The halls of FETC 2026 felt different this year. If 2024 was about discovery and 2025 was about experimentation, 2026 is officially the year of intentionality. The “wow factor” of AI has faded, replaced by a sophisticated focus on how technology serves the human experience.
Here are some key takeaways that are defining the next chapter of educational technology.
1. AI is the Engine, but Humans are the Architects
We’ve moved past asking if AI belongs in the classroom. The focus has shifted entirely to Human-Centered Design. FETC 2026 made it clear that AI must be shaped around agency, wellness, and inclusion.
- The Shift: We aren’t just deploying tools; we are designing ecosystems that amplify what makes us human—creativity, empathy, and purpose—rather than replacing them. The focus on assessing students throughout the process was a consistent topic for discussion.
2. AI Literacy is the New “Foundational Skill”
AI literacy is no longer a niche elective for computer science students; it is being treated with the same urgency as traditional literacy.
- The Insight: It’s no longer enough to know how to use a prompt. Students and educators must understand how these models work, where their biases lie, and how to critically evaluate their output. This prepares our students for the future workplace.
3. Ending the Era of “Random Acts of Innovation”
One of the most frequent themes in leadership sessions was the move from isolated pilots to Strategic AI Integration.
- The Strategy: Districts are trading “cool tools” for cohesive governance. Success is now measured by how well AI aligns with long-term instructional goals and system-wide interoperability.
4. Trust is the New Currency
Safety and privacy have officially moved into the boardroom and are part of a bigger strategic plan. At FETC 2026, cybersecurity was framed as a culture issue, not just a technical one.
- The Takeaway: Trust is the prerequisite for innovation. Districts and schools that prioritize transparency and ethical safeguards are seeing higher rates of adoption and community support.
5. Students as Co-Authors, Not Just Users
We are seeing a profound shift in student roles. Students are no longer the “end-users” of education; they are the co-creators.
- The Trend: From student-led sessions on AI ethics to esports and entrepreneurship, learning is becoming a partnership. AI is being used with students to personalize their journeys, rather than being something done to them.
6. Creativity is the Ultimate Durable Skill
In an automated world, the things AI can’t do become infinitely more valuable. FETC 2026 highlighted play, storytelling, and makerspaces as “strategic levers” for deep learning.
- The Why: Joy and creativity aren’t just “nice-to-have”—they are essential for building resilience and durable skills that will encourage creativity for life long learners.
7. Leadership Refined: People First, Tech Second
The most “future-ready” leaders at the conference weren’t the ones with the most gadgets—they were the ones with the highest emotional intelligence.
- The New Standard: Leadership in the AI age requires being a “translator” between pedagogy and technology. It’s about building relational trust and a culture that is comfortable with constant change.
Final Thoughts: The Human Advantage
If FETC 2026 taught us anything, it’s that technology is only as powerful as the vision behind it. As we return to our districts, the challenge isn’t just to keep up with the tech—it’s to ensure the tech is keeping up with our mission to serve students.
Which of these takeaways resonates most with your current goals? Let’s keep the conversation going!
