From LMS and AI to gamification and tech tools, EduTech 2024 was a fruitful event, drawing educators, tech experts, and students from across the Asian region.
Held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore on November 6 and 7, the event attracted large crowds, especially on its opening day.
The show brought together the latest innovations in educational technology, offering a glimpse into the future of learning.
Here are five standout trends from this year’s exhibition.
1. LMS takes centre stage
Platforms were the name of the game at EduTech 2024, with solutions tailored for K-12 and higher education institutions alike. Learning management systems (LMS) dominated the exhibition floor, offering tools to streamline education.
For example, Google for Education took a prime position on the show floor as the tech giant showcased its ecosystem, highlighting software, products, and systems designed to improve learning environments.
Meanwhile, Canvas, another popular LMS choice, impressed attendees with its modular and customisable approach, which reflects a broader shift towards creating tailored learning environments that meet the evolving needs of student bodies.
2. The AI edge
The truth is that today, we cannot talk about technology without talking about AI. AI was a key talking point, with exhibitors eager to demonstrate how the technology can be harnessed to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Unsurprisingly, Google’s Gemini AI took the spotlight (for obvious reasons).
AI is also being integrated into LMS platforms, such as Blackboard by Anthology, with features that automate administrative tasks, provide real-time analytics, and personalise learning experiences with AI role-playing features.
Currently, AI is being used to create concierge-style services for students, helping with routine tasks. However, there's still much speculation about whether AI can achieve more transformative roles in education that go beyond what has already been done.
3. Interactivity & gamification
EduTech 2024 saw a strong emphasis on interactive solutions to communicate and collaborate in the classroom. Interactive displays, in particular, were spotted at multiple booths across the show floor.
Samsung led the charge with its range of classroom displays, which focused on interactivity, touch functionality, and annotation capabilities. Across the board, there was a clear message: classroom displays are evolving to be more than just passive screens — they’re becoming integral tools for engaging students.
Beyond hardware, gamification is on the rise, with lessons being turned into engaging, game-like experiences to make learning more fun and competitive, which encourages greater participation and retention. It seems that there is much potential for AV to tap into gamification in education.
4. Audio is of top priority
From the AV industry, Shure showcased its microphone and audio pickup solutions designed to enhance communication in learning environments. With the increasing reliance on hybrid learning and remote collaboration, clear and effective audio solutions are now seen as essential in education spaces.
5. Preference of Gen Z and Gen Alpha
As education shifts to meet the preferences of younger generations, the tools — be it software or hardware — used in learning spaces are evolving too. Padlet, an organisation tool for students, stood out by offering the ability to respond via short videos and incorporating generative AI to create and share visuals. These features reflect the growing preference among Gen Z and Gen Alpha learners for visual communication over text-based interactions.