These 2017 education trends range from comprehensive, language-teaching robots to augmented reality globes that help children learn geography in a more participatory and interactive way.
When it comes to innovative classroom tools, standouts include the Intelligent Learning Assistant, an IBM Watson-powered robot that works as a connected teacher's helper. The device does so by monitoring students' progress, as well as customizing lesson plans and assignments.
When examining the year's adult education trends, notable examples include 'Moms Can: Code,' a Pennsylvania-based initiative that helps support mothers seeking to develop new tech skills. Teaching its members to code, the venture is a promising resource for those looking to switch to a different career direction or to re-enter the work force with newfound knowledge.
Other 2017 education trends to note include socially conscious and skill-based extracurricular programs for children. Examples like Little Chef's Cooking Event introduce children to simple recipes while promoting healthy eating habits in the process. Similarly, Austin's 'Thinkery' community center replaces a traditional activity calendar with science-inspired events that are hosted inside its Innovation Lab.
Find out where the future of education is headed by referencing Trend Hunter's 2018 trend report .
Top 90 Education Trends in 2017
90
Foldable Cardboard Desks
HaYoung Lee Created This Portable Desk for India's Street Kids
89
Female-Funded Investment Firms
'Female Funders' is a Platform Helping Women Pursue Angel Investing
88
Emotional First Aid Kits
Designer Rui Sun Has Created a First Aid Kit for Mental Health Awareness
87
Self-Cleaning Green Fish Tanks
'Back to the Roots' Water Garden Grows Organic Herbs and Sprouts
86
VR Language-Learning Apps
Mondly Uses Immersion to Teach Users New Languages
85
Web Development Platforms
New Venture uiplease Helps You to Learn How to Code UI Animation
84
Language-Teaching Robots
The EMYS Interactive Robots Help Your Child Learn a Foreign Language
83
Public Sunscreen Dispensers
Toronto Installed Free Sunscreen Stations in Some of its Parks
82
Prejudice Awareness Apps
This App Helps Discourage Stereotyping Using Smartphone-Based Interaction
81
Secure School Redesigns
Svigals + Partners New Sandy Hook Elementary Accommodates for Trauma
80
Educational Eco Players
This Poverty-Fighting Program Uses a Solar MP3 Player to Help Poor Women
79
DIY Biodesign Kits
The Bixels Bio-Pixel Display and DNA Computer Lets You Experiment with DNA
78
Innovation-Focused University Ads
The University of Victoria's Edge Campaign Considers Its Impact
77
Letter-Shaped Toy Blocks
Alphabuild Blocks are Unrestricted Magnetic Learning Toys
76
Emotive Scientist Robots
'Professor Einstein' is a Miniature Robot Modeled After Albert Einstein
75
Augmented Reality Surgery Training
Touch Surgery's Scientifically Accurate Training is at CES 2017
74
Augmented Reality Training Manuals
ioxp Uses Cognitive AR to Create Instructive Workplace Guides
73
Interactive Zoo Apps
The Pittsburgh Zoo's App Combines Selfie Revelry With An Educational Message
72
Revisionary Writing Tools
Startup Speare Makes the Editing and Writing Experience More Efficient
71
Maternal Coding Communities
This Online Community for Moms Focuses on Learning How to Code
70
School-Supporting Toothpastes
The WITH MY Natural Vegan Toothpaste is Free of Chemicals
69
Drag Queen Storytelling Sessions
Toronto's Library is Hosting Drag Queen Storytime Events for Kids
68
Professional Workshop Marketplaces
Startup ClassCode Helps You Find Short Tech Classes Online
67
Online Language-Learning Platforms
LingQ Lets You Learn Languages Online With Digital Content
66
Robotic Teaching Assistants
This Intelligent Learning Assistant Provides Classroom Support
65
Kid-Friendly Cooking Workshops
The Little Chef's Cooking Event Teaches Kids About Proper Nutrition
64
Prestigious Free Photography Courses
Harvard's Photography Course is Available Online
63
Career-Focused Tech Platforms
Steve Wozniak is Launching an Education Platform Called 'Woz U'
62
Empowering Fairy Tales
Rebel Girls 2 Features More Inspirational Female Figures
61
Cohesive College Ads
Algonquin College's Campaign Promotes Its Dedication to Personalized Learning
60
Cheap Coworking Venues
La Permanence is a €1 Coworking Space in Paris That is Extremely Accessible
59
Fantasy Linguistics Courses
'The Linguistics of Game of Thrones' is a New Course at UC Berkeley
58
Astronaut Simulation Apps
NASA 'Science Investigations: Plant Growth' Teaches Crop Growth in Space
57
Augmented Reality Globes
'Orboot' is a Map Globe That Teaches Kids About Countries and Cultures
56
Virtual Driving Lessons
Aceable Uses VR to Reduce Car-Related Deaths
55
Impatient Language-Learning Apps
WaitSuite Teaches Users New Languages During Loading Screens
54
Minimalist Tech Jargon Glossaries
The Sideways Dictionary Uses Analogies to Define Technical Terms
53
Foraging-Focused Food Apps
The Vild Mad App Teaches You to Forage For Wild Foods
52
Self-Driving Educational Endeavors
Waymo Created an Awareness-Raising Self-Driving Campaign
51
Caffeinated College Courses
'The Design of Coffee' is a Chemical Engineering Course at UC Davis
50
Mixed Reality Teaching Platforms
Microsoft's 'View Mixed Reality' Can Help Contextualize Lessons
49
Gaelic-Speaking Pop Ups
Informal Irish Language-Encouraging Events are Occurring Internationally
48
Ghanaian E-Learning Platforms
The Ghanaian Web Platform eCampus Educates Students Online
47
Virtual Medical Patient Experiences
SimforHealth Will Debut Its Doctor-Training VR at CES 2017
46
Animated Storytelling Courses
'Pixar In A Box' is a Storytelling Course Available on Khan Academy
45
Teen-Focused Journal Designs
The NOSO Journal Helps Teens Unplug, Plan and Set Personal Goals
44
Knowledge Retention Notebooks
Zipnote Makes It Easier for Students to Remember New Information
43
Emergency Temporary Schools
Portakabin Built a School for Those Near Grenfell Tower
42
Video Chat Learning Platforms
Interactive Video Chat Startup HowNow Connects Students and Teachers
41
Agriculture-Themed Children's Events
This Initiative Teaches Children About Farming & Agriculture
40
Youth Farming Programs
BK Farmyards is a Partnership with a High School in Brooklyn
39
Virtual Reality Storytelling Films
'Define American' Uses VR to Connect Guests to Social Movements
38
Braille Learning Kits
'The Read Read' Teaches Blind People to Read Braille Without an Instructor
37
Subway Radio Initiatives
Kemet Radio is Producing Education Radio Programming for Cairo Commuters
36
Childhood Innovation Labs
Austin's 'Thinkery' Offers Teaches Kids to Ask Why and How
35
AR Lunar Models
AstroReality's 3D-Printed Moon Model Comes Alive with Augmented Reality
34
IoT Starter Sets
Acer's CloudProfessor Empowers Young Innovators in the Internet of Things Era
33
Democratic Kindergarten Classes
This Preschool in Germany Has Students Vote on Major Decisions
32
Organizational Parent Platforms
'SignUpGenius' is an Online Tool to Help Parents Stay Organized
31
Child-Mourning Communities
'The Compassionate Friends' Emotionally Supports Families
30
Shipwreck VR Simulators
'Titanic VR' Brings the Sunken Titanic to Life for Immersive Education
29
Skill Development Platforms
Forge Offers Mentorship and Learning for Teams With an Online Network
28
Product Dev Course Kits
The Paisley Labs Agency in a Box Helps You Learn Product Development
27
Revision-Focused Student Software
The Startup Offers Productivity-Enhancing Online Course Software
26
Groundwater Geology Websites
This Website Helps Measure Decline Of Groundwater Levels In Houston
25
Autistic Adult Coding Classes
'Coding Autism' Teaches Programming to Adults with Autism
24
Rapper-Led Career Workshops
Big Sean's 'Mogul Prep' Initiative Aims to Decrease Unemployment Rates
23
Linguistic Heritage Apps
The Nubi Language App Seeks to Protect Ancient Egyptian Heritage
22
Kid-Taught Science Lessons
'Tornado in a Jar' is from the Oliver's Science Lab YouTube Series
21
Rugged Educational Cases
The KioKit Digital Learning Box From BRCK Education is for Kenyan Schools
20
Educational Wordsearch Bots
IssyBot Helps Young Kids With Reading, Spelling, and Typing Skills
19
Gallant Knight Schools
Westminster Abbey's 'Medieval Mayhem' Takes Kids Through Knight School
18
Saturated University Promotions
Deakin University's Think Young Ad Encourages Innovative Thinking
17
Dyslexic Captcha Campaigns
Jaslok Hospital's Dyslexia Awareness Campaign Used Internet Captchas
16
Classroom-Connecting Video Chats
KIND's 'Empatico' Connects Classrooms from Around the World
15
Spooky Family-Friendly Activities
'Beyond the Grave' Teaches About Those Underfoot at Westminster
14
Math-Centric Board Games
The 'Race to Infinity' Game Helps Children Fall in Love with Mathematics
13
Streamlined Supplies Sites
TeacherLists Makes It Easy to Get Ready for the Back-to-School Season
12
Inspirational Science Events
Inspirefest Family Fringe Taught Kids About the Potential of Sciences
11
Printed Museum Artifacts
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is Sharing Free Printed Artifacts
10
Family-Oriented University Campaigns
This University of Phoenix Student Ad Considers Its Alumni
9
Streamlined School Selection Apps
This App Helps Disadvantaged New Yorkers Identify School Options
8
Surreal Higher Education Campaigns
This Australian University's Ad Shows the Power of Teamwork
7
Exotic Caterpillar Videos
The Caterpillar Lab's Videos Show the Insect's Tremendous Diversity
6
Children's Reading Festivals
The WordPlay Reading Festival for Kids Encourage Childhood Literacy
5
Equitable Journalism Courses
'New Architecture Writers' Offers Writing Courses for Minorities
4
Guitar-Powered Blenders
The Big Bang Fair Created a Fun Sound Energy Experiment to Engage Kids
3
Film-Inspired STEM Programs
'Hidden Figures' Inspired #HiddenNoMore to Promote STEM Diversity
2
Patience-Encouraging Autism PSAs
This Short Video Shows How Overwhelming Some Interactions Can Be
1
Diverse Tech Fellowships
Code2040's Fellows Program for Latinx and Black Students is Now in NYC
Related Ideas
Versatile Urban Backpacks
Boundary's Modular 'Prima Pack' Contains Three Units in One Bag
Female-Centric Tech Programs
'Ladies Learning Code' Offers Tech Education for Women and Girls
App-Enabled Children's Toys
Sphero: SPRK Edition is Teaching Kids of All Ages to Code
Rotating Cylinder Aquariums
The 'Tau' Fish Tank Aquarium Offers Relaxation Benefits
At-Home Aquaponic Vegetable Gardens
This Aquatic Ecosystem Combines Gardening and Fish Keeping
Outlet-Hiding Floating Shelves
Multiple Devices Can Be Balanced on This Floating Wall Shelf
Non-Directed Playgrounds
The Five Fields Play Structure Encourages Inventive and Creative Play
Nostalgic Food Delivery Promotions
Foodora's Back to School Promotion Recreates Lunchbox Favorites
Web Development Platforms
New Venture uiplease Helps You to Learn How to Code UI Animation
Boisterous Sportswear Patches
These Colorful Patches are Part of Nike's Back-to-School Collection
Kid-Friendly Obstacle Courses
The 'Mud Mania' Obstacle Course Lets Kids Get a Bit Dirty
Emotion-Detecting Condiment Apps
Marmite's TasteFace Uses Facial Recognition to Read Reactions
DNA-Based Weight Loss Plans
'Lose It' Creates a Personalized Fitness Plan Based on a Saliva Sample
Jacob's Ladder Lamps
The Crane Lamp by Animaro Uses an Elegant Mechanical Design
Augmented Reality Museum Apps
'Reblink' Brings Classic Historic Paintings to Life
Kid-Friendly Coding Tools
The Pixel Kit is a Colorful Computer of Lights
Autonomous Delivery Car Platforms
This Service Turns Normal Cars Into Autonomous Delivery Vehicles
Sunscreen Bar Taps
Apotek Hjärtat Equipped Barrio's Rooftop Bar in Stockholm with Sunscreen on Tap
Skin-Brightening SPF Moisturizers
Juicy Beauty Offers a Gentle Facial Lotion with SPF
Curating the Content Deluge
Michael Bhaskar's Curation Talk Covers Caring for Modern Media
Panoramic Designer Notebooks
The Panobook is a Premium-Feeling, Thoughtful Notebook for Your Desk
Tech-Fueled Waterfront Redesigns
Toronto's Waterfront is Undergoing a Google-Sponsored Redesign
Miniature Robotic Ball Toys
The Sphero Mini Lets Kids Get Started with Programming
Scannable Coloring Books
The Color Notebook Lets Parents Save Kids Artwork Before Reusing It
Versatile Children's Work Desks
Wayfair is Offering a Kid's Writing Desk with Multiple Functions
Purpose-Built Autonomous Vehicle Computers
The Nvidia Drive PX Pegasus is for Level 5 Vehicles
Waste-Converting Bioplastics
This Biodegradable Plastics Process is a Way to Reuse Food Waste
Calculator App Builders
App Designer Calcapp Helps You Create Spreadsheet-Like Applications
Automated Cricket Protein Farms
Aspire Uses Robotics to Mass Produce Cricket Protein Powder
Educational STEM Robot Toys
The 'ROBOPAL' Teaches Kids About Programming in an Entertaining Way
Interlocking Timber Funnels
'Y' is a Stretching Timber Funnel Built by an International Team
Rooftop Grocer Gardens
The Grocery Store IGA Has Introduced a Rooftop Garden
Crowdplanted Vineyard Projects
The Urban Vineyard Project Wants to Be the Biggest In the World
AR Plant-Previewing Apps
'Plant Life Balance' Helps Users Preview "Living Looks" for the Home
Programmable Education Robots
The Cue CleverBot Lets Kids Learn, Program and Play
AR Wine Clubs
sipp's sippCLUB Uses Augmented Reality to Provide Information on Wine
Faux Tech Art Tools
Land of Nod's Personal Laptop Chalkboard is a Clever Children's Accessory
Left-Handed Notebooks
The Leftybook is a Notebook Designed for Left-Handed Writers
Transformed Suburban Centers
Bijlmerbajes Prison is Transforming into a Pedestrian-Friendly Square
Relaxing Labyrinth Toys
'Zenth' is a Sculptural 3D Toy to Calm and Quiet the Mind
Interactive Zoo Apps
The Pittsburgh Zoo's App Combines Selfie Revelry With An Educational Message
Multi-Disciplinary STEM Kits
SAM Labs' STEM Kit Can Be Used in Biology or Art Classes
Family Friendly Toy Conventions
The Hasbro HASCON Convention will Feature Popular Toys
Bird-Shaped Pencil Holders
BKID's Creative Pencil Holders Add an Artful Touch to Any Desk
Maternal Coding Communities
This Online Community for Moms Focuses on Learning How to Code
Back-to-School Prize Lockers
Dixie Outlet Mall's Prize Locker Unlocks Access to Daily Giveaways
Kindergarten Classroom Bots
'Keeko' Has the Intelligence of the Average Five Year Old
Professional Workshop Marketplaces
Startup ClassCode Helps You Find Short Tech Classes Online
Creativity-Promoting Notebooks
Designer Timothy Goodmans' Notebook Was Made for Creative People
Suspended Brush Stroke Portraits
Artist Chris Dorosz Uses His Brush Strokes to Create 3D Imagery
Disposition Test Kits
Marmite's DNA Testing Kit Determines Whether a Person is a Lover or Hater
Hidden Desktop Notebooks
The Baron Fig Mastermind Notebook Fits Underneath One's Keyboard
Black Millennial Travel Sites
Travel and Discovery Platform Travel Noire was Acquired by Blavity
Programmable Combat Robot Toys
The Vorpal Combat Hexapod is a Low-Cost Robot to Learn STEM
Gender-Fluid Product Lines
App Makers Toca Boca Debut Gender Neutral Products for Kids
Virtual Reality Lesson Plans
China's ISNS is Using VR to Further In-Classroom Learning
Personalized At-Home Health Tests
Atlas Biomed's DNA and Microbiome Tests Help Users Take Control
AR Navigating Apps
Blippar's Navigation App Offers Directions and Contextual Information
Triangular Notebook Designs
'Slice' Takes a Daring Form for "Dreamers and Thinkers"
Hydrating Sunscreen Gels
Make P:rem's Capsule Sun Gel is Branded as a "Moisturizing Sun Block"
Socialite Classroom Collections
Kim Kardashian Released a Series of Cheeky School Supplies
Anxiety-Focused Texting Services
This Back to School Texting Service Addresses Classroom Pressures
Eatery Photography Events
CHOP5 Salad Kitchen Launched a Photo-Taking Event for Influencers
STEM Family Dining
Sue's Tech Kitchen is a Tech-Focused, Family-Friendly Dining Experience
Childlike Museum Totems
Jaime Hayon's Merry Go Zoo is on Display Outside an Atlanta Art Museum
AR Soccer Games
'SoccAR' is an Augmented Reality Multiplayer Soccer Game
Foraging-Focused Food Apps
The Vild Mad App Teaches You to Forage For Wild Foods
Inclusive Back-to-School Campaigns
Gap Kids' Latest Ad Promotes Diverse and Inclusive Classrooms
Miniature Fairy Gardens
The Woodland Faerie Trail is in Austin's Zilker Botanical Garden
Interactive On-Campus Marketing Campaigns
pureLYFT Hires Student Ambassadors to Reach College Kids
Multi-Shade Concealer Kits
The Boi-ing Erase Case Offers Concealers in Multiple Forms
Homeless Pizzeria Initiatives
This Pizza Restaurant Helps Youth Affected by Social Abandonment
Empowering Environment Apps
The Greenie App Equips You to Help Fight Climate Change
Hidden Bunker Museums
BIG's Tirpizt Bunker is Touted as an Invisible Museum
Children's Online Educational Platforms
VIPKid Connects Chinese Kids with North American Teachers
Genetic Trait-Tracking Apps
HumanCode's 'BabyGlimpse' Predicts the Traits Future Children Inherit
Knowledge Retention Notebooks
Zipnote Makes It Easier for Students to Remember New Information
DNA-Based Restaurant Dishes
Vita Mojo and DNAfit Offer Meals Based on Diners' Genetic Code
Kindness-Focused Elementary Schools
WeWork Developed an Elementary School Program Called WeGrow
LEGO-Compatible Coding Blocks
'Algobrix' is a Railroad-Building Kid-Friendly Coding Game
Lab-Grown Leather Products
'Modern Meadow' Sells Bioengineered Leather Clothing and Textiles
Childhood Innovation Labs
Austin's 'Thinkery' Offers Teaches Kids to Ask Why and How
Health-Focused Christmas Commercials
McDonald's #ReindeerReady Campaign Spotlights a Healthy Snack
TV-Connected Smart Speaker Games
This 'Stranger Things Game' Can Be Played with Google Home
AR eCommerce Previews
Amazon's 'AR View' Enables Shoppers to Preview Products in Their Home
Space Science Merit Badges
The Girl Scouts and SETI are Offering STEM Classes and Space Badges
Getting Girls into STEM
Insa Thiele-Eich Considers Female Astronauts in Her Talk on Space
Preoperative Image Rendering Tools
Stanford Medicine's VR Tool Offers a 3D Model of Medical Scans
Pedestrian-Protecting Autonomous Vehicles
'Waymo' Could Soften Itself If It Detects a Collision
Democratic Kindergarten Classes
This Preschool in Germany Has Students Vote on Major Decisions
Stark Medieval Museums
The Medieval Mile Museum is in a Renovated 13th Century Cathedral
Streamlined App Development Platforms
The 'Cloudflare Apps' Service Helps Boost Market Exposure
Autonomous Toy Cars
This Raspberry Pi DIY Toy Car Kit Teaches Programming and Robotics
Product Dev Course Kits
The Paisley Labs Agency in a Box Helps You Learn Product Development
Organizational Student Success Apps
The 'Chipper' App Helps Students Stay on Top of Their Goals
Revision-Focused Student Software
The Startup Offers Productivity-Enhancing Online Course Software
Pony Series Aftershows
Hasbro's 'PonyChat' Helps Kids Process Major Themes in My Little Pony
Environmentally Conscious Beanies
Northface's New Beanies Were Made on an Eco-Friendly Sheep Farm
Linguistic Heritage Apps
The Nubi Language App Seeks to Protect Ancient Egyptian Heritage
Responsive Music Streaming Equipment
The 'Grooveat' Audio Set and App Chooses Music For You
AI Language-Teaching Platforms
Liulishuo Customizes Lesson Plans According to Individual Needs
Revitalized Nostalgic Children's Shows
The Magic School Bus Rides Again is a Netflix Exclusive
Gallant Knight Schools
Westminster Abbey's 'Medieval Mayhem' Takes Kids Through Knight School
Turnover-Addressing Developer Platforms
PowerHouse Helps Women in Technology Find and Keep Jobs
Crossfire-Avoidance Apps
This Crime App Helps Rio De Janeiro Residents Evade Gun Violence
Light-Up Drawing Toys
'Dessineo Learn to Draw' is a Drawing Toy for Kids That Teaches & Inspires
AR Furniture Placement Ads
This Wayfair Ad Promotes its New Technology
Microwavable Paper Notebooks
The Rocketbook Wave Can Quickly Upload Pages to the Cloud
Crowdsourced Eclipse Projects
NASA's Globe Observer Enlists "Scientist Citizens" for Research
Humanized Self-Driving Car Experiments
Moove Lab Developed an Autonomous Experience for People
Text-Based Art Discovery Services
'Send Me SFMOMA' Uses SMS to Pass Along Modern Artworks
Colossal Sound Chambers
Studio Gang's 'The Hive' Features Three Massive, Hive-Like Domes
Mathematical Online Communities
The Solver App is for Helping Students With Math Equations
Milk-Based Premium Vodkas
Black Cow's Artisinal Spirits Feature Milk Sourced From Grass-Fed Cows
Freelancer-Organizing Platforms
Startup Baselance Enables You To Build Your Own Talent Base
On-Demand Art Texting Services
'Send Me Sfmoma' Will Text You Art in Response to an Emoji
Autonomous Pizza Delivery Vehicles
Ford and Domino's are Deploying Self-Driving Delivery Cars
Biodynamic Applesauce Snacks
This White Leaf Provisions Snack Has Ecologically Grown Ingredients
Versatile Backpack Ads
PBTeen's 'Different by Design' Campaign Highlights Bold School Accessories
War Veteran Resource Apps
'Objective Zero' Connects Veterans to Talk About Mental Health
Objective Evidence Aggregators
Evidence Aggregation Platform Rationally Answers Science Questions
Film-Inspired STEM Programs
'Hidden Figures' Inspired #HiddenNoMore to Promote STEM Diversity