A comprehensive resource by Instructional Design, Engagement and Support team designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your educational practices. Updated monthly, the EdTech IDEAS Digest brings together the latest in technology, strategy, and thought leadership to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of education.
The Digest features three core categories: Trends, Best Practices & Tools, and Point of View.
Featured article
Access, Flexibility, and Intention: What Students Really Need in 2026
EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit that aims to advance higher education through the use of information technology, conducted a study that summarizes current sentiments toward technology availability, cybersecurity, course experiences, and instructional technologies in the classroom. Based on the findings, we share key trends on these topics.
Trends
Stay informed with data-driven insights into global trends in education and skills development. Dive into charts, graphs, and key findings to gain a broader perspective and shape your own strategies with confidence.
Access, Flexibility, and Intention: What Students Really Need in 2026
EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit that aims to advance higher education through the use of information technology, conducted a study that summarizes current sentiments toward technology availability, cybersecurity, course experiences, and instructional technologies in the classroom. Based on the findings, we share key trends on these topics.
May 26, 2026
What Faculty Should Do: Encourage AI Dialogue and Accessibility in the Classroom
In our second article on the EDUCAUSE 2025 Students and Technology Report, we analyze the trends in Gen AI use in Higher Education and issues with Accessibility.
May 30, 2025
Tech-Savvy, Flex-Hungry: What Today’s Students Really Want
The first of two articles analyzing the EDUCAUSE 2025 Students and Technology Report summarizing current sentiments and experiences related to the current student experience with a focus on technology use and how institutions can adapt to meet students needs and enhance learning experiences.
May 29, 2025
Best Practices and Tools
Explore in-depth reviews of advanced educational technologies and real-world applications of EdTech solutions. Gain practical advice through checklists, frameworks, and actionable recommendations to make learning more engaging and effective.
Small Design Interventions That Improve Group Work
Group work is a familiar and widely used teaching practice in higher education. Instructors often choose it to help students engage more deeply, learn from one another, and develop skills that extend beyond individual coursework. Like any complex teaching practice, group work benefits from ongoing attention and small adjustments.
April 7, 2026
Educational Videos to Inspire Your Creations - Part 3
In this final part of the series, we explore how graphics and animations can serve not just to up the entertainment value of our videos and save us the trouble of recording ourselves, but also help our students grasp complex concepts.
April 6, 2026
Educational Videos to Inspire Your Creations - Part 2
In part one of this series of video essay recommendations, we focused on simple, informational videos. In part two, we’ll explore an alternate possibility: videos where the presenter takes center stage and their personal relationship to the content matters most to the audience.
February 24, 2026
Point of View
Gain fresh perspectives from thought leaders in the educational industry, including voices from UMass and beyond.
Teaching Across Silos: Real-World Lessons from a Public Health × Marketing Classroom
This past semester, Public Health and Marketing students stepped out of their silos and into a collaborative project that felt more like a professional agency than a classroom. Led by UMass Amherst Lecturer Ann‑Marie Sylvia, the experience helped students turn theory into action while learning to communicate across disciplines. Discover how breaking down silos can transform learning—and teaching.
January 20, 2026
Fine Art + Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Fine Arts Education
The role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education classrooms has been the subject of debate and research in the past five years. AI sparks conversations about, but not limited to, plagiarism, workforce competencies, ethics, and course chatbots. Bo Kim, an instructor and graduate student in Studio Arts with the Department of Art, shares her thoughts.
September 18, 2025
Engaging Minds: The Power of Active Learning in the Classroom
Student engagement can be tricky whether you're in a traditional face-to-face class or teaching online. It is one of the most pressing challenges in online learning. Even with physical presence, many instructors struggle to create meaningful interactions and encourage active participation. So, how can learners stay engaged?
April 28, 2025
Special Edition
EdTech IDEAS Digest: What Students Want from Classroom Technology
The classroom is evolving, and so are student expectations for technology. This special Fall 2025 edition of the Digest features practical strategies and expert insights to help you stay ahead.
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