Learning Impact Trend Framework

At the core of the Learning Impact Awards competition is 1EdTech’s Learning Impact Trend Framework. The project categories have evolved over the years as new trends appear and others become obsolete—evidenced by the number and focus of innovative and impactful entries presented at each competition. The framework is a leading indicator of emerging edtech trends and offers planning guidance for educational institutions.

Advancing Teaching & Learning Innovation

Learning Impact Trend Category	Definition
Adaptive Learning, Online Homework, and Assessment	Providing students with self-paced learning, feedback, and adaption with the help of digital assessment while providing the teacher with information on individualized student progress
Collaborative Digital Learning	Providing students and faculty with applications and opportunities to participate in and improve achievement via effective collaborative learning activities that complement traditional forms of delivery
Digital Resource, eText, and Learning App Innovation	Innovative learning resources, tools, and applications that improve the access, affordability, and quality of education. This includes data gathering to measure student engagement, progress towards desired outcomes, program effectiveness, and digital resource usage.
Gaming, Simulation, and Immersive Learning	Applications that give students and teachers opportunities to participate in effective experiential learning that is better than traditional alternatives
Scaling Pedagogical Knowledge and Practice	Providing efficient and effective support to teachers and faculty in significantly improving facilitation and delivery of learning experiences

Advancing Learning Environment Infrastructure

Learning Impact Trend Category	Definition
Blended Learning Optimization	Evolving traditional educational delivery models, featuring seamless technology environment for teachers and students to support effective combinations of online, classroom and in-context learning
Digital Learning Networks	Achieving scalable deployment of educational resources, tools, and services toward specific and measurable access, affordability, and quality objectives
Educational Accessibility and Personalization	Technology-based solutions that ensure accessibility and personalization for all students, especially those with physical and learning disabilities
Educational Application, Content, and Media Infrastructure	Technology infrastructure for enabling efficiencies in content development, searching, delivery, and mobile devices
Evolution to Transformative Digital Learning Experiences/Environments	Architectures and software platforms for managing the creation and delivery of learning experiences, including personalization, accessibility, and mobility
Integrated Digital Curriculum to Enable Student-Centered Learning	Architectures, software platforms, and infrastructures that enable creation and selection from a wide range of curated digital content and tool alternatives by institutional users (faculty and students)

Advancing Educational Insight, Attainment & Planning

Learning Impact Trend Category	Definition
Assessment Enhancement With Digital Technology	Applications and tools to assess student performance and outcomes
Competency-Based Innovation	Competency-based learning and assessment programs that provide real-world evidence of knowledge and skills mastery
Digital Credentials	Leveraging solutions using digital microcredentials and learner records that can follow a learner from K-12 to career, recognizing experiences and achievements inside and outside of a formal education setting
Education-to-Work Partnerships	Effective examples of cross-sector collaboration to bridge the gap between education and employment or better opportunities
Educational Pathways, Portfolios, and Learning Maps	Applications to help students navigate their educational experience to improve success and outcomes-based workforce needs
Learning Analytics	Collection, viewing, and analysis of learning-related data to understand student behaviors and progress, understand a digital product and pedagogy use and effectiveness, and improve teaching and learning
Student Success and Outcomes-Based Learning Support Services	Applications and processes to enable teaching, learning, and placement tied to explicit outcomes and achievements