New LearnPlatform by Instructure Report Finds Increases in More Unique Digital Tools Accessed by K-12 Institutions, Students, and Teachers

Core Insights - The seventh EdTech Top 40 report by LearnPlatform highlights the increasing reliance on digital solutions in K-12 education, showcasing over 3.9 million interactions among students and teachers during the 2023-24 school year [1][11] - K-12 institutions accessed 8% more distinct edtech tools compared to the previous academic year, continuing a trend of exploration and experimentation with technology [8][9] - The report emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making, with 32% of the tools in the EdTech Top 40 meeting the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) research criteria [3][10] Usage Trends - School districts accessed an average of 2,739 distinct edtech tools annually, with 1,436 tools accessed each month, indicating ongoing exploration of technological resources [2] - The report analyzed products across various categories, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Supplemental Platforms, with a focus on the top tools that enhance teaching and learning [9][12] - The data for the report was collected from September 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, covering over 57 billion engagements across more than 9,000 edtech products [13] Product Insights - The EdTech Top 40 includes five new entrants this year: PBS, Panorama Education, Scratch, Adobe, and Grammarly, reflecting the growing influence of AI in educational settings [12] - The report found that nearly 50% of the tools commonly accessed within Canvas, the second-most used LMS, overlap with the Top 40 list, indicating a strong correlation between popular platforms and effective tools [9] Industry Perspective - The report underscores the need for districts to select safe, effective, and interoperable tools to create a cohesive learning ecosystem, highlighting the challenges in choosing the right technology [11] - Data-driven decision-making is increasingly vital for assessing the role of technology in education, reinforcing the relevance of the EdTech Top 40 report [10]