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NAACE EdTech News Roundup July/August 2025
Dear NAACE Members,
Welcome to your July/August EdTech newsletter, your monthly roundup of the most important developments shaping education technology in the UK and beyond.
This summer, AI cemented its place as an everyday classroom ally. OpenAI joined forces with Canvas to embed generative AI into lesson planning, grading, and parent communications, while new studies showed AI-powered microlearning boosting engagement in universities. In schools, leaders are becoming more selective—consolidating their tech stacks and demanding measurable impact from every tool.
Innovation was on full display worldwide. The BBC launched a global Learning Hub with thousands of free resources, while nonprofits piloted adaptive learning tablets in Malawi, accelerating literacy for thousands of children. Startups continued to drive disruption too: Year13 expanded into the U.S. career-wellbeing market, USC’s EdTech Accelerator welcomed a new wave of founders, and UK student projects like LearningRO showed how young people are reshaping revision with AI.
Meanwhile, higher education and policy circles focused on governance. The Digital Education Council grew to 120+ universities across 31 countries, pushing forward responsible AI adoption frameworks. At the same time, researchers published best practices for generative AI in universities—underlining the need to balance opportunity with ethics.
From immersive AR/VR laptops for primary pupils to streamlined AI tools for special education paperwork, July and August proved that EdTech is no longer about experimentation. It’s about scale, responsibility, and transforming learning for the long term.
Happy reading!
The NAACE Team
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1. OpenAI Partners with Canvas to Redefine Classroom AI
OpenAI has teamed up with Instructure’s Canvas platform to embed generative AI into teaching workflows—helping with lesson planning, adaptive assignments (called LLM-Enabled Assignments), grading insights, scheduling, and parent communications, all while keeping teachers firmly in control. Business Insider
2. Adaptive Learning Tablets Accelerate Literacy in Malawi
Nonprofit onebillion is piloting adaptive learning tablets in Malawi’s Mzimba district. These teach literacy and numeracy in Chichewa and English, improving literacy by 4.2 months over 13 months and yielding remarkable social returns. Plans aim to reach 3.5 million children by 2030. Financial Times
3. Year13 Acquires Student Edge, Eyes U.S. Expansion
Australia’s Year13 acquires Student Edge—extending its reach to over 80% of Aussie students aged 14–24. The acquisition strengthens its career wellbeing platform and accelerates entry into the $300 billion U.S. market. The Australian
4. AI Evolves from Cheating to Classroom Ally
AI tools like ChatGPT are being embraced by educators to save up to six hours per week on planning and admin, despite early misuse concerns. Tools such as Khan Academy’s Khanmigo and Google’s Gemini integrate AI for productivity, though access disparities persist. Vox
5. USC EdTech Accelerator Supports Startups Driving Access
The USC Rossier EdTech Accelerator welcomed ~15 startups in July, fostering innovation aimed at expanding educational access and learning outcomes. rossier.usc.edu
6. School Districts Choose EdTech More Selectively
Leaders in K–12 are shifting strategy—prioritising impactful tools aligned with institutional goals amidst budgetary pressures, rather than broad app usage. eschoolnews.com
7. BBC Launches Global Learning Hub & Other August EdTech Innovations
The August EdTech Show & Tell showcases several new tools:
BBC Learning Hub – free global platform with 1,000+ videos and lesson plans, starting in the U.S.
Streamline – AI-powered special education tool that shrinks IEP paperwork from 3 hours to 10 minutes.
Plus Acer Chromebox Mini, Imagine+ Assessment, SchoolAI 2.0 with AI assistant “Dot,” and more. Tech & Learning
8. Responsible AI Frameworks Rise in EdTech
9. EdTech Consolidation Follows Saturation
As districts juggle 10–15 different educational apps routinely, there’s a growing shift toward consolidating and integrating platforms to reduce fragmentation. solvedconsulting.com
10. Generative AI in Higher Ed Under Study
A new academic paper examines ChatGPT’s impact on postsecondary education, analysing use-case hype, discourse patterns, and proposing best practices for AI adoption in universities. arXiv
11. AI-Enhanced Microlearning Boosts University Engagement
Researchers propose using ChatGPT-like AI to automate microlearning content (videos, quizzes, flashcards) in computer science, improving student engagement and offsetting COVID-era attendance declines. arXiv
12. LearningRO – AI-Powered Revision Tool from Student Project
LearningRO, launched in 2025 by a student in the UK, offers AI-equipped interactive lessons, flashcards, quizzes, and an AI assistant ("RoTutor") for GCSE, BTEC, and A-Level topics—promoting paperless, personalised study. Wikipedia
13. Turing College Expands via UK Apprenticeship Buyout
Lithuanian startup Turing College, offering self-paced AI/data science programs, acquired UK-based Boom Training in 2025—expanding into government-funded vocational learning. Wikipedia
14. Digital Education Council Grows to 120+ Institutions
As of August 2025, the Digital Education Council brings together 120+ universities and institutions across 31 countries—advancing AI governance and digital transformation in higher education globally. Wikipedia
15. ZSpace Launches AR/VR-Enabled Education Laptop
zSpace introduced the Imagine AR/VR laptop in January 2025. Designed for elementary use, it features headset-free immersive content, simplified interface, and educational integration—continuing its AR/VR hardware innovations. Wikipedia
Please note: NAACE is not responsible for the content of external websites linked in this newsletter. The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of NAACE.
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Naace - The Education Technology Association
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