’s uncertain future in the U.S. has educators wondering if it’s worth investing time and resources into a platform that may not be around for much longer. This uncertainty has led to a divide among educators, with some embracing the platform’s potential while others remain skeptical of its longevity and impact.

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