For children learning how they can make an impact on the world or for adults who want to better create their own impact, the 2016 education trends show the importance of gaining new skills and knowledge no matter one's age. After all, our 2017 Trend Report makes it clear that things are constantly changing, and education is the only way to keep up.
For kids, educators are increasingly focusing on teaching the basics of coding at an early age. Whereas coding not long ago was a niche option in schools and extracurricular programs, the 'Glicode' Pocky-themed coding game and the 'Kode with Klossy' camp show how important those skills have become for success today.
Of course, adults can stand to gain from education as well. Social good campaigns frequently work to change societal impressions around important issues. Emma Watson's HeforShe organization, for instance, has been working to get thorough sexual assault briefings into universities around the world.
Top 100 Education Trends of 2016
100
Lighthearted Anxiety Illustrations
This Artist Shows the Emotions That Come with Anxiety Problems
99
Candy-Themed Coding Games
The 'Glicode' App is Pocky's Attempt to Teach Kids about Coding
98
Practical Interactive Periodic Tables
Keith Enevoldsen's Table Shows How the Elements Get Used
97
App-Copying Code Platforms
Cloneable is an App Development Platform That Teaches You How to Code
96
Unobtainable Body Parodies
Buzzfeed Shows Men Trying to Fit into the Ideal Female Body Image
95
Produce-Growing Preschools
This Eco-Friendly Preschool Doubles as an Urban Farm
94
DIY Computer Kits
The 'Kano Computer Kit' Teaches Children How to Build a Computer from Scratch
93
STEM App Subscription Programs
The Hopscotch App Makes STEM Learning More Accessible to Kids
92
Educational Electronics Kits
Play Lab's Kits Encourage Children to Explore and Enjoy Electronics
91
Educational Cryptography Games
PocketBlock Teaches Adolescents About the Details of Cryptography
90
Social Good Shoe Brands
The Common Ground Footwear Brand Desigs Shoes to Promote Social Awareness
89
Educational Fast Food Promotions
This Chain Offers Free WiFi to Students Who Can Pass an Exam
88
Superhero Science Kits
The Spider-Man Web Creator Lab Lets Kids Create Their Own Spider Webs
87
DIY Historical Coloring Books
These Institutions are Creating Coloring Books from Historical Art
86
Parent-Centered Cannabis Ads
The CDPHE Tells Parents to Educate Their Kids on Safe Marijuana Use
85
Empathy-Building Playsets
'The Empathy Toy' Set for Kids is a Unique Family Puzzle Game
84
Socially Responsible Design Exhibits
The Cooper Hewitt Exhibit Addresses Many Social Concerns
83
Climate Change Video Games
'ECO' is an Environmental Game for Children by Strange Loop Games
82
Female-Only Bike Clubs
The 'Bad Girls Bike Club' is a Safe Space for Women to Learn About Cycling
81
Theological Debate Apps
The Atheos App Helps Atheist Debate God's Existence With Believers
80
Dinosaur Egg Museums
Qinglong Mountain Geopark's Museum Highlights Fossilized Dinosaur Eggs
79
Accessible Coding Devices
The FUZEBOX is a Coding Gadget That Can Be Used with Nearly Any Device
78
Crystal Growing Kits
The Lightsaber Crystal Growing Lab Allows Kids to Create Real Crystals
77
Educational Flashcard Apps
Tinycards Expands on the Concept of Flashcards by Making Them Digital
76
Educational Jewelry Initiatives
Tiffany & Co's 'Keys for a Cause' Initiative Empowers Saudi Women
75
Instructional Music Apps
The 'Scalebook' App is Designed to Help Violinists Improve Their Scales
74
Educational Menstrual Cycle Games
This Board Game Shifts Tween Perspectives on Periods
73
VR Shakespearean Performances
The 'I-CAVE' Project Brings Shakespeare to Life with Virtual Reality
72
Female-Focused Tech Competitions
The 'Built By Girls' Challenge Helps Teens Explore Their Ideas
71
Educational Gang Games
'The Sky is the Limit' is a Board Game That Explores the Dangers of Gangs
70
Plus-Size Fashion Exhibits
The 'Beyond Measure' Exhibit Explores the History of Plus-Size Women
69
Happiness-Focused Research Centers
Harvard's Center for Happiness Will Promote and Study Happiness
68
Pop-Up Cubic Libraries
The Mobile Library Project Makes Reading More Accessible in Seoul
67
Refugee Coding Classes
This Tech School for Refugees Helps Migrants Find New Jobs
66
Prison Education Tablets
Edovo Uses Specially Designed Tablets to Educate the Incarcerated
65
Syrian Apartment Replicas
IKEA's '25 Square Metres of Syria' Replicates a Syrian Home
64
Visual School Vocabulary Apps
This App Helps Children Get to Know People and Objects at School
63
Apocalyptic Antarctic Apps
This Interactive Game Spells Out the Plight Of Antarctica's Penguins
62
Historical VR Experiences
This VR Experience Will Recreate Anne Frank's Holocaust Story
61
Open-Source Learning Apps
The Moodle App Lets Students Continue Learning When Offline
60
Tablet-Connected Building Blocks
This Toy Bridges the Gap Between Physical and Digital Play
59
Medical Teaching Toys
The Gomo Doll Helps Doctors Teach Kids About Their Ailments
58
Educational VR Mapping Games
'Verne: The Himalayas' Teaches Kids About the Eastern Mountain Range
57
Green Urban Planning Games
Urban Climate Architect Lets Players Build and Protect Their City
56
Educational Shark Books
'Smart About Sharks' Teaches Kids and Adults Fun Shark Facts
55
Eco-Friendly Card Games
'Go Eco' Teaches Players About Conserving the Environment
54
Linguistically Derived Translators
The Ludwig Search Engine Helps Users Write English Phrases
53
Educational Diabetic Dolls
The American Girl Diabetes Care Kit Teaches Young Girls About Illness
52
Augmented Reality History Apps
This Pokemon Go-Inspired App Helps You Get To Know Moscow
51
Social Media Prison Programs
The Tweet from a Prison Program Teaches Female Inmates New Skills
50
Interactive Science Exhibits
These Discovery Rooms Promote Adult-Child Interaction and Cooperation
49
3D-Printable Skeleton Models
These Skeleton Models Can Be Download and 3D-Printed By Students
48
Civil Rights Era Dolls
This Historical Doll Teaches Young Girls About the Civil Rights Movement
47
On-Demand Education Apps
The On-Teach App Instantly Connects Students with Teachers
46
Child-Centric Coding Apps
The GoldieBlox App Aims to Teach Coding Skills to Young Children
45
Free Elementary Architecture Classes
The Alberti Program is Run by Washington University
44
Culture-Connecting Kiosks
The American Museum of Natural History Uses Digital Totems to Share Data
43
Mindfulness Coaching Apps
Mazlo Offers Personalized Learning with Text Message Coaching Sessions
42
Accent-Ameliorating Chat Bots
ELSA is a Virtual Pronunciation Coach and Mobile App for Accents
41
Kingpin Series Language Lessons
Babbel's 'Speak Spanish Like El Patron' Teaches with 'Narcos'
40
Interactive Math Apps
The 'Go Math! Go' App Improves Math Learning Through Positive Encouragement
39
Educational Condom Vending Machines
These Vending Machines are Designed to Promote Safe Sex
38
Tactile Art Collections
This Company Creates Touchable Reproductions of Famous Paintings
37
Empowering Holographic Events
The 'Lift Her Up' Campaign Celebrates International Women's Day 2016
36
On-Demand Tutor Apps
The GooRoo App Helps Students Access Rapid Academic Mentoring
35
Preventative Assault Campaigns
The Emma Watson HeForShe Campaign is Now Focusing on Universities
34
Litigious VR Experiences
The University of Westminster is Using VR to Teach Cases to Law Students
33
Biological VR Experiences
'The Body VR' is an Educational Trip Through the Human Body
32
Braille Art Exhibitions
'Hope in Darkness' Introduces Peru's First Inclusive Art Show
31
Peer-to-Peer Coding Workshops
This Organization Gives Kids an Opportunity to Teach Other Kids
30
Empowering Girl-Targeted Magazines
This Print Magazine Aims to Empower Young Girls
29
Education-Promoting Stationary Bikes
The Green Microcycle Allows Kids to Move as They Learn
28
Conversational Language-Learning Apps
The 'Lingbe' App Connects Users with Native Speakers
27
Holistic Homework Apps
This App Lets Students Monitor and Augment Their Homework Projects
26
Classroom Chat Bots
Slack Bot Litlbot Facilitates Classroom Interaction for Students and Teachers
25
Prestigious Online University Courses
The University of Oxford's MOOC is a Free Economics Course
24
Educational Empire-Building Games
'CivilizationEDU' Helps Students Think Critically About History
23
Literacy-Promoting Workshops
The World Book Day 2016 Event Includes School Workshops
22
Gamified Math Apps
This App Lets Teenagers Use Math Skills to Solve In-Game Problems
21
On-Demand Tutor Apps
The 'Mentored' App Connects Students With Educators
20
Girls Coding Camps
Victoria's Secret Angel Karlie Kloss is Running a Summer Code Camp for Youth
19
Creative Education Platforms
'Crehana' is Like the Spotify of Creative Training
18
Infant-Friendly Museum Tours
This Museum Hosts a 'Baby & Me' Tour for Parents and Their Children
17
Earth Day Walking Tours
This Walking Tour Takes Participants to Green Sites Across New York City
16
VR Peacekeeping Games
This Online Role-Playing Game Teaches Peacekeeping Skills
15
Loan Repayment Apps
Student Loan Management System CommonCents Works Using Your Spare Change
14
Feminist Presidental Essays
Barack Obama Explained the Damage of Gender Stereotypes for Glamour
13
Educational Modding Startups
The Code Kingdoms Startup Offers Minecraft Modding Tutorials
12
Tuition-Free Architecture Schools
The Free School of Architecture will Open in 2017 in Los Angeles
11
OCD Support Networks
The 'Intrusive Thoughts' Website is Designed to Help Those with OCD
10
Social Media Coding Apps
'Vidcode' Teaches Girls to Code by Incorporating Social Media Tropes
9
Homework Help Apps
Tutor App GotIt! is an Inexpensive Solution for Math and Science Advice
8
VR-Enabled Educational Programs
The VR Content from Lifeliqe is Designed to Keep Students Engaged
7
Monetary Advice Texting Platforms
NextGenVest's Financial Aid Service Helps Students Navigate Debt
6
Language-Teaching Robots
The 'L2TOR' Robot is Designed to Help Students Learn Languages Faster
5
Cybersecurity Training Programs
The Launch of 'CyberVista' Was Made Official at CES 2016
4
Toddler-Friendly Nature Programs
The Sprouts Parent and Tot Play Program Helps Kids Explore Nature
3
Educational Crayon Sets
These Crayons Help Children Learn the Periodic Table of Elements
2
Mobile Micro Courses
Mimo Teaches You Computer Science Skills During Your Commute and Down Time
1
Visible Minority Coding Bootcamps
The Telegraph Academy Focuses on Black and Latin Peoples
Related Ideas
Playful Student-Targeted Interactive Pop-Ups
Uber One Hits Campuses with ‘The One Arcade'
University-Focused AI Governing Frameworks
Tsinghua University Governs AI in Teaching and Research
Hands-On Computer Science Programs
LEGO Education Computer Science & Ai Promises to Engage Kids
Bright Playful Sport Playgrounds
LEGO and Nike Reimagine Sports as Playful Learning in Shanghai
Play-Based Preschool Apps
LEGO Bluey Mobile Game Makes Screen Time into Building Play for Kids
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Psychologist-Designed Educational Toys
ThinkPsych Spotlights Its Line of Therapeutic Games & Tools
Preschool Coding Toys
Codie Blocks and iCode are Preparing Young Kids for an AI Future
Vibrant Mental Health Campaigns
CDC Has Launched the Playfully Illustrated Free Mind
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Playful Learning Collections
IKEA Open House Miami Has Child-Focused Designs for Miami Art Week
Youth STEM Education-Supporting Partnerships
Otis Poland, FIRST Lego League & Future Minds Partner
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
STEM-Driven Building Block Kits
These LEGO Education Science Kits Come in Four Options
Multi-Sensory Creative Toy Capsules
Crayola Has Announced a Range of New Creative Toys for 2026
Blockchain Learning Tools
Web3 Quest Platforms Helps Founders Engage Users and Reward Learning
Gamified Financial Education Initiatives
TD Bank and the Venture Valley Creators Partner
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
AI Language Learning Metaverses
Lingocity Helps Kids Learn Through Custom, Gamified Experiences
AI-Powered STEM Camp Directories
AI is Optimizing a STEM Summer Camp Directory
AI-Powered Micro-Learning Formats
Udemy Aims to Simplify and Enhance the Convenience of Learning
Educational Robotics
South Africa Unveiled Its First AI-Powered Teaching Robot
Stylist-Led Education Platforms
K18 Launches a Pro Artist Program to Empower Hairstylists
Free Cybersecurity Educational Initiatives
Living Security Emphasizes Cybersecurity Awareness
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Hands-On Modern Educational Systems
Codie Blocks Aims to Build Foundational Thinking
Award-Winning Educational Toy Brands
Learning Resources Earns 2026 Preschool Toy of the Year Award
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Bingo-Style Reading Initiatives
Indigo's 2026 Reading Challenge Features a 'Phone-Free' Category
Kid-Focused Screen-Free Learning Kits
Bellybees is Expanding Beyond Baby Food into a New Category
Beauty Industry STEM Initiatives
Kreyòl Essence and Dibia DREAM Partner for STEM Saturday
AI Technology-Focused Training Campaigns
The Raspberry Pi Foundation Emphasizes Youth Empowerment
Toy-Inspired Music-Themed Workshops
The LEGO Group Launches Its Final Creativity Workshop of 2025
STEAM Education-Focused Franchises
Challenge Island Specializes in STEAM Education
Teen Finance Education
SimplyBudget Helps Teens Manage Money With AI and Parental Oversight
Cultural Newsletter Subscriptions
American Eagle Launches Gen Z-Focused 'Off The Cuff' Publication
Tech-Enriched Sports Equipment
The 'GOAL' Concept by Yewon Lee Encourages Physical Activity
Kid-Friendly Smart Cameras
Dr.LookAI Supports Early Education Through Photography
Pizza-Branded Reading-Encouraging Apps
Pizza Hut Has Introduced Its First-Ever BOOK IT App
Live Streamer Resource Hubs
Twitch Creator Camp Helps Users Learn How to Thrive on the Platform
Creative Learning Platforms
Saga Playground Enables Kids To Create Stories With AI Tools
Customizable Kids Stationery
Taggeez Lets Kids Decorate Their School Essentials with Charms
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Impactful Gaming Experiences
Humanity Games Combines Retro Gameplay With Real-World Lessons
Open-Ended Exploration Toys
Melissa & Doug Entered Toy Industry Hall of Fame
Hybrid STEM Activity Kits
Brainstorm's Science Activity Kits Pair Hands-On Play & Online Tutorials
Simplicity-Focused Back-To-School Campaigns
Staples Wants to Simplify Back-To-School Shopping
Tech-Driven Building Toys
LEGO Introduced Its New Smart Play Platform with Enhanced Technology
Interactive Story Tools
StoryNest Lets Families Create Personalized Storybooks With AI
Swimming-Focused Branding Initiatives
British Swim School Debuts Jump on It Campaign
AI Exam Preps
Educato Delivers Personalized AI-Driven Learning And Exam Preparation
Language Learning Experiments
Little Language Lessons Uses AI For Everyday Language Practice
Future Tech Blogs
Next Horizon Covers AI, Space, Biotechnology And Emerging Technologies
Performance-Driven Education Furniture Lines
Case Systems Grows Its SALTO Education Furniture Line
Personalized Learning Systems
Infinilearn Offers AI-Driven, Gamified Learning With Custom Rewards
Open Tech Learning Tools
Imaginary Hub Offers Free Coding Courses And Expert-Led Live Classes
Workforce Upskilling Initiatives
Grow with Google Provides Training And Tools For Career Growth
Modular STEM Displays
LEGO Celebrates the Evolution of STEM with an Architectural Set
AI Merit Badges
Scouts Can Now Earn a Merit Badge By Learning About the Uses and Ethics of AI
Emerging Market Insights
Rising Trends Helps Discover Hidden Markets And Business Opportunities
Gamified Learning Platforms
Pineapple Cactus Turns Learning Into A Game With XP Daily Streaks
Adaptive Learning Tools
Turn Study Materials Into Personalized AI Quizzes Instantly With SyncStudy
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Experimental Classroom Layouts
Smarin Has Caught Attention for Its ÉColetopie System
Educational STEM Franchise Expansions
Code Ninjas Opened a New Location in Vaughan
Edible Printing Educational Curriculums
This New Primera Curriculum Puts Printing in Focus
Parental AI Insights Features
Meta Launches Its Insights Tab For Meta AI
Kids Drawing Apps
Kids Coloring Drawing Book App Offers Interactive Learning And Creativity
AI-Driven Intelligent Learning Systems
Think Academy Debuts the Class+ Intelligent Learning System
Vibrant Creativity Campaigns
Crayola Debuts its 'Creative Acts of Color' Initiative
Technology-Enabled Educational Initiatives
Huawai Supports Technology-Enabled Open Schools for All
Interactive Coding Education
Fini Makes Learning Python, JavaScript, and More Simple and Fun
Academic AI Proficiency Initiatives
Ohio State Debuts a New AI Fluency Initiative for First-Years
Europe-Focused Global Leader Campaigns
SIT Debuts 'Step into the Map. Every Street Teaches'
Mental Health Toy Curations
Timeless Toys' D.O.S.E of Play Helps Kids Manage Stress & Anxiety
Personalized Skill Learning
GetGoodAt Enables Custom Courses To Master Any Skill At Your Pace
Focused Fashion Feeds
Clone Helps You Stay Updated with Fashion Trends Sustainably
Educational AI Companions
Mr. Nimi Introduces Safe AI-Driven Learning Companions For Children
Indian Esports Education Efforts
Skyesports and IICT Team Up to Support Regional Esports Education
Interactive Story Platforms
Storytelling App Offers AI-Powered Stories To Engage And Support Kids
Skill-Focused Career Apps
Delaware Has Introduced Career Moves to Address Workforce Shortages
Bar-Centric Lecture Events
Sip & Learn Toronto Merges Night Life with Continued Education
AI Study Platforms
Adobe Acrobat Launches Student Spaces with AI Tutoring and Collaboration
Corporate Learning Infrastructure
ClassroomIO Powers Flexible Course Delivery in Modern Workplaces
Insightful Short-Form Talk Apps
TED Shorts Allow for Short, Snappy Snippets of Popular Talks
Kid-Focused Language Arts Curriculums
McGraw Hill Recently Introduced Emerge!
Kids Finance Apps
FoxFund Teaches Children Saving, Budgeting, And Smart Spending Skills
Personalized Learning Paths
MapMyLearn Creates Interactive AI-Generated Learning Paths for Users
Cybersafety-Focused Resource Libraries
The Worst Children’s Library Highlights Harmful Content
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Telemetric Narrative EdTech
Nimori Tales Tracks Effort-Based Behavior to Power AI Storytelling
Personalized Learning Assistants
Skilldesk Builds Deep, AI-Curated Courses for Students and More
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Accessible Education-Focused Organizations
Ampere Has Merged with Canada Learning Code
Interactive Learning Games
FamilyFunHub Makes Learning Engaging With Free Educational Games
Media Literacy Programs
YouTube x Institute for Strategic Dialogue Launched 'Be Internet Citizens'
Cognitive Learning Tools
Brain Newsletter Delivers Weekly Cognitive Improvement Ideas
Educational Running-Focused Activations
The Running Event Opens a Call for Education Sessions
Personalized Language Learning
Topics Transforms Interests Into Custom Spanish Practice Sessions
Career Growth Tools
CareerCode.it Delivers Personalized IT Job Matches And Skill Insights
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Accelerated Coding Courses
CodeFast Helps You Learn to Code Quickly and Launch Your Ideas
Music-Driven Coding Lessons
Amazon Launches the Inclusive Your Voice is Power Program
Personal Learning Hubs
Learnchimp Centralizes Learning Resources For Efficient Knowledge Tracking
Drum Learning Apps
Beatlii: Drum Lessons Makes Learning Drums Accessible And Progress-Driven
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
Educational Story Tools
Social Story Templates Create Personalized Stories For SEN Children
Shape-Shifting Classroom Chairs
The Eduba System Lets Students Reconfigure Their Learning Space
AI Adoption Insights
The 2025 State Of AI Development Reveals Key Industry Trends
Legal Learning Apps
Legal Lingo Offers Daily Scenarios To Improve Practical Legal Skills
Young Leaders-Focused Initiatives
Universities Organize the Global Campus Gen-Z Leaders Exchange
Cognitive Play Platforms
Toddlr Offers Educational Games for Kids with Balanced Screen Time
Gamified Study Tools
DeepTerm Combines Pomodoro Timing With Custom Quizzes And Progress Tracking
Gen Z-Focused Tech Initiatives
SJTU Welcomed Gen Z Students as Part to Discuss Tech
Library-Bound Micro-Learning Apps
Library Ideas Has Partnered with Blinkist to Enhance Access
Web Development Resources
Learn The Web Provides Guides, Tutorials, and Tools for Learning
Gender Gap-Addressing Education Initiatives
Organizations Emphasize the Need for Girls' Education
Educational Coding Platforms
CodeVenture Makes Learning To Code Fun And Accessible For Kids
Creative Career Networks
DesignWhiz V2 Empowers Designers With Jobs, Tools, And Community
Redesigned Curricular Initiatives
American Public University System Emphasizes Modern-Day Skills
AI Quizzing Platforms
Cognito Quiz Delivers Thousands Of Questions Across 80 Topics
Introductory CS Textbooks
Computer Book for Kids Makes Computer Science Fun and Approachable
Interactive Learning Platforms
KillerStudy Enhances Learning With Notes, Flashcards, And Analytics
Digital Marine Education Tools
Costa Rica Blue Teaches Biodiversity Through Interactive Content
Learning Discovery Apps
Kinder Turns Swipe-Based Play Into Interactive Learning Experiences
Education Workflow Automation
Edumatic Automates Education Workflows Without Increasing Headcount
Career Education Labs
The Ontario Career Lab Targets High School Students Across the Province
Smart Content Aggregators
Smashing’s Personalized Article Discovery App Helps Users Stay Informed
Student Activity Finders
Extracurriculars Helps High Schoolers Discover AI-Powered Activities
Knowledge Exploration Apps
Rabbit Hole Enables Endless Learning And Discovery Across Topics Daily
Course Embedding Tools
Ember Education Lets You Embed Courses to Boost Conversions and Engagement.
Children’s Story Platforms
TheKidsStory.com Offers Engaging Stories & Educational Content For Kids
Media Tracking Tools
Media & Learning Tracker Organizes Books, Courses, And Podcasts
Code Visualization Tools
Moving Code Transforms Development Workflows Into Animated Visual Stories
Learning Quiz Tools
Cool Test Turns Study Material to Interactive Quizzes With Instant Generation
Engaging Learning Platforms
Learn Smart and Have Fun with FunButSmart’s Interactive Platform
Gamified Typing Trainers
TypeNews Boosts Typing Speed Using Live News And Competitive Play
Citywide Digital Literacy Programs
Emerge and Rise Caters to Small Business Owners