Academic institutions are expected to spend more than $214 billion in 2025 on education technology and that number is expected to more than double by 2029 as colleges, universities, and school districts modernize to meet the changing needs of students.
EdTech has become a key component in modern learning environments. Even before the rise of Generative AI, ed technology had already expanded beyond curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Now, with AI tools embedded into more EdTech solutions, there are more options available for academic institutions.
EdTech is shorthand for the technology used to support learning, instruction, administration, and campus operations. It ranges from the digital tools faculty use to deliver lessons, to the back-end systems that help institutions manage enrollment, procurement, and facilities.
Ed technology covers a lot of ground. There are more than 28,000 providers in the space, and it can be challenging to find the right fit.
Ask different educators, “What is EdTech?” and you might get completely different answers. There are a wide range of solutions available. Here are some of the most common and impactful ones.
These technologies directly support teaching and learning. Interactive whiteboards, digital textbooks, classroom polling apps, and virtual reality experiences help make lessons more engaging and accessible. For example, immersive tools like augmented reality (AR) can bring complex scientific concepts to life, while digital content platforms allow students to learn at their own pace and revisit material on demand.
An LMS enables course delivery in both online and blended environments. Platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle enable educators to upload course content, track student progress, manage grades, and facilitate discussions.
These systems centralize learning and provide valuable analytics that help faculty adjust instruction to meet student needs.
Beyond the classroom, EdTech improves how institutions operate.
Administrative tools support everything from student registration and financial aid processing to procurement, HR, and facilities maintenance. When integrated properly, these systems can reduce manual workloads and help leadership make data-driven decisions across departments.
To improve student experience and retention, many institutions now use platforms that offer virtual tutoring, academic advising, mental health resources, and communication channels. These tools help students feel connected and supported—whether they’re learning on campus or online.
As education evolves, EdTech plays a key role in enabling more agile and personalized learning experiences by providing:
As institutions continue to invest in digital transformation, the way they procure and manage EdTech matters more than ever. Colleges, universities, and K–12 school districts need a more strategic approach to ed technology procurement.
Here are some best practices that can help improve your procurement process.
Align Purchases with Institutional Goals
Before selecting a new tool, you should ask how it supports student success, operational efficiency, or strategic initiatives. Solutions need to be accessible to a diverse student population and faculty.
Look for Partners, Not Sellers
You’ll get the best results when you consider suppliers as long-term collaborators and not just sellers or Edtech resellers. Look for partners that will work with you to find innovative solutions and offer reliable support after the sale.
EdTech is really no longer a niche category. It’s become an essential part of modern learning environments. Yet, it can be difficult for individual institutions to leverage economies of scale to achieve significant discounts, while cooperative purchasing can leverage thousands of academic institutions to achieve volume discounts.
These contracts are pre-negotiated with standard terms and conditions as well as meeting compliance standards. They save money and streamline procurement.
Discover how E&I Cooperative Services can help your institution save time, reduce costs, and stay compliant with EdTech cooperative contracts. E&I is the only member-owned, nonprofit sourcing cooperative that focuses exclusively on the education sector, with goods, services, and terms that are built for the unique needs of educational institutions.
