Digital Learning Trends to Watch in 2025

Buckle up, digital learning innovators because this year’s trends might just have us channeling our inner Indiana Jones. Discussions with DLAC’s Executive Committee have uncovered some interesting shifts to keep in mind as we dive into the new calendar year. Like Indy deciphering ancient maps and dodging rolling boulders, we’ll need to navigate challenges, adapt our strategies, and stay ahead of the curve. These trends aren’t just coming at us, they’re reshaping the landscape, and the key to success will be how we prepare for and respond to them. 

Synchronous Learning: Considering all of the “Zoom School” backlash from the pandemic, it may come as a surprise that it’s staging a comeback. In 2024, we saw an increase in demand for synchronous learning, driven primarily by school administrators. Unlike asynchronous models that allow for greater flexibility, synchronous formats require students and educators to engage in real-time interactions, mirroring a more traditional classroom setting. This shift is reshaping expectations for digital programs, as administrators prioritize structure and accountability perhaps in response to parents seeking more oversight and engagement. However, balancing this demand with the needs of students, many of whom value flexibility, raises important questions about how best to meet diverse learning preferences, and it’s becoming the ultimate educational tightrope walk. 

Growing SPED and ELL Enrollment: Members report that surging enrollments in Special Education (SPED) and English Language Learner (ELL) programs are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in online learning. While our community has long been aware that digital content being delivered in online and in-person learning environments needs to be accessible (check out the Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments for more information), these populations often require specialized resources, support systems, and accommodations, which can be difficult to scale rapidly. Meeting the increased demand has highlighted both the potential of digital environments to serve these students effectively and the challenges of maintaining quality and accessibility. Addressing this growth will require targeted investments in training, technology, and program design to ensure that SPED and ELL students receive the support they need to succeed. 

Expanding K-8 and Middle School Models: This one surprised me, after years of following schools limit and end their elementary online programs. The expansion of K-8 and middle school models reflects a growing recognition that younger students and their families are seeking flexible, full-time online learning options. What’s driving this? One factor is Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs), which we see continuing to expand into more states.  K-8 and Middle school programs come with unique challenges, such as ensuring age-appropriate engagement strategies, creating robust support systems for younger learners, and addressing concerns about socialization. We noted, once again, that the growth in this space also underscores the need for research and best practices tailored specifically to these age groups.

Challenges with AI: The integration of AI into digital learning programs continues to present both opportunities and hurdles. Schools are exploring how to use AI effectively to enhance learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks, and provide personalized support. However, there’s ongoing uncertainty about best practices, ethical concerns, and how to balance AI’s role with the human element in education.

Bridging the gap: At the same time, districts are grappling with the divide between their online programs and traditional school models. These distinctions often create logistical and operational challenges, such as ensuring equitable resources, aligning policies, and maintaining consistent quality across both environments. For some, the separation highlights a lack of cohesion within districts, while others see it as an opportunity to innovate tailored solutions for digital and in-person learners.

The Future is Adaptive: Looking ahead, the holy grail is clear: truly adaptive learning systems that dynamically adjust to individual student needs. The DLAC community is looking to see platforms so intelligent they can predict, support, and optimize learning in real-time while tackling academic integrity.  After all, Indiana Jones found the holy grail… it’s 2025 and ours can’t be that far out of reach.

Let us know. Does this track with what you are seeing in your programs?

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