Education trends in 2026

The new year has begun. A great moment to look ahead at what education will look like in 2026. Technology is playing an increasingly important role, alongside lifelong learning and sustainability, while financial realities demand focus. That calls for smart choices: not more technology, but solutions that strengthen learning and make everyday work easier for teachers.

At i3CONNECT, we see seven developments shaping education in the years ahead.

1. AI as a practical learning partner

AI is evolving from a tool into everyday support for the learning process. Think of help with lesson preparation, feedback and identifying learning needs. Teachers remain in charge; technology supports where it adds value. Research shows that students perform better when AI is used to complement human teaching, not replace it ⁽¹⁾.

2. Learning becomes more tangible with VR and AR

Virtual and augmented reality make abstract topics easier to understand. Virtual experiments, simulations and field trips increase engagement and deepen understanding, especially in STEM education. A growing number of research confirms that these technologies can improve learning outcomes and motivation when used with a clear educational purpose ⁽²⁾.

3. Lifelong learning is no longer optional

A diploma is no longer the finish line. Rapid changes in technology and society require continuous development. Learning how to learn is becoming a core skill for both students and professionals. UNESCO and the OECD emphasise that ongoing education is essential to support equal opportunities and sustainable growth ^{(3, 4)}.

4. Hybrid and personalised learning

Combining in-person and online learning creates flexibility without sacrificing quality. Technology helps tailor learning paths to pace and level, while learning remains a shared experience. Platforms such as Duolingo, Udemy and Khan Academy show how adaptive technologies can positively impact learning outcomes ⁽⁵⁾.

5. Growing focus on wellbeing and safety

Wellbeing is becoming a fixed part of education policy. Schools are investing in safe, inclusive learning environments where mental health is taken seriously. According to the World Health Organization, digital tools can support early signals and guidance, always alongside human care and interaction ⁽⁶⁾.

6. Sustainability as part of learning and practice

Sustainability is being embedded structurally in curricula and school policies. Not only as a subject, but also in how schools manage buildings, technology and resources. UNESCO calls for sustainability to be woven through all subjects, helping learners think in terms of long-term impact ⁽⁴⁾.

7. Innovating within financial constraints

Education institutions face pressure to innovate with limited budgets. This requires smart investments, clear priorities and technology with proven long-term value. International organisations highlight the importance of scalable, sustainable solutions with a clear return on investment ⁽⁷⁾.

What does this mean for education in 2026?

Education in 2026 is about balance. Between digital possibilities and human attention. These trends show that technology only creates real value when it supports learning and empowers teachers in their daily work.

At i3CONNECT, we deliver sustainable solutions that help education institutions build learning environments that keep working, today and into the future.

Sources

1. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education (Springer). Research into AI-supported learning.

2. Springer Education Reviews. Reviews about VR and AR in education.

3. OECD (2025). Skills Outlook 2025.

4. UNESCO. Greening Education Partnership.

5. HolonIQ (2025). Global Education Outlook 2025

6. World Health Organization – Mental health in schools.

7. World Bank – Education & Innovation.