ISTE LIVE 2026 - Instructure

Most educators believe the number of ed tech tools is dwindling — but the latest data shatters that myth. At ISTE 2026, Tracy Weeks from Instructure reveals a surprising trend: despite efforts to streamline, students and teachers are actually using more apps than ever, yet fewer are truly purposeful. This episode dives into how intentionally selecting high-impact, purpose-built tools can drastically improve student outcomes and reduce digital clutter.You’ll discover how the shift from dashboards to comprehensive systems enhances interoperability and simplifies decision-making for districts. Tracy shares insights on the rising importance of trusted ecosystems like Google and Canvas, and explains why tools embedded within familiar environments see more adoption. We explore the critical role of evidence-based, purpose-built education technology and how it outperforms general consumer apps in safety, privacy, and effectiveness.This episode also uncovers the evolving landscape of AI in education—why smaller districts may lean on trusted ecosystems over new, unproven tools, and how thoughtful policies can prepare districts for rapid technological change. We break down the five ed tech quality indicators and how they guide smarter procurement, implementation, and AI literacy initiatives, ensuring students and teachers benefit without unnecessary distraction.In a world where the pace of tech change accelerates, missing these insights can lead to wasted resources, fragmented learning experiences, and missed opportunities to truly enhance student achievement. But with the right frameworks and policies, districts can harness the power of AI and innovative tools—without the chaos.Perfect for district leaders, ed tech coordinators, and educators eager to cut through the noise and make smarter, safer choices with technology. If you’re committed to moving beyond superficial solutions and building purposeful, interoperable learning ecosystems, this episode is your essential guide to navigating the future of ed tech.