Top 20 ETIH stories of the year: Counting down 2024's biggest moments in edtech - part one
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the innovations, investments, and partnerships that have defined the edtech landscape in 2024.
From AI-powered tools that are transforming classrooms to strategic moves tackling systemic challenges, the past year has been a whirlwind of progress.
In part one of our list, we’ll count down from 20 to 11 and explore the stories that set the stage for bigger changes to come. Think AI tutors, major funding boosts, and platforms expanding their reach. These stories highlight how technology is steadily reshaping education – and hint at the bigger shifts still ahead.
Let the countdown begin!
20. Canva launches AI-powered Dream Lab and expands Visual Suite (October)
Kicking off our countdown at number 20, Canva made sure 2024 was a year of innovation with the launch of Dream Lab, an AI-powered design tool that turns plain text prompts into stunning visuals. Think of it as a genie for your creative needs – type in your wish, and poof! – a design appears. Not bad for a platform that just surpassed 200 million monthly users and $2 billion in annual revenue.
But Canva didn’t stop there. They rolled out upgrades to their Visual Suite, making everything from Docs to Whiteboards smarter and more interactive. Whether you’re creating videos, presentations, or custom mockups, Canva’s updates are a clear play to dominate the design world. Plus, with integrations like Artlist and pocstock, users now have even more tools to keep their content fresh and on-brand.
19. Carnegie Learning and AI for Education partner to boost AI literacy in K-12 (October)
In at number 19, Carnegie Learning partnered with AI for Education to give teachers and students a much-needed boost in AI literacy. This collaboration hits a sweet spot by combining AI-driven tools with hands-on training for educators. It’s a clear signal that AI isn’t just a buzzword – it’s becoming a fundamental part of how classrooms operate.
18. Wall Street English unveils AI conversation tool to boost speaking confidence (October)
Sliding in at number 18, Wall Street English launched "Conversation AI," a tool designed to make speaking practice feel like a real conversation. For anyone who’s ever sweated through a language class, this AI tool offers a low-stress way to improve verbal skills. It's a great example of how AI is making language learning more engaging and, dare we say, enjoyable.
17. Perlego secures $20 million investment to advance AI-powered learning solutions (October)
In at number 17, Perlego – the “Spotify for textbooks” – hit a major milestone with a $20 million investment.
Their secret weapon? Dialogo, an AI-powered research assistant designed to make sifting through dense academic texts a breeze.
With this funding round, led by heavyweights like Sir Terry Leahy, Perlego is poised to take AI-enhanced learning to the next level.
The platform already offers access to over one million titles, and now they’re doubling down on making research faster, smarter, and a whole lot less painful.
16. First AI tutor Manda, powered by Meta’s Llama 3, launches for secondary students (October)
Cracking into the countdown at number 16, TLC LIVE unveiled Manda, an AI tutor set to give UK students a helping hand in math and English. Powered by Meta’s Llama 3 and trained using over 550,000 minutes of real tutoring sessions, Manda is like having a patient, knowledgeable teacher on-call 24/7. And at just £10 a month, it aims to make high-quality tutoring accessible to more families.
But here’s the twist: Manda isn’t trying to replace teachers. Instead, it offers a low-cost safety net for students who need extra help outside the classroom. TLC LIVE’s CEO, Simon Barnes, made it clear that Manda is an addition to traditional tutoring, not a replacement.
With teacher shortages and educational gaps making headlines, Manda represents a smart use of AI – not to revolutionize education overnight, but to support and enhance it. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best tech innovations are the ones that work alongside human expertise rather than against it.
15. Rocket Learning secures Google.org support to launch AI tutor in India (October)
At number 15, Rocket Learning is on a mission to give early childhood education in India a tech-powered boost with their AI tutor, Saheli. Backed by Google.org, this initiative is set to reach a staggering 50 million children in underserved communities over the next five years. That’s not just ambition – that’s a full-scale educational revolution. It’s a heartening reminder of how AI can be a force for educational equity.
Saheli uses AI to personalize learning for young children, focusing on foundational skills in a way that’s engaging and accessible. The goal? Ensure that no child, regardless of where they live, misses out on a solid start to their education.
This story shows that AI’s potential in education isn’t limited to high-tech classrooms or privileged students. When wielded thoughtfully, AI can drive meaningful change where it’s needed most. Rocket Learning and Google.org are proving that equity and innovation can go hand in hand.
14. Multiverse expands leadership with Baroness Martha Lane Fox and Jillian Gillespie (November)
Coming in at number 14, Multiverse made a power move by bringing on tech royalty Baroness Martha Lane Fox and seasoned leader Jillian Gillespie.
With AI skills in hot demand, this move positions Multiverse to tackle the global skills gap head-on. When big names like these get on board, you know something’s up.
Baroness Lane Fox, a trailblazer in the digital world, and Gillespie, with her wealth of operational experience, are set to supercharge Multiverse’s mission of apprenticeships over traditional degrees.
The takeaway? If you want to fix the skills gap, you need the right people leading the charge. And Multiverse just showed us they’re in it to win it.
13. Shakira partners with Code.org and Amazon to promote computer science for Hispanic youth (October)
Sliding in at number 13, Shakira swapped her microphone for a mission: making sure Hispanic youth get a fair shot at computer science education. She’s teamed up with Code.org and Amazon to bring computer science education to Hispanic youth.
With free resources and culturally relevant content, this initiative connects tech education to cultural identity. It’s about helping students envision themselves in the tech world and recognizing that they belong there.
Supported by Shakira’s global reach and Code.org’s expertise, this partnership makes it clear: STEM is a space where everyone belongs.
12. Accenture acquires Award Solutions to boost 5G and AI training (November)
Landing at number 12, Accenture made a strategic power play by snapping up Award Solutions to bolster their training offerings in 5G, cloud, and AI. With tech evolving at breakneck speed, this acquisition is all about future-proofing the workforce.
Award Solutions brings deep expertise in telecom and emerging tech, and this move signals Accenture’s commitment to bridging the skills gap.
By combining forces, Accenture and Award Solutions are setting a new standard for professional development. In an era where staying relevant means staying trained, this partnership is a timely reminder that the future belongs to those who invest in their skills.
11. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlights teachers’ “lack of respect” as a key challenge (November)
In at number 11, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the ongoing challenges faced by teachers, highlighting a “lack of respect” for the profession. His remarks come at a time when educators are grappling with increasing workloads, tight resources, and ongoing disputes over pay and conditions.
While acknowledging the issue is a step forward, the education sector continues to call for concrete solutions to improve working conditions and morale. This story reflects the wider conversation about the need for substantial support and recognition for teachers to ensure long-term stability in the profession.
And that’s a wrap on part one!
From AI-driven tools making waves in classrooms to partnerships tackling global challenges, these stories highlight how technology is reshaping education in real and tangible ways.
But we’re just getting started.
In part two, we’ll dive into the Top 10 stories of the year – where AI takes center stage, funding rounds break records, and bold innovations challenge the very idea of what learning can be. We’ll explore teacherless classrooms, groundbreaking AI initiatives, and the universities leading the charge in AI education.
Trust us, you won’t want to miss it. The best (and most thought-provoking) is yet to come.
