Here’s why the booming EdTech space doesn’t need more noise right now but rather better tools
The EdTech market is shifting and this major moment calls for focus, not flash. So says Carly Britt, Learning Experience Designer at Clarity Innovations.
In a LinkedIn post, she argues that the space doesn’t need more noise right now. It needs better tools. Tools that are: Designed with educator input; Implemented with support; Measured by real impact; Aligned to the instructional day; Built to last beyond a funding cycle.
“There’s a renaissance happening - not just in what we build, but in how we build. I’m excited to see more companies asking better questions. The next step? Making sure the answers are rooted in classroom reality,” she writes.
She adds: “The EdTech market is shifting - and if we’re paying attention, that’s a good thing for teaching and learning. Districts are asking harder questions. Funding is tightening. And the post-pandemic patience for clunky, unused tools is wearing thin. As someone who’s been on both sides of the equation - as an educator and now in the EdTech industry - I’ve seen what makes the difference between a product that gathers dust and one that becomes essential.”
Britt believes that we’re entering a season where real clarity and staying power matter more than ever. As such, there need to be more conversations around adoption not being the endgame.
“Getting a product into a district contract might feel like a win. But unless it becomes part of daily instruction, it’s not making the impact it should. Ask yourself: If your solution disappeared tomorrow, would educators feel the loss? In my work, I’ve seen what happens when implementation is treated like an afterthought. Educators don’t get the support they need, the tool gets sidelined, and the cycle repeats.”
Also, the gap between buyer and user is still too wide. “Let’s be honest: in K–12, the decision-maker and the daily user are rarely the same person. If your product isn’t meeting the needs of both, it’s not built for long-term success. That means thinking beyond procurement. What does a successful lesson look like with your tool in it? How easy is it for an educator to integrate into their existing practice?”
Finally, AI hype is real - but so is educator fatigue. “Yes, AI is changing the landscape of work and education. But not every AI feature is meaningful - or wanted,” says Britt.
“In conversations I’m having with educators and EdTech clients alike, a pattern is emerging: AI is exciting, but only if it’s helping educators do their job better- not just adding one more thing to learn. There’s real opportunity here to design AI that supports differentiation, feedback, and planning-but it has to be grounded in the realities of classroom instruction, not just innovation for innovation’s sake.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
