How Education Technology Tools Enable Next Generation Learning for Students

Next generation learning is about deep, meaningful learning experiences, students owning their learning, whole-person development, and student success, not about technology. It is entirely possible for next generation learning to thrive without a single electronic device, software platform, or internet service. At the same time, when aligned with strong instructional design, education technology tools can accelerate the transformation of learning for students and educators alike.

What Are Education Technology Tools?

Education technology tools are digital devices, platforms, systems, and applications that support teaching, learning, and school operations. Often referred to as edtech tools or learning technology tools, they include interactive learning resources, AI-powered applications, learning management systems (LMS), cloud-based collaboration platforms, assistive devices, and equipment like 3-D printers and robotics.

When designed around student needs, education technology tools:

• Support personalized learning and adaptive instruction.

• Increase student engagement through interactive lessons.

• Provide access to technology-enabled learning inside and outside the classroom.

• Help educators streamline the routine tasks of planning, assessment, and communication to create space for the more collaborative and human-centered aspects of teaching.

Rather than replacing teaching, these tools enhance how learning happens.

Technology Should Support Learning, Not Drive It

Technology alone does not create better learning. What matters most is how educators design experiences using research, learning science, and deep pedagogical insight. When education technology tools are used to personalize instruction, support collaboration, and provide real-time insight into student progress, they can help accelerate mastery of critical content and skills for all learners.

The goal is not more technology. It is better learning.

The Challenge of EdTech Tools in Next Generation Learning

The challenge of education technology tools lies in identifying the technological needs that educators and students in next generation learning have and developing edtech tools that are affordable, reliable, and built to meet those needs.

Effective tools must support technology and personalized learning without becoming barriers to access or engagement. They must function across learning environments, adapt to diverse student needs, and integrate with the systems schools already use.

Technology-enabled learning works best when tools:

• Coordinate and track learning inside and outside the classroom.

• Integrate data from multiple sources.

• Record learner profiles and progression through competencies.

• Remain flexible, accessible, and scalable across school districts.

How Educators Use Education Technology Tools

Next gen educators find value in education technology tools that strengthen both instruction and professional practice.

Educators rely on tools that:

• Organize instruction through learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas.

• Support collaborative learning using platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Workspace.

• Enable the creation of lesson plans, rubrics, quizzes, flashcards, and interactive lessons.

• Provide real-time feedback and formative assessment to track student progress.

• Streamline administrative and instructional workflows through cloud-based, all-in-one systems.

By reducing manual work and improving access to high-quality teaching resources, education technology tools allow educators to focus on designing meaningful learning experiences.

How Technology Tools Support Students

Students in next generation learning environments value technology tools that empower them to take ownership of their learning.

Students benefit from tools that:

• Provide real-time visibility into progress toward personal learning goals.

• Enable personalized learning paths based on individual student needs.

• Support collaborative learning and communication with peers, teachers, and mentors.

• Offer access to people, materials, and activities that allow learners to pursue passions and self-direct learning.

• Improve accessibility for learners with disabilities through adaptive and on-demand features.

When students can track their own growth, communicate easily, and access resources beyond the classroom, learning becomes more relevant, flexible, and motivating.

Examples of Education Technology Tools

Education technology tools span a wide range of functions and use cases. Common examples include:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms such as Canvas and other LMS tools that centralize courses, assignments, feedback, and communication.

• Collaboration and Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Docs, and Google Workspace that support collaborative learning, webinars, and real-time discussion.

• Assessment and Engagement Tools: Tools such as Kahoot, interactive quizzes, flashcards, and formative assessment apps that increase participation and measure understanding.

• AI-Powered Tools: AI tools such as ChatGPT and other chatbot-based or AI-powered applications that support brainstorming, content creation, personalized learning, and instructional planning.

• Content Creation and Curation Tools: Digital whiteboards, Padlet, PowerPoint, podcasts, templates, and multimedia platforms that allow educators to curate and create high-quality interactive learning materials.

Together, these education technology tools make learning more engaging, efficient, and adaptable across diverse learning environments.

Why Education Technology Tools Matter for Next Gen Learning

When learning is geared toward a broad and rigorous set of outcomes and designed by educators using learning science, research, and deep pedagogical insight, education technology tools can become the catalyst needed to transform K-12 education for all students.

Some of NGLC’s earliest investments included funding for learning technologies through its Building Blocks for College Readiness grant program. Today, educators in NGLC-supported schools continue this work by developing comprehensive platforms to support their school designs and using education technology tools to help more schools adopt next generation learning.

From improving student engagement to streamlining instruction, the right edtech tools for personalized learning help schools move beyond traditional models toward more inclusive, flexible, and high-impact learning experiences. Used with intention, education technology tools make next generation learning possible for every student, inside and outside the classroom.