What Do Educators Want From EdTech in the Upcoming School Year?

Every year, ISTE brings together thousands of educators, innovators and edtech leaders who share one goal: making teaching and learning better for all students. At the ISTELive25 Conference, Boxlight team members enjoyed some memorable conversations about where education is headed and how technology can support the journey. Here are a few takeaways:

AI is Everywhere and the Pace is Fast

Artificial intelligence had a dominant presence at ISTELive this year. Jens Holstebro, EVP and General Manager for the Americas at Boxlight, found the energy around AI exciting, but also a signal that the conversation is still evolving. While companies are racing to explore the possibilities of AI in the classroom, educators are still working through where and how it fits into their practice.

“It was refreshing to see the abundance of new companies offering their take on how to use AI in education,” Jens said, while acknowledging how quickly the landscape is shifting, even as schools are still determining where the boundaries should be.

That challenge showed up in conversation after conversation. Educators are exploring what AI can do, but many are still navigating how to apply it responsibly and effectively in their classrooms. Confidence, support and thoughtful implementation are top of mind.

At the same time, Jens noticed something encouraging beneath the buzz: a sense of shared purpose and integrity among those leading the charge. “Running into other edtech veterans reminds you this is an industry where people stay—because at the end of the day, it feels good knowing we’re all contributing to making classrooms and campuses more learning-friendly and safe.”

For Jens, that was what really stood out. “When you combine that experience with the general sentiment on the tradeshow floor, it was refreshing to see how innovation is being driven by companies like Boxlight, who are genuinely passionate about improving education,” he said.

Teachers Are Excited to Keep Building on What They Know 

At ISTELive 25, Boxlight Account Manager Heather Sledge spoke with many educators already using Boxlight interactive displays, and their enthusiasm was clear. They shared how much they enjoy using the panels and were full of questions about what else they could do.

Many were especially curious about features they hadn’t fully explored yet, like CleverShare and digital signage. When Heather mentioned the option to display content on the panel when it isn’t being actively used, it sparked a lot of interest. And what really stood out were the conversations about untapped potential. Many educators were intrigued by the idea of using their panels for more than instruction.

These moments reflected something important: when educators see new ways to use their existing technology, they’re excited to dive in. That’s why Boxlight places such a strong emphasis on professional learning and long-term support—so teachers can continue to grow with the tools they already have, and get more out of the tools they already love.

Campus Communication and Safety Are Front and Center

Heather also noticed a recurring theme in her conversations at ISTELive: more and more schools are thinking about how their classroom technology can play a larger role in campus-wide communication.

“Emergency notifications pushed directly to panels have become a hot topic,” she said. “Schools are increasingly looking for ways to use their technology not just for learning, but also for campus-wide communication and safety.”

That growing interest reflects a larger shift in priorities. Educators and administrators want systems that are flexible enough to support day-to-day instruction and deliver critical alerts when needed—without complicating workflows for teachers or staff.

Boxlight’s technology is already helping schools bridge that gap. Interactive displays, digital signage and audio systems can work together to share everything from friendly reminders to critical updates. As safety expectations grow, schools are looking for ways to streamline communication without adding new layers of complexity. These conversations made it clear that integrated, easy-to-manage tools have become essential.

Educators are Embracing Standalone Displays

Amy Hunt, Boxlight Solution Specialist, noticed a clear trend at ISTELive 25: educators are rethinking what they expect from interactive displays. Convenience and independence are becoming top priorities.

“One of the most common and compelling conversations I had was about a key shift in mindset: interactive flat panels should no longer rely on external devices—they should be standalone teaching tools.”

That shift is already taking place. Many attendees were drawn to the idea of walking into a classroom, powering on a panel, and getting started—no logins, no extra cables, no waiting.

“It simplifies classroom setup and gives teachers the freedom to walk in, power on the panel and start teaching. That kind of flexibility removes barriers that slow down learning,” Amy said.

She also heard how this streamlined setup benefits students and support staff. Teachers can easily hand off control or cast student content to the screen, creating more opportunities for collaboration. Meanwhile, IT teams face fewer connection issues and spend less time managing devices.

The Little Moments Matter Most

Conferences like ISTELive are full of product demos, technical deep dives and industry talk. But often, it’s the more personal moments that stick with us.

“The smiles and excitement on customers’ faces when they see our products in action are always a powerful reminder,” Heather said, adding that after seeing Symphony, the newest FrontRow release after Conductor, one attendee smiled and said, “Wow, that would look great in our office. We’d finally graduate from the '90s!”

Another group of teachers lit up when they saw how the LYNX Whiteboard could be used to create a dedicated sub folder—ready-to-go lessons that make life easier for both teachers and substitutes.

“They immediately started brainstorming ways to build it out. It was such a simple feature, but it solved a real problem,” said Heather.

Team Boxlight Went Home Inspired

The conversations at ISTELive 25 gave us a clear view of what schools are prioritizing: streamlined systems, meaningful training, and technology that supports how teaching and learning actually happen. Educators want tools they can rely on—and partners who understand the pace, pressure and possibilities of today’s classrooms. That’s the kind of support we’re proud to provide today and in the years ahead.

At Boxlight, we believe that better solutions lead to better results. For schools, that means technology that’s intuitive and adaptable, built to support everything from daily instruction to campus-wide communication. What we heard at ISTELive 25 reminded us why this work matters—and why it’s so important to continue providing tools that directly address the needs of educators. Because when you change the classroom, you change the world.