Key points:
- Experts have outlined the trends shaping higher-ed in the coming years
- 32 predictions about where 2025 will take higher education
- Harnessing strategic partnerships to modernize higher-ed tech infrastructure
- For more on classroom innovation, visit eCN’s Teaching & Learning hub
Higher education is undergoing a profound transformation marked by significant uncertainty. Current events are disrupting traditional institutional operations, while rapid technological advancements–especially in AI and virtual reality–are redefining how students interact with content, how we understand cognition, and how learning is recognized and measured.
The newly released 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report – Teaching and Learning Edition reflects the dynamic changes shaping higher education and offers guidance on how to navigate them with confidence–through insights into emerging trends, innovative technologies and practices, and scenario-based foresight.
The report’s panel of experts identified a number of evidence-based trends that will impact teaching and learning.
Social trends
- Interest in designing inclusive learning environments
continues - Polycrises are on the rise
- Technology is changing students’ cognition
Technological trends
- VR tools are becoming more advanced and affordable
- Focus on democratization and efficiency in technology has
increased - Technology is providing new ways to document student
learning and success
Economic trends
- The potential for trade wars is increasing
- The demand for some to return to the office continues
- Concerns about deglobalization are growing
Environmental trends
- Governments are expanding clean energy subsidies
- Lithium reserves have the potential to pave the way for a
green energy workforce - Food insecurity is increasing globally
Political trends
- Classification of institutions continues to change
- Uncertainty over technology-related regulations in higher
education is growing - Regulations for AI are lacking or ineffective
After identifying trends, the report’s expert panel discussed key technologies and practices they believe will significantly impact the future of teaching and learning, focusing on those that would accelerate or impede the trends.
Six technologies/practices rose to the top of a long list:
- Critical digital literacy
- AI tools for teaching and learning
- Faculty development for generative AI
- AI governance
- Shoring up cybersecurity
- Evolving teaching practices
To explore the full report, visit the EDUCAUSE site.
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